The constitutions of the Free-Masons. Containing the history, charges, regulations, &c. of that most ancient and right worshipful fraternity. : For the use of the lodges.

THE CONSTITUTION, History, Laws, Charges, Orders, Regulations, and Usages, OF THE Right Worshipful FRATERNITY OF ACCEPTED Free-Masons; Collected from their general RECORDS, and their faithful TRADITIONS of many Ages.

TO BE READ At the Admission of a NEW BROTHER, when the Master or Warden shall begin, or order some other Brother to read as follows:

ADAM, our first Parent, created after the Image of God, the great Architect of the Universe, must have had the Liberal Sciences, particularly Geometry,* 1.1 written on his Heart; for even since the Fall, we find the Principles of it in the Hearts of his Off∣spring, and which, in process of time, have been

drawn forth into a convenient Method of Propositions, by observing the Laws of Proportion taken from Me∣chanism: So that as the Mechanical Arts gave Occasion to the Learned to reduce the Elements of Geometry into Method, this noble Science thus reduc'd, is the Foundation of all those Arts, (particularly of Masonry and Architecture) and the Rule by which they are con∣ducted and perform'd.

No doubt Adam taught his Sons Geometry, and the use of it, in the serveral Arts and Crafts convenient, at least for those early Times; for CAIN, we find, built a City, which he call'd CONSECRATED, or DEDICATED, after the Name of his eldest Son ENOCH; and becoming the Prince of the one Half of Mankind, his Posterity would imitate his royal Ex∣ample in improving both the noble Science and the useful Art.* 1.2

Nor can we suppose that SETH was less instructed, who being the Prince of the other Half of Mankind, and also the prime Cultivator of Astronomy, would take equal care to teach Geometry and Masonry to his Offspring, who had also the mighty Advantage of Adam's living among them.† 1.3

But without regarding uncertain Accounts, we may safely conclude the old World, that lasted 1656 Years, could not be ignorant of Masonry; and that both the Familles of Seth and Cain erected many curious Works, until at length NOAH, the ninth from Seth, was com∣manded and directed of God to build the great Ark, which, tho' of Wood, was certainly fabricated by Geometry, and according to the Rules of Masonry.

NOAH, and his three Sons, JAPHET, SHEM, and HAM, all Masons true, brought with them over the Flood the Traditions and Arts of the Ante-deluvians,* 1.4 and amply communicated them to their growing Offspring; for about 101 Years after the Flood we find a vast Number of 'em, if not the whole Race of Noah, in the Vale of Shinar, employ'd in building a City and large Tower, in order to make to themselves a Name, and to prevent their Dispersion. And tho' they carry'd on the Work to a monstrous Height, and by their Va∣nity provok'd God to confound their Devices, by con∣founding their Speech, which occasion'd their Disper∣sion;* 1.5 yet their Skill in Masonry is not the less to be celebrated, having spent above 53 Years in that pro∣digious Work, and upon their Dispersion carry'd the mighty Knowledge with them into distant Parts, where they sound the good Use of it in the Settlement of their Kingdoms, Commonwealths, and Dynasties. And tho' afterwards it was lost in most Parts of the Earth, it was especially preserv'd in Shinar and Assyria, where

NIMROD,* 1.6 the Founder of that Monarchy, after the Dispersion, built many splendid Cities, as Ereck, Accad, and Calneh, in SHINAR; from whence afterwards he went forth into ASSYRIA, and built ••iniveh, Reho∣both, Caleh, and Rhesin.

In these Parts, upon the Tygris and Euphrates, after∣wards flourish'd many learned Priests and Mathematicians, known by the Names of CHALDEES and MAGI, who preserv'd the good Science, Geometry, as the KINGS and great Men encourag'd the Royal Art. But it is not expe••••••ent to speak more plain of the Premises, except in a formed Lodge.

From hence, therefore, the Science and Art were both transmitted to latter Ages and distant Climes, notwith∣standing the Consusion of Languages or Dialects, which tho' it might help to give Rise to the Masons Faculty and ancient universal Practice of conversing without speaking, and of knowing each other at a Distance, yet hinder'd not the Improvement of Masonry in each Colony and their Communication in their distinct Nati∣onal Dialect.

And, no doubt, the Royal Art was brought down to Egypt by MITZRAIM, the second Son of Ham, about six Years after the Confusion at Babel,* 1.7 and after the Flood 160 Years, when he led thither his Colony; (for Egypt is Mitzraim in Hebrew) because we find the

River Nile's overflowing its Banks, soon caus'd an Im∣provement in Geometry, which consequently brought Masonry much in request: For the ancient noble Cities, with the other magnificent Edifices of that Country, and particularly the famous PYRAMIDS, demonstrate the early Taste and Genius of that ancient Kingdom. Nay, one of those Egyptian PYRAMIDS* 1.8 is reckon'd the First of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Ac∣count of which, by Historians and Travellers, is almost incredible.

The Sacred Records inform us well that the eleven great Sons of CANAAN (the youngest Son of Ham) soon fortified themselves in strong Holds, and stately walled Cities, and erecred most beautiful Temples and Mansions; for when the Israetites, under the great Joshua, invaded their Country, they found it so regu∣larly fenc'd, that without the immediate Intervention of God in behalf of his peculiar People, the Canaanites were impregnable and invincible. Nor can we suppose less of the other Sons of Ham, viz. Cush, his eldest, in South Arabia, and Phut, or Phuts, (now called Fez) in West Africa.

And surely the fair and gallant Posterity of JA∣PHET, (the eldest Son of Noah) even such as travell'd into the Isles of the Gentiles, must have been equally skill'd in Geometry and Masonry; tho' we know little

of their Transactions and mighty Works, until their original Knowledge was almost lost by the Havock of War, and by not maintaining a due Correspondence with the polite and learned Nations; for when that Correspondence was open'd in After-Ages, we find they began to be most curious Architects.

The Posterity of SHEM had also equal Opportuni∣ties of cultivating the useful Art, even those of 'em that planted their Colonies in the South and East of Asia; much more those of 'em, that in the great Assyrian Empire, liv'd in a separate State, or were blended with other Families: Nay, that holy Branch of SHEM (of whom, as concerning the Flesh, CHRIST came) could not be unskilful in the learned Arts of Assyria;* 1.9 for ABRAM, after the Confusion at Babel about 268 Years, was called out of Ur of the Chaldees, where he learned Geometry, and the Arts that are perform'd by it, which he would carefully transmit to Ishmael, to Isaac, and to his Sons by Keturah; and by Isaac, to Esau, and Jacob, and the twelve Patriarchs: Nay, the Jews believe that ABRAM also instructed the Egyp∣tians in the Assyrian Learning.

Indeed the select Family long used Military Archi∣tecture only, as they were Sojourners among Strangers; out before the ••30 Years of their Peregrination were expired,* 1.10 even about 86 Years before their Exodus, the Kings of Egypt forc'd most of them to lay down their Sheperds Instruments, and Warlike Accoutrements, and train'd them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 another sort of Architecture in Stone and Brick, as holy Writ, and other Histories, ac∣quaint us; which God did wisely over-rule, in order to

make them good Masons before they possess'd the promis'd Land, then famous for most curious Ma∣sonry.

And while marching to Canaan thro' Arabia, un∣der Moses, God was pleased to inspire BEZALEEL, of the Tribe of Judah, and AHOLIAB, of the Tribe of Dan,* 1.11 with Wisdom of Heart for erecting that most glorious Tent, or Tabernacle, wherein the SHECHINAH resided; which, tho' not of Stone or Brick, was framed by Geometry, a most beautiful Piece of Architecture, (and prov'd afterwards the Model of Solomon's Tem∣ple) according to the Pattern that God had shewn to MOSES in the Mount; who therefore became the GENERAL MASTER-MASON, as well as King of Jessurun, being well skill'd in all the Egyptian Lear∣ning, and divinely inspir'd with more sublime Know∣ledge in Masonry.

So that the Israelites, at their leaving Egypt, were a whole Kingdom of Masons, well instructed, under the Conduct of their GRAND MASTER MOSES, who often marshall'd them into a regular and general Lodge, while in the Wilderness, and gave them wise Charges, Orders, &c had they been well observ'd! But no more of the Premises must be mention'd.

And after they were possess'd of Canaan, the Israe∣lites came not short of the old Inhabitants in Masonry,* 1.12 but rather vastly improv'd it, by the special Direction of Heaven; they fortify'd better, and improv'd their City-Houses and the Palaces of their Chiefs, and only fell short in sacred Architecture while the Tabernacle stood, but no longer; for the sinest sacred Building of

the Canaanites was the Temple of Dagon in Gaza of the Philistines, very magnificent, and capacious enough to receive 5000 People under its Roof, that was artful∣ly supported by two main Columns* 1.13; and was a won∣derful Discovery of their mighty Skill in true Masonry, as must be own'd.

But Dagon's Temple, and the finest Structures of Tyre and Sidon, could not be compared with the ETER∣NAL God's Temple at Jerusalem, begun and finish'd, to the Amazement of all the World, in the short space of seven Years and six Months, by that wisest Man and most glorious King of Israel, the Prince of Peace and Architecture, SOLOMON (the Son of David, who was refused that Honour for being a Man of Blood) by divine Direction, without the Noise of Work-mens Tools, though there were employ'd about it no less than 3600 Princes,† 1.14 or Master-Masons, to conduct the Work according to Solomon's Directions, with 80,000

Hewers of Stone in the Mountain, or Fellow Crafts∣men, and 70,000 Labourers, in all 153,600 besides the Levy under Adoniram, to work in the Mountains of Lebanon by turns with the Sidonians, viz. 30,000 — being in all 183,600 for which great Number of ingenious Masons, Solo∣mon was much oblig'd to HIRAM, or Huram, King of Type, who sent his Masons and Carpenters to Jeru∣salem, and the Firs and Cedars of Lebanon to Joppa the next Sea-port.

But above all, he sent his Namesake HIRAM, or Huram, the most accomplish'd Mason upon Earth.* 1.15

And the prodigious Expence of it also enhaunceth its Exeellency; for besides King David's vast Prepara∣tions, his richer Son SOLOMON, and all the weal∣thy Israelites, and the Nobles of all the neighbouring Kingdoms, largely contributed towards it in Gold, Silver, and rich Jewels, that amounted to a Sum almost incredible.

Nor do we read of any thing in Canaan so large, the Wall that inclos'd it being 7700 Foot in Compass; far less any holy Structure fit to be nam'd with it, for exactly proportion'd and beautiful Dimensions, from the magnificent Porch on the East, to the glorious and reverend Sanctum Sanctorum on the West, with most lovely and convenient Apartments for the Kings and Princes, Priests and Levites, Israelites, and Gentiles also; it being an House of Prayer for all Nations, and

capable of receiving in the Temple proper, and in all its Courts and Apartments together, no less than 300,000 People, by a modest Calculation, allowing a square Cubit to each Person.

And if we consider the 1453 Columns of Parian Marble, with twice as many Pollasters, both having glorious Capitals of several Orders, and about 2246 Windows, besides those in the Pavement, with the un∣speakable and costly Decorations of it within; (and much more might be said) we must conclude its Prospect to transcend our Imagination; and that it was justly esteem'd by far the finest Piece of Masonry upon Earth before or since,* 1.16 and the chief Wonder of the World; and was dedicated, or consecrated, in the most solemn manner, by King SOLOMON.

But leaving what must not, and indeed cannot, be communicated by Writing, we may warrantably affirm that however ambitious the Heathen were in cultivating of the Royal Art, it was never perfected, until God condescended to instruct his peculiar People in rearing the above-mention'd stately Tent, and in building at length this gorgeous House, fit for the special Re∣sulgence of his Glory, where he dwelt between the Cherubims on the Mercy-Seat, and from thence gave them frequent oraculous Responses.

This most sumptuous, splendid, beautiful and glo∣rious Edifice, attracted soon the inquisitive Artists of all Nations to spend some time at Jerusalem, and sur∣vey its peculiar Excellencies, as much as was allow'd to the Gentiles; whereby they soon discover'd, that all the World, with their joint Skill, came far short of the

Israelites, in the Wisdom and Dexterity of Architec∣ture, when the wise King SOLOMON was GRAND MASTER of the Lodge at Jerusalem, and the learned King HIRAM was GRAND MASTER of the Lodge at Tyre, and the inspired HIRAM ABIF was Master of Work, and Masonry was under the imme∣diate Care and Direction of Heaven, when the Noble and the Wise thought it their Honour to be assisting to the ingenious Masters and Craftsmen, and when the Temple of the TRUE GOD became the Wonder of all Travellers, by which, as by the most perfect Pattern, they corrected the Architecture of their own Country upon their Return.

So that after the Erection of Solomon's Temple, Ma∣sonry was improv'd in all the neighbouring Nations; for the many Artists employ'd about it, under Hiram Abif, after it was finish'd, dispers'd themselves into Syria, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Chaldea, Babylonia, Me∣dia, Persia, Arabia, Africa, Lesser Asia, Greece, and other Paris of Europe, where they taught this liberal Art to the free born Sons of eminent Persons, by whose Dexterity the Kings, Princes, and Potentates, built many glorious Piles, and became the GRAND MAS∣TERS, earch in his own Territory, and were emulous or excelling in this Royal Art; nay, even in INDIA, where the Correspondence was open, we may conclude the same: But none of the Nations, nor all together, could rival the Israelites, far less excel them, in Ma∣sonry; and their Temple remain'd the constant Pattern.* 1.17

Nay, the GRAND MONARCH NEBUCHAD∣NEZAR could never, with all his unspeakable Advan∣tages, carry up his Masonry to the Beautiful Strength and Magnificence of the Temple Work, which he had,* 1.18 in warlike Rage, burnt down, after it had remain'd in Splendor 416 Years from it Consecration. For after his Wars were over, and general Peace proclaim'd, he set his Heart on Architecture, and became the GRAND MASTER-MASON; and having before led captive the ingenious Artists of Judea, and other conquer'd Countries, he rais'd indeed the largest Work upon Earth, even the Walls* 1.19 and City, the Palaces and

Hanging-Gardens, the Bridge and Temple of BABY∣LON, the Third of the Seven Wonders of the World, tho' vastly inferior, in the sublime Perfection of Ma∣sonry, to the holy, charming, lovely Temple of GOD. But as the Jewish Captives were of special use to NEBUCHADNEZAR in his glorious Buildings, so

being thus kept at work, they retain'd their great Skill in Masonry, and continu'd very capable of rebuilding the holy Temple and City of SALEM upon its old Foundations,* 1.20 which was order'd by the Edict or Decree of the GRAND CYRUS, according to God's Word, that had foretold his Exaltation and this Decree: And CYRUS having constituted ZERUBBABEL, the Son of Salathiel (of the Seed of David by Nathan, the Brother of Solomon, whose Royal Family was now extinct) the Head, or Prince of the Captivity, and the Leader of the Jews and Israelites returning to Jeru∣salem, they began to lay the Foundation of the SECOND TEMPLE, and would have soon finish'd it, if CYRUS had liv'd;* 1.21 but at length they put on the Cape-Stone, in the 6th Year of DARIUS, the Persian Monarch, when it was dedicated with Joy, and many great Sacrifices, by ZERUBBABEL the Prince and General Master-Mason of the Jews, about 20 Years after the Decree of the Grand Cyrus, And tho' this Temple of ZERUBBABEL came far short of So∣lomon's Temple, was not so richly adorn'd with Gold and Diamonds, and all manner of precious Stones, nor had the Shechina and the holy Relicks of Moses in it, &c. yet being rais'd exactly upon Solomon's

Foundation, and according to his Model, it was still the most regular, symmetrical, and glorious Edifice in the whole World, as the Enemies of the Jews have often testify'd and acknowledg'd.

At length the ROYAL ART was carry'd into Greece, whose Inhabitants have left us no Evidence of such Improvements in Masonry, prior to Solomon's Temple;* 1.22 for their most ancient Buildings, as the Cit∣tadel of Athens, with the Parthenion, or Temple of Minerva, the Temples also of Theseus, of Jupiter Olympius, &c. their Porticos also, and Forums, their Theatres and Gymnasiums, their publick Halls, curious Bridges, regular Fortifications, stout Ships of War, and stately Palaces, were all erected after the Temple of Solomon, and most of them even after the Temple of Zerubbabel.

Nor do we find the GRECIANS arriv'd to any con∣siderable Knowledge in Geometry, before the Great Thales Milesius,* 1.23 the Philosopher, who dy'd in the Reign of Bellshazzar, and the Time of the Jewish Capti∣vity. But his Scholar, the Greater PYTAHGORAS, prov'd the Author of the 47th Proposition of Euclid's first Book, which, if duly observ'd, is the Foundation of all Masonry, sa••••ed, civil, and Military.* 1.24

The People of Lesser Asia about this Time gave large Encouragement to Masons for erecting all sorts of sumptuous Buildings, one of which must not be forgot, being usually reckon'd the Fourth of the Seven Wonders of the World, viz. the Mausoleum, or Tomb of Mausolus King of Caria, between Lycia and Jonia, at Halicarnassus, on the Side of Mount Taurus in that Kingdom, at the Command of AR∣TEMISIA his mournful Widow, as the splendid Testimony of her Love to him, built of the most curious Marble, in Circuit 411 Foot, in Height 25 Cubits, surrounded with 26 Columns of the most fa∣mous Sculpture, and the whole opened on all Sides, with Arches 73 Foot wide,* 1.25 perform'd by the four prin∣cipal Master-Masons and Engravers of those Times, viz. the East Side by Scopas, the West by Leochares, the North by Briax, and the South by Timotheus.

But after PYTHAGORAS, Geometry became the darling Study of Greece, where many learned Philo∣sophers arose, some of whom invented sundry Pro∣positions, or Elements of Geometry, and reduc'd them to the use of the mechanical Arts.* 1.26 Nor need we doubt

that Masonry kept pace with Geometry; or rather, always follow'd it in proportion'd gradual Improve∣ments, until the wonderful EUCLID of Tyre flou∣rish'd at Alexandria;* 1.27 who gathering up the scat∣ter'd Elements of Geometry, digested them into a Me∣thod that was never yet mended, (and for which his Name will be ever celebrated) under the Patronage of PTOLOMEUS, the Son of Lagus King of Egypt, one of the immediate Successors of Alexander the Great.

And as the noble Science came to be more metho∣dically taught, the Royal Art was the more generally esteem'd and improv'd among the Grecians, who at length arriv'd to the same Skill and Magnificence in it with their Teachers the Asiatics and Egyptians.

The next King of Egypt, PTOLOMEUS PHILA∣DELPHUS, that great Improver of the liberal Arts, and of all useful Knowledge, who gather'd the greatest Library upon Earth, and had the Old Testament (at least the Pentateuch) first translated into Greek, be∣came an excellent Architect,* 1.28 and GENERAL MAS∣TER-MASON, having among his other great Buil∣dings, erected the famous TOWER of PHAROS,* 1.29 the Fisth of the Seven Wonders of the World.

We may readily believe, that the African Nations, even to the Atlantick Shore, did soon imitate Egypt in such Improvements; though History fails, and there are no Travellers encourag'd to discover the valuable Remains in Masonry of those once renowned Nations.

Nor should we forget the learned Island of SICILY, where the prodigious Geometrician ARCHIMEDES did flourish,* 1.30* 1.31 and was unhappily slain when Syracuse was taken by Marcellus the Roman General: For from Sicily, as well as from Greece, Egypt, and Asia, the ancient Romans learnt both the SCIENCE and the ART, what they knew before being either mean or irre∣gular; but as they subdu'd the Nations, they made mighty Discoveries in both; and like wise Men, led captive, not the Body of the People, but the Arts and Sciences, with the most eminent Professors and Practitioners, to Rome; which thus became the Center of Learning, as well as of imperial Power, until they advanc'd to their Zenith of Glory, under AUGUSTUS CAESAR,* 1.32 (in whose Reign was born God's MESSIAH, the

great Architect of the Church) who having laid the World quiet, by proclaiming universal Peace, highly encourag'd those dexterous Artists that had been bred in the Roman Liberty, and their learned Scholars and Pupils; but particularly the great VITRUVIUS, the Father of all true Architects to this Day.

Therefore it is rationally believ'd, that the glorious AUGUSTUS became the Grand-Master of the Lodge at Rome, having, besides his patronizing Vitruvius, much promoted the Welfare of the Fellow-Craftsmen, as appears by the many magnificent Buil∣dings of his Reign, the Remains of which are the Pat∣tern and Standard of true Masonry in all future Times, as they are indeed an Epitome of the Asiatic, Egyptian, Grecian and Sicilian Architecture, which we often ex∣press by the Name of the AUGUSTAN STILE, and which we are now only endeavouring to imitate, and have not yet arriv'd to its Perfection.

The old Records of Masons afford large Hints of their Lodges, from the Beginning of the World, in the polite Nations, especially in Times of Peace, and when the Civil Powers, ab••orring Tyranny and Slavery, gave due Scope to the bright and free Genius of their hap∣py Subjects; for then always Masons, above all other Artists, were the Favourites of the Eminent, and be∣came necessary for their grand Undertakings in any sort of Materials, not only in Stone, Brick, Timber, Plaister; but even in Cloth or Skins, or whatever was us'd for Tents, and for the various sorts of Archi∣tecture.

Nor should it be forgot, that Painters also, and Statuaries,* 1.33 were always reckon'd good Masons, as much as Builders, Stone-cutters, Bricklayers, Carpen∣ters, Joiners, Upholders or Tent-Makers, and a vast many other Craftsmen that could be nam'd, who per∣form according to Geometry, and the Rules of Building; though none since HIRAM ABIF has been renown'd for Cunning in all parts of Masonry: And of this enough.

But among the Heathen, while the noble Science Geometry* 1.34 was duly cultivated, both before and after the Reign of Augustus, even till the Fifth Century of the Christian Aera, Masonry was had in great Esteem

and Veneration: And while the Roman Empire con∣tinu'd in its Glory, the Royal Art was carefully propa∣gated, even to the ULTIMA THULE, and a Lodge erected in almost every Roman Garrison; whereby they generously communicated their Cunning to the northern and western Parts of Europe, which had grown bar∣barous before the Roman Conquest, though we known not certainly how long; because some think there are a few Remains of good Masonry before that Period in some Parts of Europe, raised by the original Skill that the first Colonies brought with them, as the Celtic Edifices, erected by the ancient Gauls, and by the ancient Britains too, who were a Colony of the Celtes, long before the Romans invaded this Island.* 1.35

But when the GOTHS and VANDALS, that had never been conquer'd by the Romans, like a general Deluge, over-ran the ROMAN EMPIRE, with warlike Rage and gross Ignorance they utterly destroy'd many of the finest Edifices, and defac'd others, very few e∣scaping; as the Asiatic and African Nations fell un∣der the same Calamity by the Conquests of the MAHOMETANS, whose grand Design is only to con∣vert

the World by Fire and Sword, instead of cultiva∣ting the Arts and Sciences.

Thus, upon the Declension of the Roman Empire,* 1.36 when the British Garrisons were drain'd, the ANGLES & other lower SAXONS, invited by the ancient BRITONS to come over and help them against the SCOTS and PICTS, at length subdu'd the South Part of this Island, which they call'd England, or Land of the Angles; who being a-kin to the Goths, or rather a sort of Vandals, of the same warlike Disposition, and as ignorant Heathens, encourag'd nothing but War, till they became Christians; and then too late lamented the Ignorance of their Fathers in the great Loss of Roman Masonry, but knew not how to repair it.

Yet becoming a free People (as the old Saxon Laws testify) and having a Disposition for Masonry, they soon began* 1.37 to imitate the Asiatics, Grecians, and Romans, in erecting of Lodges and encouraging of Masons; being taught, not only from the faithful Tra∣ditions and valuable Remains of the BRITONS, but

even by foreign Princes, in whose Dominions the Royal Art had been preserv'd much from Gothic Ruins, particularly by CHARLES MARTELL King of France,* 1.38 who according to the old Records of Masons, sent over several expert Craftsmen and learned Archi∣tects into England, at the Desire of the Saxon Kings: So that during the Heptarchy, the Gothic Architecture was much encourag'd here as in other Christian Lands.

And though the many Invasions of the DANES occasion'd the Loss of many Records,* 1.39 yet in Times of Trace or Peace they did not hinder much the good Work, though not perform'd according to the Augustan Stile; nay, the vast Expence laid out upon it, with the cu∣rious Inventions of the Artists to supply the Roman Skill, doing the best they could, demonstrate their Esteem and Love for the Royal Art, and have ren∣der'd the GOTHIC BUILDINGS venerable, tho' not imitable by those that relish the ancient Archi∣tecture.

And after the Saxons and Danes were conquer'd by the NORMANS,* 1.40 as soon as the Wars ended and Peace was proclaim'd, the Gothic Masonry was en∣courag'd, even in the Reign of the Conqueror,* 1.41 and of his Son King WILLIAM Rufus, who built West∣minster-Hall,

minster-Hall, the largest one Room perhaps in the Earth.

Nor did the Barons Wars, nor the many bloody Wars of the subsequent Norman Kings, and their con∣tending Branches, much hinder the most sumptuous and lofty Buildings of those Times, rais'd by the great Clergy, (who enjoying large Revenues, could well bear the Expence) and even by the CROWN too; for we read King EDWARD III. had an Officer call'd the King's Free-Mason, or General-Surveyor of his Buil∣dings, whose Name was HENRY YEVELE, employ'd by that King to build several Abbies,* 1.42 and St. STE∣PHEN's CHAPPEL at Westminster, where the House of Commons now sit in Parliament.

But for the surther Instruction of Candidates and younger Brethren, a certain Record of Free-Masons,* 1.43 written in the Reign of King EDWARD IV. of the Norman Line, gives the following Account, viz.

That though the ancient Records of the Brotherhood in England were many of them destroy'd or lost in the Wars of the Saxons and Danes, yet King ATHELSTAN, (the Grandson of King ALFRED the Great, a mighty Arch••tect) the first anointed King of England,* 1.44 and who translated the Holy Bible into the Saxon Tongue, when he had brought the Land into Rest and Peace, built many great Works, and encourag'd many Masons from France, who were appointed Overseers thereof, and brought with them the Charges and Regulations of the Lodges preserv'd since the Roman Times, who also prevail'd with the King to improve the CONSTITU∣TION

of the English Lodges according to the foreign Model, and to increase the Wages of working Masons.

That the said King's youngest Son, Prince EDWIN, being taught Masonry, and taking upon him the Charges of a MASTER-MASON, for the Love he had to the said Craft, and the honourable Principles whereon it is grounded, purchased a free Charter of King Athelstan his Father, for the Masons having a Correction among themselves, (as it was anciently express'd) or a Freedom and Power to regulate themselves, to amend what might happen amiss, and to hold a yearly Communication and Ge∣neral Assembly.

That accordingly Prince EDWIN summoned all the Masons in the Realm to meet him in a Congregation at York, who came and composed a General Lodge, of which he was GRAND MASTER; and having brought with them all the Writings and Records extant, some in Greek, some in Latin, some in French, and other Languages, from the Contents thereof that Assem∣bly did frame the CONSTITUTION and Charges of an English Lodge, made a Law to preserve and ob∣serve the same in all time coming, and ordain'd good Pay for working Masons, &c.

That in process of time, when Lodges were more fre∣quent, the Right Worshipful the Master and Fellows, with the Consent of the LORDS of the Realm, (for most great Men were then Masons) ordain'd, that for the future, at the Making or Admission of a Brother, the CONSTITUTION should be read, and the Charges hereunto annex'd, by the Master or Warden; and that such as were to be admitted Master-Masons,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Masters of Work, should be examin'd whether they be able of Cunning to serve their respective Lords, as well the Lowest as the Highest, to the Honour and Worship of the aforesaid Art, and to the Profit of their Lords? for they be their Lords that employ and pay them for their Service and Travel.

And besides many other things, the said Record adds, That those Charges and Laws of FREE-MASONS have been seen and perused by our late Sovereign King Henry VI. and by the Lords of his honourable Coun∣cil, who have allow'd them, and said that they be right good and reasonable to be holden, as they have been drawn out and collected from the Records of ancient Times.* 1.45

Now though in the third Year of the said King Henry VI. while an Infant of about four Years old,

the Parliament made an Act, that affected only the working Masons, who had, contrary to the Statutes for Labourers, confederated not to work but at their own Price and Wages; and because such Agreements were suppos'd to be made at the General Lodges, call'd in the Act CHAPTERS and CONGREGATIONS of MASONS, it was then thought expedient to level the said Act against the said Congregations* 1.46: Yet when the said King Henry VI. arriv'd to Man's Estate; the Ma∣sons laid before him and his Lords the above-men∣tion'd Records and Charges, who, 'tis plain, review'd them, and solemnly approv'd of them as good and reasonable to be holden: Nay, the said King and his Lords must have been incorporated with the Free-Masons, before they could make such Review of the Re∣cords; and in this Reign, before King Henry's Troubles, Masons were much encourag'd. Nor is there any In∣stance of executing that Act in that, or in any other Reign since, and the Masons never neglected their Lodges

for it, nor ever thought it worth while to employ their noble and eminent Brethren to have it repeal'd; because the working Masons, that are free of the Lodge, scorn to be guilty of such Combinations; and the other free Masons have no Concern in Trespasses against the Sta∣tutes for Labourers.* 1.47

The Kings of SCOTLAND very much encourag'd the Royal Art, from the earliest Times down to the Union of the Crowns, as appears by the Remains of glorious Buildings in that ancient Kingdom, and by the Lodges there kept up without Interruption many hundred Years, the Records and Traditions of which testify the great Respect of those Kings to this honour∣able Fraternity, who gave always pregnant Evidence of their Love and Loyalty, from whence sprung the old Toast among the Scots Masons, viz. GOD BLESS THE KING AND THE CRAFT.

Nor was the Royal Example neglected by the No∣bility, Gentry, and Clergy of SCOTLAND, who join'd in every thing for the good of the Crast and Brother∣hood,

the Kings being often the Grand Masters, until, among other things, the Masons of SCOTLAND were impower'd to have a certain and fix'd Grand-Master and Grand Warden, who had a Salary from the Crown, and also an Acknowledgment from every New Brother in the Kingdom at Entrance, whose Busi∣ness was not only to regulate what might happen amiss in the Brotherhood, but also to hear and finally deter∣mine all Controversies between Mason and Lord, to punish the Mason, if he deserv'd it, and to oblige both to equitable Terms: At which Hearings, if the Grand Master was absent (who was always nobly born) the Grand Warden presided. This Privilege remain'd till [ 0] the Civil Wars, but is now obsolete; nor can it well be reviv'd until the King becomes a Mason, because it [ 7] was not actually exerted at the Union of the King∣doms.

Yet the great Care that the SCOTS took of true Masonry, prov'd afterwards very useful to ENGLAND; for the learned and magnanimous Queen ELIZA∣BETH, who encourag'd other Arts, discourag'd this; because, being a Woman, she could not be made a Mason, tho' as other great Women, she might have much em∣ploy'd Masons, like Semiramis and Artemisia.* 1.48

But upon her Demise, King JAMES VI. of SCOT∣LAND succeeding to the Crown of ENGLAND, being a Mason King, reviv'd the English Lodges; and as he was the First King of GREAT BRITAIN, he was also the First Prince in the World that recover'd the Roman Architecture from the Ruins of Gothic Igno∣rance: For after many dark or illiterate Ages, as soon as all Parts of Learning reviv'd, and Geometry recover'd its Ground, the polite Nations began to discover the Confusion and Impropriety of the Gothick Buildings; and in the Fisteenth and Sixteenth Centuries the AUGUSTAN STILE was rais'd from its Rubbish in Italy, by PRAMANTE, BARBARO, SANSO∣VINO, SANGALLO, MICHAEL ANGELO, RAPHAEL URBIN, JULIO ROMANO, SER∣GLIO, LABACO, SCAMOZI, VIGNOLA, and many other bright Architects: but above all, by the Great PALLADIO, who has not yet been duly imi∣tated in Italy, though justly rival'd in England by our great Master-Mason, INIGO JONES.

But though all true Masons honour the Memories of those Italian Architects, is must be own'd, that the Augustan Stile was not reviv'd by any crown'd Head, before King JAMES the Sixth of SCOTLAND, and First of ENGLAND, patroniz'd the said glorious Inigo Jones, whom he employ'd to build his Royal Palace of WHITE-HALL, and in his Reign over all Great-Britain.

the BANQUETING HOUSE, as the first piece of it, was only rais'd, which is the finest one Room upon Earth; and the Ingenious Mr. Nicholas Stone perform'd as Master-Mason under the Architect JONES.

Upon his Demise, his Son King CHARLES I. being also a Mason, patroniz'd Mr. Jones too, and firmly intended to have carried on his Royal Father's Design of WHITE-HALL, according to Mr. Jones's Stile; but was unhappily diverted by the Civil Wars.* 1.49 After the Wars were over, and the Royal Family re∣stor'd, true Masonry was likewise restor'd; especially upon the unhappy Occasion of the Burning of LON∣DON, An. 1666; for then the City-Houses were rebuilt more after the Roman Stile, when King CHARLES II. sounded the present St. PAUL's Cathedral in London, (the old Gothick Fabrick being burnt down) much after

the Style of St. PETER's at Rome, conducted by the ingenious Architect, Sir CHRISTOPHER WREN. That King sounded also his royal Palace at GREEN∣WICH, according to Mr. Inigo Jones's Design (which he drew before he dy'd) conducted by his Son-in-Law Mr. WEB: It is now turn'd into an Hospital for Sea∣men. He founded also Chelsea-College, an Hospital for Soldiers; and at EDINBURGH he both founded and finish'd his royal Palace of HALY-ROOD-HOUSE, by the Design and Conduct of Sir WIL∣LIAM BRUCE Bart. the Master of the Royal Works in SCOTLAND* 1.50: So that besides the Tradition of old Masons now alive, which may be rely'd on, we have much reason to believe that King CHARLES II. was an Accepted Free-Mason, as every one allows he was a great Encourager of the Craftsmen.

But in the Reign of his Brother King JAMES II. though some Roman Buildings were carried on, the Lodges of Free-Masons in London much dwindled into Ignorance, by not being duly frequented and cultiva∣ted.† 1.51 But after the Revolution, Anno 1688, KING

WILLIAM, though a warlike Prince, having a good Taste of Achitecture, carried on the aforesaid two fa∣mous

Hospitals of Greenwich and Chelsea, built the fine part of his royal Palace of HAMPTON COURT, and founded and finish'd his incomparable Palace at LOO in HOLLAND, &c. And the bright Example of that glo∣rious Prince, (who by most is reckon'd a Free-Mason) did influence the Nobility, the Gentry, the Wealthy and the Learned of GREAT-BRITAIN, to affect much the Augustan Style; as appears by a vast Number of most curious Edifices erected since throughout the Kingdom: For when in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our late Sovereign QUEEN ANNE, her Majesty and the Parli∣ament concurr'd in an Act for erecting 50 new Parish-Churches in London, Wesiminster, and Suburbs; and the QUEEN had granted a Commission to several of the Ministers of State, the principal Nobility, great Gentry, and eminent Citizens, the two Archbishops, with seve∣ral other Bishops and dignify'd Clergymen, to put the Act in execution; they order'd the said New Churches

to be rais'd according to the ancient Roman Style, as appears by those that are already rais'd; and the present honourable Commissioners having the same good Judgment of Architecture, are carrying on the same laudable grand Design, and are reviving the ancient Style, by the Order, Countenance, and Encou∣ragement of his present Majesty KING GEORGE, who was also graciously pleas'd to lay the first Stone in the Foundation of his Parish Church of St. MAR∣TIN's in Campis, on the South-East Corner (by his Majesty's Proxy for the time, the present Bishop of Salisbury) which is now rebuilding, strong, large, and beautiful, at the Cost of the Parishioners.* 1.52

In short, it would require many large Volumes to contain the many splendid Instances of the mighty

Influence of Masonry from the Creation, in every Age, and in every Nation, as could be collected from His∣torians and Travellers: But especially in those Parts of the World where the Europeans correspond and trade, such Remains of ancient, large, curious, and magnifi∣cent Colonading, have been discover'd by the Inquisi∣tive, that they can't enough lament the general Devas∣tations of the Goths and Mahometans; and must con∣clude, that no Art was ever so much encourag'd as this; as indeed none other is so extensively useful to Mankind.* 1.53

Nay, if it were expedient, it could be made appear, that from this ancient Fraternity, the Societies or Or∣ders of the Warlike KNIGHTS, and of the Religious too, in process of time, did borrow many solemn Usages; for none of them were better instituted, more decently install'd, or did more sacredly observe their Laws and Charges than the Accepted Masons have done, who in all Ages, and in every Nation, have main∣tain'd and propagated their Concernments in a way peculiar to themselves, which the most Cunning and the most Learned cannot penetrate into, though it has been often attempted; while They know and love one another, even without the Help of Speech, or when of different Languages.

And now the Freeborn BRITISH NATIONS, disintangled from foreign and civil Wars, and enjoying the good Fruits of Peace and Liberty, having of late much indulg'd their happy Genius for Masonry of every sort, and reviv'd the drooping Lodges of London,

this fair Metropolis flourisheth, as well as other Parts, with several worthy particular Lodges, that have a quarterly Communication, and an annual grand Assembly, wherein the Forms and Usages of the most ancient and worshipful Fraternity are wisely propagated, and the Royal Art duly cultivated, and the Cement of the Brotherhood preserved; so that the whole Body re∣sembles a well built Arch; several Noblemen and Gentlemen of the best Rank, with Clergymen and learned Scholars of most Professions and Denominations, ha∣ving

frankly join'd and submitted to take the Charges, and to wear the Badges of a Free and Accepted Mason, under our present worthy Grand-Master, the most noble PRINCE John Duke of MONTAGUE.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Year of the World 1. 4003 be∣fore Christ
• * 1.2

  As other Arts were also improved by them, viz. working in Metal by TUBAL CAIN, Music by JUBAL, Pastorage and Tent-Making by JABAL; which last is good Architecture.
• † 1.3

  For by some Vestices of Antiquity c•••• fird one of 'em, godly ENOCH (who ••••d••ot, bu•• was translated alive to Heaven, proph••e••ing of the final Conflagration at the Day of Judgment as St Jude tells us) and likewise of the General De∣luge for the Punishment of the World: Upon which he erected his two large Pillars, the some es••ribe them to Seth) the one of Stone, and the other of Brick, whereon were engraven the Liberal Sciences, &c. And that the Stone Pillar remain'd in S••••la until the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vespasian the Emperor.
• * 1.4

  Anno Mundi 1757. 2247. Ante Chr.
• * 1.5

  A. M 1810. 2194. Ante Chr.
• * 1.6

  NIMROD, which signifies a Rebel, was the Name given him by the holy Family•• and by Moses; but among his Friends in Chaldea, his proper Name was BELUS, which signifies LORD; and afterwards was worshipped as a God by many Nations, under the Name of Bel or Baal, and became the Bacchus of the Ancients, or Bar Chus, the Son of CHUS.
• * 1.7

  A. M. 1816. 2188. Ante Chr.
• * 1.8

  The Marble Stones, brought a vast way from the Quarries of Arabia, were most of 'em 30 Foot long; and its Foundation cover'd the Ground 700 Foot on each Side, or 2800 Foot in Compass, and 481 in perpendecular Height. And in porjecting it were employ'd every Day, for 20 whole Years, 360,000 Men, by some ancient Egyptian King long before the Israelites were a People, for the Honour of his Em∣pire, and at last to become his Tomb.
• * 1.9

  A. M. 2078. 1926. Ante Chr.
• * 1.10

  A. M. 2427. 1577. Ante Chr.
• * 1.11

  A. M. 2514. 1490. Ante Chr.
• * 1.12

  A. M. 25••••. 1••50. Ante Chr.
• * 1.13

  By which the glorious SAMPSON pull'd it down upon the Lords of the Philistines, and was also intangled in the same Death which he drew upon his En∣enues for putting out his Eyes, after he had reveal'd his Secrets to his Wife, that betray'd him into their Hands; for which Weakness he never had the Honour to be number'd among Masons: But it is not convenient to write more of this.
• * 1.13.1

  A. M. 2893. 1111 Ante Chr.
• † 1.14

  In: Kings v. 16. they are call'd Harodim, Rulers or Provosts assisting King Solomon, who were set over the Work, and their Number there is only 3. 300: But 2 Chron ii. 18. they are called Menatzchim, Overseers and Comforters of the People in Working, and in Number 3,600; because either 300 might be more curions Ar••••sts, and the Overseers of the said 3,300; or rather, not so excellent, and only Deputy Mathers, to supply their Places in case of Death or Absence, that so there might be always 3,300 acting Masters compleat; or else they might be the Oversee•• of the 70,000 Ish Sabbal, Men of Burden or Labourers, who were not Masons but served the 80,000 Ish Chotzeb, Alen of Hewing, called also Ghiblim, Stone Cutters and Soulpturers; and also Bonai, Builders in Stone, part of which ••••••••ng'd to Solomon, and part to Hiram, King of Tyre, 1 Kings v. 18.
• * 1.15

  We read (2 Chron. ii. 13.) HIRAM King of Tyre (called there Huram) in his Letter to King SOLOMON, says, I have sent a cunning Man, le Huram Abhi, not to be translated according to the vulgar Greek and Latin, Huram my Father, as if this Architect was King HIRAM's Father; for his Description, ver. 14. refutes it, and the Original plainly imports, Huram of my Father's, viz. the Chief Master-Mason of my Father, King ABIBALUS; (who enlarg'd and beautify'd the City of Tyre, as ancient Histories inform us, whereby the Tyrians at this time were most expert in Masonry) tho' some think HIRAM the King might call Hiram the Archttect Father, as learned and skilful Men were wont to be call'd of old Times, or as Joseph was call'd the Father of Pharaoh; and as the same Hiram is call'd Solomon's FATHER, (2 Chron. iv. 16.) where 'tis said

  Shelomoh lammelech Abhif Churam ghuasah,

  Did Huram, his Father, make to King Solomon.

  But the Difficulty is over at once, by allowing the Word Abif to be the Surname of Hiram the Mason, called also (chap. ii. 13.) Hiram Abi, as here Hiram Abif; for being so amply describ'd, (chap. ii. 14.) we may easily suppose his Surname would not be conceal'd: And this Reading makes the Sense plain and compleat, viz. that HIRAM, King of Tyre, sent to King Solomon, his Namesake HIRAM ABIF, the Prince of Architects, describ'd (1 Kings vii. 14.) to he a Widow's Son of the Tribe of Naphthali; and in 1 Chron. ii. 14. the said King of Tyre calls him the Son of a Woman of the Daughters of Dan; and in both Places, that his Father was a Man of Tyre; which Difficulty is remov'd, by supposing his Mother was either of the Tribe of Dan, or of the Daughters of the City called Dan in the Tribe of Naphthali, and his deceased Father had been a Naphthalite, whence his Mother was called a Widow of Naphthali; for his Fathers is not called a Ty∣tia•• by Desoent, but a Man of Tyre by Habitation; as Obed Edom the Levite 〈◊〉〈◊〉 c••ll'd a Gittite by living among the Gittites, and the Apostle Paul a Man of T••••us. But supposing a Mistake in Transcrihers, and that his Father was really 〈◊〉〈◊〉 T••rian by Blood, and his Mother only of the Tribe either of Dan or of Naphthali, that can be no Bar agai••st ••••lo••••ing of his vast Capacity; for as his Father was a Worker a Brass, so he h••••self was fill'd with Wisdom and Understanding, and Cunning to work all Works in Brass: And as King SOLOMON sent for him, so King HIRAM, in his Letter to Solomon, says, And now I have sent a cunning Man, endued with Understanding, skilful to work in Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, Stone, Timber, Purple, Blue, fine Linnen and Crim∣son, also to grave any manner of Graving, and to find out every Device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning Men, and with the cunning Men of my Lord David thy Father. This divinely inspired Workman main∣tain'd this Character in erecting the Temple, and in working the Utensils thereof, far beyond the Performances of Aholiab and Bezaleel, being also universaily capa∣ble of all sorts of Masonry.
• * 1.16

  A. M. 3000. 1004. Ante Chr..
• * 1.17

  For tho' the Temple of Diana at Ephesus is suppos'd to have been first built by some of Japhet's Posterity, that made a Settlement in Jonia about the Time of Moses; yet it was often demolish'd, and then rebuilt for the sake of Improvements in Masonry; and we cannot compute the Period of its last glorious Erection (that be∣came another of the Seven Wonders of the World) to be prior to that of Solomon's Temple; but that long afterwards the Kings of Lesser Asia join'd, for 220 Years, in finishing it, with 107 Columns of the finest Marble, and many of 'em with most exquisite Sculpture (each at the Expense of a King, by the Master-Masons DRE∣SIPHON and ARCHIPHRON) to support the planked Cieling and Roof of pure Cedar, as the Doors and Linings were of Cypress: Whereby it became the Mistress of Lesser Asia, in Lengch 425 Foot, and in Breadth 220 Foot; Nay, so admirable a Fabrick, that XERXES left it standing when be burnt all the other Temples in his Way to Greece; tho' at last it was set on Fire and burnt down by a vile Fellow, only for the Lust of being talk'd of, on the very Day that ALEXANDER the Great was born.
• * 1.17.2

  A. M. 3648. 356. Ante Chr.
• * 1.18

  A. M. 3416. 588. Ante Chr.
• * 1.19

  In Thickness 87 Foot, in Height; 50 Foot, and in Compass 480 Furlongs, or 60 British Miles in an exact Square of 15 Miles a Side, built of large Bricks, cement∣ed with the hard Bitumen of that old Vale of Shinar, with 100 Gates of Brass, or 25 a-side, and 250 Towers ten Foot higher than the Walls.

  From the said 25 Gates in each Side went 25 Streets in strait Lines, or in all 50 Streets each 15 Miles long, with four half Streets, next the Walls, each 200 Foot broad: And so the whole City was thus cut out into 676 Squares, each being 2 Miles and quarter in Compass; round which were the Houses built three or four Stories high, well adorn'd, and accommodated with Yards, Gardens &c. A Branch of the Euphrates run thro' the Middle of it, from North to South ••••er which, in the Heart of the City, was built a stately Bridge, in length a Furlong, and thirty Foot in Breadth, by wonderful Art, for supplying the Want of a Foundation in the River. At the two Ends of this Bridge were two magnificent Palaces, the Old Palace, the Seat of ancient Kings at the East End, upon the Ground of four Squares; and the New Palace at the West End, built by Nebuchadnezzar, upon the Ground of nine Squares, with Hanging-Gardens (so much celebrated by the Greeks) where the loftiest Trees could grow as in the Fields, erected in a Square of 400 Foot on each Side, carried up by Terraces, and sustain'd by vast Arches built upon Arches, until the highest Terrace equal'd the Height of the City-Walls, with a curious Aqueduct to water the whole Gardens. Old Babel improv'd, stood on the East Side of the River, and the New Town on the West Side, much larger than the Old, and built in order to make this Capital exceed old Ninivch, tho' it never had so many Inhabitants by one Half. The River was begirt with Banks of Brick, as thick as the City Walls, in Length twenty Miles, viz. fifteen Miles within the City, and two Miles and a half above and below it, to keep 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Water within its Channel; and each Street that cross'd the River had a brase•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reading down to the Water on both Banks; and West of the City was a prodigious Lake, in Compass 160 Miles, with a C••nal from the River into it, to prevent Inundations in the Summer.

  In the Old Town was the Old Tower of BABEL, at the Foundation a Square of half a Mile in Compass, consisting of eight square Towers built over each other, with Stairs on the out-side round it, going up to the Observatory on the Top, 600 Foot high, which is 19 Foot higher than the highest Pyramid) whereby they became the first Astronomers. And in the Rooms of the Grand Tower, with arched Ro••ss, supported 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pillars 75 Foot high, the idolatrous Worship of their God BELUS was perform'd till now, that this mighty Mason and Monarch erected round this ancient Pile a Temple of two Furlongs on every Side, or a Mile in compass; where he lodg'd the so••••d Troph••••s of SOLOMON's Temple, and the golden Image 90 Foot high, that he had consecrated in the Plains of Lura, as were formerly in the Tower lodg'd man, other golden Images, and many precious things, that were af∣terwards all seiz'd by XERXES, and amounted to above 21 Millions Sterling.

  And when all was finish'd King NEBUCHADNEZZAR walking in State in his Hanging-Gardens, and from thence taking a Review of the whole City, proudly boasted of this his mighty Work saying, Is not this Great Babylon, that I have built for the House of the Kingdom, by the Might of my Power, and for the Honour of my Majesty? but had his Pride immediately rebuk'd a Voice from Heaven, and punish'd by brutal Madnes's for seven Years, until he gave Glory to the God of Heaven, the Omnipotent Architect of the Universe, which he publish'd by a Decree thro' all his Empire, and dy'd next Year, before his GREAT BABYLON was little more than half inhabited (tho' he had led many Nations captive for that purpose); nor was it ever fully peopled; for in 25 Years after his Death, the GRANDCYRUS conquer'd it, and remov'd the Throne to Shushan in PER∣SIA.
• * 1.20

  A. M. 3468. 536. Ante Chr.
• * 1.21

  A. M. 3489. 515. Aute Chr.
• * 1.22

  The Grecians having been long degenerated into Barbarity, forgetting their original Skill in Masonry, (which their Fore-fathers brought from Assyria) by their frequent Mixtures with other barbarouswith other barbarous Nations, their mutual Invasions, and wast∣ing bloody Wars; until by travelling and corresponding with the Asiaticks and Egyptians, they reviv'd their Knowledge in Geometry and Masonry both, though few of the Grecians had the Honour to own it.
• * 1.23

  A. M. 3457. 547. Ante Chr.
• * 1.24

  PYTHAGORAS travell'd into Egypt the Year that Thales dy'd, and living there among the Priests 22 Years became expert in Geometry and in all the Egyptian Learning, until he was captivated by Cambyses King of Persia, and sent to Babylon, where he was much conversant with the Chaldean MAGI, and the learned Babylonish JEWS, from whom he borrow'd great Knowledge, that ren∣der'd him very famous in Greece and Italy, where afterwards he flourish'd and dy'd; when Mordecai was the prime Minister of State to Ahasuerus King of Persia, and ten Years after ZERUBBABEL's Temple was finish'd.
• * 1.24.3

  A. M. 3479. 525. Ante Chr.
• * 1.24.4

  A. M. 3498. 506. Ante Chr.
• * 1.25

  A. M. 3652. 352. Ante Chr.
• * 1.26

  Or borrow'd from other Nations their pretended Inventions, as Anaxagoras, Oenopides, Briso, Antipho, Democritus, Hippocrates, and Theodorus Cyrenaeus, the Master of the divine PLATO, who amplify'd Geometry, and publish'd the Art Analytic; from whose Academy came forth a vast Number, that soon dispers'd their Knowledge to distant Parts, as Leodamus, Theaetetus, Arch∣yras, Leon, Eudoxus, Menaichmus, and Xenocrates, the Master of Aristotle, from whose Academy also came forth Eudemus, Theophrastus, Artstaeus, Isidorus, Hypsicles, and many others.
• * 1.27

  A. M. 3700. 304. Ante Chr.
• * 1.28

  A. M. 3748. 256. Ante Chr.
• * 1.29

  On an Island near Alexandria, at one of the Mouths of the Nile, of wonderful Height and most cunning Workmanship, and all of the finest Marble; and it cost 800 Talents, or about 480,000 Crowns. The Master of Work, under the King, was Sistratus, a most ingenious Mason; and it was afterwards much admir'd by Julius Caesar, who was a good Judge of most Things, though chiefly conversant in Wars and Politicks. It was intended as a Light-House for the Harbour of Alexandria, from which the Light-Houses in the Mediterranean were often call'd Pharos. Though some, instead of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mention as the Fifth Wonder, the great OBELISK of Semiramis, 150 Foot high, and 24 Foot square at Bottom, or 90 Foot in Circuit at the Ground, all one intire S••ore, rising pyramidically, brought from Armenia to Babylon about the Time of the S••ege of Troy, if we may believe the History of SEMIRAMIS.
• * 1.30

  A. M. 3792. 212. Ante Chr.
• * 1.31

  While ERATOSTHENES and CONON flourish'd in Greece who were succeeded by the exellent APOLLONIUS of Perga, and many more before the Birth of Christ, who, though not working Masons, yet were good Surveyors; or, at least, cultivated Geometry, which is the solid Basis of true Masonry, and its Rule.
• * 1.32

  A. M. 4004.
• * 1.33

  For it was not without good Reason, the Ancients thought that the Rules of the beautiful Proportions in Building were copied, or taken from the Proportions of the Body natural: Hence PHIDIAS is reckon'd in the Number of ancient Masons for erecting the Statue of the Goddess Nemesis at Rhamnus, 10 Cubits high; and that of Minerva at Athens, 26 Cubits high; and that of JUPITER OLYM∣PIUS, sitting in his Temple in Achaia, between the Cities of Elis and Pisa, made of innumerable small Pieces of Porphyry, so exceeding grand and proportion'd, that it was reckon'd one of the Seven Wonders, as the famous COLOSSUS at Rhodes was another, and the greatest Statue that ever was erected, made of Metal, and de∣dicated to the SUN, 70 Cubits high, like a great Tower at a distance, at the Entry of an Harbour, striding wide enough for the largest Ships under sail, built in 12 Years by CARES a famous Mason and Statuary of Sicyon, and Scholar to the great Lysippus of the same Fraternity This mighty COLOSSUS, after standing 56 Years, fell by an Earthquake, and lay in Ruins, the Wonder of the World, till Anno Dom. 600, when the Soldan of Egypt carry'd off its Relicks, which loaded 900 Camels.
• * 1.34

  By Menelaus, Claudius, Ptolomeus, (who was also the Prince of Astro∣nomers) Plutarch, Eutocius (who recites the Inventions of Philo, Dio∣cles, Nicomedes, Sphorus, and Heron the learned Mechanick) Kresibius also, the Inventer of Pumps (celebrated by Vitruvius, Proclus, Pliny, and Athenae∣us) and Geminus, also equall'd by some to Euclid; so Diophantus, Nicoma∣chus, Serenus, Proclus, Pappus, Theon, &c. all Geometricians, and the il∣lustrious Cultivaters of the mechanical Arts.
• * 1.35

  The Natives within the Roman Colonies might be first instructed in build∣ing of Citadels and Bridges, and other Fortifications necessary; and afterwards when their Settlement produc'd Peace, and Liberty, and Plenty, the Aborigines did soon imitate their learaed and polite Conquerors in Masonry, having then Lei∣sure and a Disposition to raise magnificent Structures. Nay, even the Ingenious of the Neighbouring Nations not conquer'd, learnt much from the Roman Garrisons in Times of Peace and open Correspondence, when they became emulous of the Ro∣man Glory, and thankful that their being Conquer'd was the means of recover∣ing them from ancient Ignorance and Prejud••es, when they began to delight in the Royal Art.
• * 1.36

  Ann. D. 448
• * 1.37

  No doubt several Saxon and Scotish Kings with many of the Nobility, great Gentry, and eminent Clergy, became the Grand Masters of those early Lodges, from a mighty Zeal then prevalent for building magnificent Christian Temples; which would also prompt them to enquire after the Laws, Charges, Regulations, Customs, and Usages, of the ancient Lodges, many of which might be preserv'd by Tradition, and all of them very likely in those Parts of the British Islands that were not subdu'd by the Saxons, from whence in time they might be brought, and which the Saxons were more fond of, than careful to revive Geometry and Roman Masonry; as many in all Ages have been more curious a careful about the Laws, Forms, and Usages of their respective Societies, than about the ARTS and SCIENCES thereof.

  But neither what was convey'd, nor the Manner how, can be communicated by waiting; as no Man indeed can understand it without the Key of a Fellow Craft.
• * 1.38

  An. Dom. 141. He dy'd.
• * 1.39

  An. Dom. 832.
• * 1.40

  An. Dom. 1066.
• * 1.41

  William the Conqueror built the Tower of LONDON, and many strong Castles in the Country, with several religious Edifices, whose Example was follow'd by the Nobility and Clergy, particularly by Roger de Montgomery Earl of Arundel, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Durham, and GUNDULPH Bishop of Rochester, a mighty Architect.
• * 1.42

  About An. Dom. 1362.
• * 1.43

  About An. Dom. 1475.
• * 1.44

  About An. Dom. 930.
• * 1.45

  In another Manuscript more ancient, we read:

  That when the Master and Wardens meet in a Lodge, if need be, the Sheriff of the County, or the Mayor of the City, or Alderman of the Town, in which the Congregation is held, should be made Fellow and Sociate to the Master, in help of him a∣gainst Rebels, and for upbearing the Rights of the Realm.

  That enter'd Prentices at their making were charg'd not to be Thieves, or Thieves Maintainers; that they should travel honestly for their pay, and love their Fellows as themselves, and be true to the King of England, and to the Realm, and to the Lodge.

  That at such Congregations it shall be enquir'd, whether any Master or Fellow has broke any of the Articles agreed to. And if the Offender, being duly cited to appear; prove Rebel, and will not attend, then the Lodge shall determine against him that he shall forswear (or renounce) his Masonry, and shall no more use this Craft; the which if he presume for to do, the Sheriff of the Coun∣ty shall prison him, and take all his Goods into the King's Hands, till his Grace be granted him and issued: For this Cause principally have these Congregations been ordain'd, that as well the lowest as the highest should be well and truly served in this Art foresaid throughout all the Kingdom of England.

  Amen, so more it be.
• * 1.46

  Tertio Henrici Sexti, Chap. I. An Dem. 1425.

  Title. Masons shall not cofederate themselves in Chapters and Congregations.

  WHEREAS by yearly Congregations and Confederacies, made by the Masons in their General Assemblies, the good Course & Effect of the Statutes for Labourers be openly violated and broken, in Subversion of the Law, and to the great Damage of all the Commons, our said Sovereign Lord the King, will∣ing in this Case to provide a Remedy, by the Advice and Assent aforesaid, and at the special Requesi of the Commons, hath ordained and established, that such Chapters and Congregations shall not be heveafter holden; and if any such be made, they that cause such Chapters & Congregations to be assembled & holden, if they thereof be convict, shall be judged for Felons, and that the other Ma∣sons that come to such Chapters and Congregations be punish'd by Imprisonment of their Bodies, and make ••ine and Ransom at the King's Will.

  Co. Inst. 3. p. 99.
• * 1.47

  That Act was made in ignorant Times, when true Learning was a Crime, and Geometry condem'd for Conjurnation; but it cannot derogate in the least Degree from the Honour of the ancient Fraternity, who to be sure would never en∣courage any such Confederacy of their working Brethren. But by Tradition it is believ'd, that the Parliament-Men were then too much influen••'d by the illite∣rate Clergy, who were not accepted Masons, nor understood Architecture (as the Clergy of some former Ages) and generally thought unworthy of this Brother∣hood; yet thinking they had an indefeasible Right to know all Secrets, by virtue of amicular Confession, and the Masons never confessing any thing thereof, the f••nd Clergy were highly offended, and at first suspecting them of Wickedness, re∣presented them as dangerous to the State during that Minority, and soon influenc'd the Parliament-Men to lay hold of such supposed Agreements of the working Masons, for making an Act that might seem to reflect Dishonour upon even the whole wor∣shipful Fraternity, in whose Favour several Acts had been both before and after ••••at Per••d. made.
• * 1.48

  ELIZABETH being jealous of any Assemblies of her Subjects, whose Business she was not duly appriz'd of, attempted to break up the unnual Com∣munication of Masons, as dangerous to her Government: But, as old Masons have transmited it by Tradition, when the noble Persons her Majesty had commis∣sioned, and brought a sufficient Posse with them at York on St. John's Day, were o•••••• admitted into the Hodge, they made no use of Arms, and return'd the Queen a most honourable Account of the ancient Fraternity, when by her poli∣••••al Fears and Doubts were dispe••••d, and she let ••em alone, as a People much respected by the Noble and the Wise & all the polite Nations, but ••••glected the Art all her Reign.
• * 1.49

  The Plan and Prospect of that glorious Design being still preserv'd, it is estrem'd by skillful Architects to excel that of any other Palace in the known Earth, for the Symmetry, Firmness, Beauty and Conveniency of Architecture; as indeed all Master JONES's Designs and Erections are Originals, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first View discover him to be the Architect: Nay, his mighty Genius prevail'd with the Nobility and Gentry of all Britain, (for he was as much honour'd in Scot∣land as in England) to affect and revive the ancient Stile of MASONRY, too long neglected; as appears by the many corious Fa••••••••ks of those Times, on•• of which shall be now mention'd, the least, and perhaps one of the fin••st, the GATE of the Physic Garden at OXFORD, rais'd by HENRY DANVEKS EARL OF DANBY, which cost his Lordship many hundred ••ounds, and is as curi∣ous a little piece of Masonry as ever was built there le••cre or since, with the fol∣lowing Inscription on the Front of it, viz.

  GLORIE DEI OPTIMI MAXIMI, HONORI CAROLI REGIS, IN ••••UM ACADEMIAE E•• REIPUBLICAE, ANNO 1632.

  HENRIOUS COMES DANBY.
• * 1.50

  It was an ancient Royal Palace, and rebuilt after the Augustan Style, so neat, that, by competent Judges, it has been esteem'd the finest House belonging to the Crown: And though it is not very large, it is both magnificent and convenient, both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Outside, with good Gardens, and a very large Park; and all other adjacent ••ccomodations.
• † 1.51

  But by the royal Example of his Brother King Charles II. the City of LON∣DON erected the famous Monument, where the Great Fire began, all of solid Stone, 202 foot high from the Ground, a Pillar of the Dorick Order, 15 Fo••t diameter, with a curious Stair Case in the Middle of black Marble, and an i•••••• Balcony on the Top (not unlike those of Trajan and Antoninus at ROME from whence the City and Suburbs may be view'd; and it is the highest Column we know upon Earth. Its Pedestal is 21 Foot square, and 40 Foot high, the Fr•••••• of which is adorn'd with most ingenious Emblems in Basso Relieve, w••••••ght by that famous Sculptor, Mr. Gabriel Cibber, with large La••in ••nscriptions on the Sed••s of it; founded Anno 16••••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 finish'd Anno 1677.

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Time also the Society ••••••••••RCHANT ADVENTURER•• re∣•••••••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 ••O••AL EXCHANGE of London (the 〈…〉〈…〉 desire••'d by the 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Style, the 〈…〉〈…〉 of that Use in Eu••••••••, with the King's Statu•• to the Life, of white Marble, 〈…〉〈…〉 of the 〈…〉〈…〉 the famous Moster-Carv•••• and Statuary, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. GRINLIN G••••BONS, who ••••as justly ad•••••••••• ••il over Europe, 〈…〉〈…〉 rivalling, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surpassing, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 most same Italian Masters) on the Pedestal of which is the fol∣lowing Inscription viz.

  CAROLO II. CAESARI BRITANNICO
  PATRIAE PATRI
  RECUM OFTIMO CLEMENTISSIMO AUGUSTISSIMO
  GENERIS HUMANI DE••••••••••S
  UTRIUSQUE FORTUNAE VICTORI
  PACIS EUROPAE ARBITRO.
  MARIUM DOMINO AC VINDICI
  ••OCIET AS MERCATORUM ADVENTUR ANGLIAE
  QUAE PER CCCC JAM PROPE ANNOS
  REGIA BENIGNITATE FLORET
  ••IDEI INTEMERATAE ET GRATITUDINIS AETERNAE
  HOC TESTIMONIUM
  VENER ABUNDA POSUIT
  ANNO SALUTIS HUMANAE MDCLXXXIV.

  TO CHARLES II EMPEROR OF BRITAIN
  FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY
  BEST MOST MERCIFUL AND AUGUST OF KINGS
  DELIGHT OF MANKIND
  IN ADVERSITY AND PROSPERITY UNMOV'D
  UMPIRE OF EUROPE'S PEACE
  COMMANDER AND SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS
  THE SOCIETY OF MERCHANT ADVENTURERS OF ENGLAND
  WHICH FOR NEAR CCCC YEARS
  BY ROYAL FA••OUR FLOURISHETH
  OF UNSHAKEN LOYALTY AND ETERNAL GRATITUDE
  THIS TESTIMON••
  HAS IN VENERATION ERECTED
  IN THE YEAR OF SALEATION MDCLXXXII

  Nor should we forget the famous THEATER of OXFORD, built by Arch∣bishop SHELDON, at his sole Cost, in th•••••• King's Time, which, among ••i•• other fine Works, was design'd and conducted also by Sir Christopher Wren the king's Architect; for it is justly admir'd by the curious; and the MUSAEUM adjoin∣ing to it, a fine Building raild at the Charge of that illustrious UNIVE••SI∣TY, where there have been since erected several more Roman Buildings, as Trinity-College Chappel, Allhallows Church in High-street, Peckwater-Square in Christ-Church College, the n••w Printing-House, and the whole of Queen's-College rebuilt, &c. by the liboral Donations of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eminent Be∣nefactors, and by the publick Spirit, Vigilaney, and Fidelity of the Heads of Col∣leges, who generally have had a true Taste of Rom•••• Architecture.

  The learned UNIVERSITY of CAMBRIDGE 〈◊〉〈◊〉 having had the Ma∣nagement of such liberal Donations, have not so many fin•• Structures, but they have two of the most curious and excellent in Grea••-Britain of their kind, the one a Gothick Building, KING's COLLEGE CHAPPEL (unless you except King Henry VII's Chappel in Westminster-Abbey); and the other a Roman Building, TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY.
• * 1.52

  The Bishop of Salisbury went in an orderly Procession, duly attended, and having levell'd the first Stone, gave it two or three Knocks with a Mallet, upon which, the Trumpets sounded, and a vast Multitude made loud Acolamations of Joy; when his Lordship laid upon the Stone a Purse of 100 Guineas, as a Present from his Majesty for the use of the Graftsmen. The following Inscrip∣tion was cut in the Foundation Stone, and a Sheet of Lead put upon it, viz.

  D. S.
  SERENISSIMUS REX GEORGIUS
  PER DEPUTATUM SUUM
  REVERENDUM ADMODUM IN CHRISTO PATREM
  RICHARDUM EPISCOPUM SARISBURIENSEM
  SUMMUM SUUM ELEEMOSYNARIUM
  ADSISTENTE (REGIS JUSSU)
  DOMINO THO HEWET EQU AUR
  AEDIFIGIORUM REGIORUM CURATORE
  PRINCIPALI
  PRIMUM HUJUS ECCLESLAE LAPIDEM
  POSUIT
  MARTII 19 ANNO DOM. 1721.
  ANNOQUE REGNI SUI OCTAVO.

  SACRED TO GOD.
  HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY KING GEORGE
  BY HIS PROXY
  THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN CHRIST
  RICHARD LORD BISHOP OF SALISBURY
  HIS MAJESTY'S CHIEF ALMONER
  ASSISTED (AT HIS MAJESTY'S COMMAND)
  BY SIR THOMAS HEWET KNIGHT
  OF HIS MAJESTY'S ROYAL BUILDINGS
  PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR
  THE FIRST STONE OF THIS CHURCH LAID
  THIS 19th OF MARCH ANNO DOMINI 1721
  AND THE EIGHTH YEAR OF HIS REIGN.
• * 1.53

  It were endless to recount and describe the many curious Roman Buildings in Great-Britain alone, erected since the Revival of Roman Masonry; of which a few may be here mention'd, besides those already spoken of, viz.

  • The QUEEN's House at Greenwich, Belonging to the Crown.
  • The great Gallery in Somerset-Gardens, The Crown.
  • Gunnersbury-House near Brentford, Middlesex, Possess'd by the Duke of Queensbury.
  • Lindsay-House in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields, Duke of Auc. sler.
  • York-Stairs at the Thames in York-Buildings.
  • St. Paul's-Church in Covent-Garden, with its glorious Porti••o.
  • The Building and Piazza of Covent-Garden, Duke of Bedford.
  • Wilton Castle in Wiltshire, Earl of Pembroke.
  • Castle-Ashby in Northamptonshire, Earl of Strassord.
  • ...Stoke-Park in ditto, Arundel Esq
  • Wing-House in Bedfordshire, Hon. William Stanhope, Esq
  • Chevening-House in Kent, Earl Stanhope.
  • Ambrose Bury in Wiltshire, Lord Carleton.

  All design'd by the incomparble INIGO JONES, and most of them conducted by ••irn, or by his Son-in-Law Mr. Web, according ot Mr. Jones's Designs.

  Besides many more condncted by other Arebitocts, in fluendd by the same happy Gerins; such as,

  • Bov. Church Steeple in Cheapside. Built by Sir Chri Wren.
  • Hothim-House in Beverly, Yorkshire, Sir Chales Hothum Bart
  • Melvin Houle in Fief, Earl of Levin
  • Longleate-House in Wiltshire, Viscount Weymouth.
  • ...Chesterlee-street-House in Durham Couunty John Hedworth, Esq,
  • Montague-House in Bloomsbury, London, Duke of Montagu.
  • Drumlanrig Castle in Nithisdaleshire, Dukeof Queensbury.
  • Castle-Howard in Yorkshire, Earl of Carlisle.
  • Stainborough-House in ditto, Earl of Strafford.
  • Hopton-Castle in Linlithgowshire, Earl of Hopton.
  • Bleheim-castle at Woodstlock, Oxfordshire, Duke of Marlborough.
  • Chaswoth-Castle in Derbyshire, Duke of Devonshire.
  • Palace of Hammilton in Clysdaleshire, Duke of Hammiltton.
  • Wanstead House in Epping-Forest, Essex, Lord Castlemain.
  • ...Duncomb-Park in Yorkshire, Thomas Ducomb Esq
  • Mereworth Castle in Kent, Hon. John Fane Esq
  • Sterling-House near Sterling-castle, Duke of Argyle.
  • Kinross-House in Kinorssshire, Sir William Bruce Bart.
  • ...Stourton-castle in Wiltshire, Henry Hoar Esq
  • ...Willbury-House in ditto, William Benson Esq
  • Bute Castle in Isle of Bute, Earle of Bute.
  • Walpole-House near Lin Regis, Norsolk, Hon. Rob. Walpole Esq
  • Burlington-House in Pickadilly, St. James's Westminster, Earl of Burlington.
  • Dormitory of King's School, Westminster, The Grown.
  • Tottenham-Park in Wiltshire, Lord Bruce.

  These three last are design'd and conducted by the Earl of BURLINGTON, alo bids fair to be the best Architect of Britain, [if be is not so aheady] and we tear his Lordship intends to publish the valuable Remains of Mr. inigo Jones, or the Improvement of other Architects.

  Besides more of the same Roman Style, and yet many mere in Imitation of it, which though they cannot be teduc'd to any certain Style, are stately, beantiful, and convenient Strutlura notauaso stavding the Mistakes of their several Architects: And besides the sumptuons and venerable Gothick Enthings, past reckoning, as Cachedrals; P••sish-Chushope, Chappels, Bridges, old Palaces of the Kings, of the Nobillry, psithe Bjshlops, ••••d the Gentry; known well to Travellers, and to such as peruse the Histories of Counties, and the ancient Monuments of great Famdies, &c. as many Erection; of the Roman Style may be review'd in Mr. Campbell the Architect's ingenious Book, call'd VITRUVIUS BRTTANNI∣CUS: And if the Disposition for truee ancient Masonry prevails, for some time, with N••lemn, ••••memen, and learned men, (as it is likely it will) this ISLANI) will beroms the MISTRESS of ••the) Earth, Ifor Desiening, Doawing, and Counductaw, and capable to instruct alb other Nations in all things reloting to the ROYALART.