emblem which we now call the masosonic LEVEL. The most sublime ordinances of Christianity are shadowed in our institution under types and illustrious symbols. In a word, the whole system of ancient religion, whether genuine or spurious, was little else than primitive masonry under various modifications; and, consequently, it contained every thing that was conducive to human happiness both temporal and eternal. For the sake of the institution generally, and for the sake of its members in particular, I should grieve to be convicted of error; because if religion be discarded from the illustrations of Freemasonry, it can possess no charms for a rational being. Objections may perhaps arise, but none, I trust, of sufficient weight to invalidate the theory. I conclude, however, in the words of Tully, "refellere sine pertinacia, et refelli sine iracundia, parati sumus." CONTENTS. Christianity was the true religion from the fall of man to the establishment of the Jewish dispensation; even the temporary system revealed to Moses was, in every material point, typical of the perfect Church of Jesus Christ; and therefore Speculative Masonry being early united with faith in Christ, has in all b |