and always masters of themselves and their own passions; the fourth inspired them with courage, and by teaching them how to command themselves, taught them, how to maintain domin. ion over others. It was here, that falsehood was considered by every class of people, in the most horrid light, as a vice the meanest and most disgraceful. It was here that they showed a noble generosity, conferring favours on the nations they conquered, and leaving them to enjoy all the ensigns of their former grandeur: It was here, that they obliged themselves to publish the virtues of their greatest enemies, and to keep, as an inviolable secret, state affairs, so that neither promises nor threatenings could extort it; for the ancient laws of the kingdom obliged them to be silent under the pain of death: And it was here, that they religiously recorded noble actions and transmitted them to posterity in publick registers.

Masonick principles are the same in every age and nation, and when fostered in the human heart, will produce

When

the same benevolent effects. Alexander the Great, in his conquest of nations, approached the city of Jerusalem, he was met by the High Priest, in all his pontifical robes. No sooner did the conqueror discover this venerable person, clad with the insignia of his office, than halting his army, he instantly advanced, reverently bowed, saluted the H. P. conferred with him, and departed in peace. This singular event took place three hundred and thirty three years before the advent of Christ. The Romans, who succeeded the Gre cians in universal empire, had a favourable opportunity by their various treaties with that nation, as well as the Carthagenians, and by their final subversion of both nations, to obtain a knowledge of those mysteries, which it is most evident the Grecians and Carthagenians did actually possess. To every critical reader of the Roman history, striking evidences will appear of the existence of Masonry among that nation. On the whole, it is confidently believed, that many of the Roman ge nerals were not only Masons, but great

encouragers of the art, both among their own citizens and those of ancient Briton. Although the Britons were unknown to the Romans until the reign of Julius Cæsar, yet are there many convincing evidences that Masonry had long been known among that people.

The Druids, who were the ancient priests of Britain and Gaul, are thought to have derived their government, rights, and ceremonies from Pythago ras. These Druids, who were the publick instructors of the people, were held in high estimation.

From their history, it is evident they, in a degree, understood astrology, geometry, and natural history; that they also believed in the immortality of the soul. They had an Arch Druid in each nation, who held sufficient author, ity to convene the others at pleasure, or whenever the general good required And it was their uniform practice, on receiving any youth under their instruction to retire to some remote place, where he was duly taught their mysteries. These circumstances are calculated to induce every per

counsel.

son to believe certain mysteries, unknown to the world, were attached to their ceremonies.

Pythagoras is considered to be the founder of their institutions, and as he was ever thought to have been a Mason, we have strong circumstantial reasons to believe something of Masonry was known to the Druids. Hence we find it might have existed among the ancient Britons and Gauls before they were conquered by the Romans. However this may be, we find no country in which it has flourished to that degree, or been productive of greater good to mankind, than on the island of Great Britain. In consequence, however, of those various struggles between the Picts and Scots, the Britons, Saxons, and Danes, Masonry was not much cultivated until about five hundred and fifty years after the commencement of the christian era; when St. Austin, with a number of brethren, came from Italy to England, where they devoted their time and talents exclusively to the interest of christanity and Masonry.

At this time St. Austin presided in person in laying the foundation of several important publick buildings.

In the year Six Hundred and Twenty Six, King Athelstane summoned all the brethen of the kingdom to attend a general meeting; he then granted them a charter, and established a Grand Lodge, which has continued by succession until the present day.

Hence arose the ancient York Masons. In consequence of this high patronage, many of the nobility immediately came forward and were united to the society.

In the year Six Hundred and Ninety, Edgar became an eminent and distinguished patron of the order. In Eight Hundred and Ninety Six, Alfred the Great, having expelled the Danes from his kingdom, became a zealous and hearty encourager of Masonry, Such was his attachment to the order, that he appropriated one seventh part of his revenue to promote the institution.

In the year One Thousand and Sixty Six, the Tower of London, the Palace and Hall of Westminster, and Lon