The Sun.
London, England, 1823-04-10 00:00:00

LITERARY NOTICE.

The ANTIQUITIES of FREEMASONRY—By"the Rev.

Gr.

The nature and, subject of , this work, which
has just &sued from the Press, are so peculiar,
that to the generality of our Readersiwho may not
belong to the Society of Free-Masons, a.review
of this publication may, be ,pninteresting and
unintelligible, although assuredly in it, " the
LIGHT actually shines in darkness ;" but to
the Fraternity it cannot fail in proving highly
grateful, because it is, a work which displays
the Spirit of a sound and good Mason in a man-
ner that reflects the greatest honour upon the
Author, as a man of talent, piety, ind'ustry, and
research, and to the CRAFT in the alliance of such
a Brother. The object of the Author in producing
this Work, was " in the present extension and
increasing popularity of Free-Masonry, with a view
of recommending' it as an auxiliary to Religion ;"
and in contradiction to the vulgar notion, that
the Masonic Institution is countenanced and sup.
ported chiefly for the 'purposes of conviviality
and luxury, to chew that it is " a Society founded
on the basis of Religion, which cultivates and
enforces the Christian virtues of Faith,. Hope,
and Charity, and the moral duties emanating
from then), like rays of light from the Ineridiatt
Sun."

On Masonry generally, Mr. ON rcit oloServes,
that 44 it unites mankind in the indissoluble
bonds of sincere affection, and if its nature and
origin be minutely considered, it will produce a
perfect conviction that,. when its fundamental
principles are strictly adhered to, it cannot pos-
sibly be otherwise. It is not simply practical or
operative, but speculative or spiritual Masonry,
that produces this desirable consummation. Our
ornaments, furniture, and jewels, are all highly
emblematical of some greater aud more noble
purpose than the use to which they might be ap.
plied as instruments of labour; and in this view
it is, that though the light may shine brilliantly
amidst the darkness, yet it is evident that the
darkness comprehendith it not."

"It is not a proselyting system—it is not made up of plots
and conspiracies against peace and social ordei,—it interferes
with no other institution, moral or religious—nor does it take
any part in the disputes and broils which periodically agitate
and enfeeble the ecclesiastical or• political world : These nege-
five merits should entitle Masonry to some degree of consider.
ation—at least, they should protect it from that thoughtless and
indiscriminate censure with which .it.. is.. over-
whelmed." In these A►niquities of Masonry, it will be shewn,
that " the employment
.of Freemasons" is neither puerile or
ridiculous; but that it consists in " critical investigations of
human science, history, and religious truth, enlivened by the
sweet influences of social converse sad mutual Conversation.".
We have not time at present to pursue these
general observations. _farther ; but it is our future
intention to give one of the ancient charges of
Masonry to a. candidate, as a'' specimen of
the instruction conveyed by Masonry. We
shall also hereafter quote some passages from
" The Antiquities of Freemasonry," Wtich will
singularly and exceedingly interest that Divine,
in particular, who is an initiated Brother ; a! 44; so
long as the authenticity of the Scriptures main-
tains, so long must the A NylQ UITY of Freemasonry-
be established. And to awe, if not to silence, the
direspectfulobservations of many who profess to be
Christians, we shall also quote, from this work,
some passages which are therein pointed out, and.
contained in. the New Testament, to a correct
interpretation of which,. and right understand-
ing them also, the master key of ArlAsorctur
alone—lN rriATioN—can possibly be,found ade-
quate, and is therefore absolutely necessary.

Itte.,This morning at a quarter to three
o'clock, a tremendous fire broke out at Mr.
Glees's, the Maidenhead public-house, in Ram:.
court, Fleet-street. The whole neighbourhood
was in a dreadful state of alarm, by the springing,
of watchmen's rattles, the vociferations of Fire !
and in the endeavour to rouse the sleeping inha-
bitants. The distress. was, indeed, greater than
we have witnessed on similar occasions—the late-
ness of the hour, the narrow entrance to the
court, and the consequent difficulty of egress mid
ingress women with infants in their arms, men half-
dressed,rushing impetuously throtigh the cfew d----
some anxiously looking for their farni lies,and others
in the violence of their anguish exclaiming that
they had lost their all—rendered the whole
scene one of terrific borror. Two parish engines
arrived instantly, and there was a plentiful sup-
ply of water; but the inability of their conductors
to bring them into play, added to the confusion.
The arrival, however,, of the more efficient Fire.
office engines cheered.the surrounding inhabitants,
and the further progress of the conflagration wa
prevented. A strong ,body of Police were in.
stantly on the spot, and exerted themselves with
most laudable anxiety to protect the proyerty of
the unfortunate sufferers.

A cause- having been tried before Lord K ENYON)
and a verdict given for the plaintiff; but the
defendant, not content with the verdict, called
the plaintiff a perjured rascal, An action was
brought for slander, and when brought before
Lord KEN YON, one of the witnesses was called
to prove the words. " W hat else did he say. 1"
asked Lord K. " Why, my Lord," be added,
" you were a rascal, and the Jury rill apuyca of
d—d,foois." Upon which the Learned Judge
directed ,a verdict to be entered for the 410..
fendant, as the words (his Lordship said) had
been spoken in such blind passion, that he wit:;
not likely to be seriously believed.