TO THE OFFICERS OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THIS LITTLE VOLUME 18 RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. INTRODUCTION TO THE FIFTH EDITION THE rapid sale and extensive circulation of former edi tions of the TRUE MASONIC CHART, have furnished the bes proofs of its merits, while a constant and increasing de mand for the Work would alone justify its republication. The present edition is intended, not only to supply that demand, but also to fulfil, in part, an intention put forth by the Author on the publication of the fourth edition—to give a brief History of Free Masonry, from its commencement up to the establishment of the same in the United States. This History is comprised in the present edition. It is from the pen of an able writer and accomplished Mason, and will be a valuable acquisition to the Fraternity. The reader will perceive, that special attention has been given to the due arrangement of the various Masonic Emblems and Hieroglyphics, so as to maintain inviolable the ancient landmarks of the order. The importance of this need not be urged upon the real craftsman; but some late attempts at innovation (happily rebuked by the skilful and experienced) demand, at this time, renewed vigilance in the faithful. The Author has faithfully endeavored to render this volume, now respectfully submitted, worthy the patronage and attention of his Brethren, as an interesting, useful, and correct guide: that it may prove such to all of the Fraternity who may consult its pages, is the earnest wish of THE AUTHOR. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. HAVING been honored by the approbation of the Officers of the General Grand Chapter of the United States, and of most of the Grand Lodges, and Officers of Grand Lodges ir the individual States, as a Grand Lecturer; and having, by virtue of their sanction and authority, officiated in tha' capacity for several years; the Author of this volume has had an opportunity of witnessing the mode of lecturing and working, in many different Lodges. It is not surprising, therefore, if, in the course of his experience, some errors in the practice of these branches should have fallen within his observation. These have undoubtedly originated from a want of uniformity; and although they may not be considered as radical evils, in relation to the hidden mysteries of the Fraternity, yet they would certainly be regarded as defects in that system, the perfect preservation of which is at once the pride and glory of every enlightened mason. Among these errors may be mentioned-the improper classification of masonic emblems; and a difference in the mode of working. To obviate these inaccuracies is the object of this work. It contains a classification of the emblems, together with illustrations, which have been approved and adopted by a majority of the Lodges of the United States. So far, therefore, as they are connected with the mode of working, and of lecturing, the evils which have been suggested, will be obviated by an attention to this treatise: and so far only does the Author claim any merit in having contributed towards establishing a standard, which he flatters himself may serve as a safe and sure guide to his Brethren, in some parts of their labors. The illustrations, &c., are selected from the compilations of Preston, Webb, and other established authorities, accompanied by such alterations and amendments as were deemed necessary to a strict conformity with the Ancient System. With a hope that his exertions to benefit them may not prove fruitless, the Author respectfully submits his work TO THE FRATERNITY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. SINCE the publication of the first edition of the MASONIC CHART, it has been adopted as a Text-Book by most of the Lodges and Chapters in this country. The highest expectations of the Author have been more than realized in the reception of the first and second editions by his Masonic Brethren. Its beneficial effects in promoting a uniformity in our mode of working and lecturing, have induced him to present to the Fraternity the third edition, with some additions and emendations. If his labors shall in any degree contribute to the advancement of a Society in which he feels a lively interest, he will be abundantly compensated. It has been his constant aim to place the Masonic Institution upon its proper basis. The correct Mason will ever be more esteemed than the over-zealous or coldly indifferent members of the Society. A Mason who is tho roughly acquainted with the tenets and nature of this Insti. tution, ranks it among the first of human origin, and as in culcating the purest of moral principles, and as having a powerful tendency, where strict discipline is judiciously administered agreeably to the tenets of the Institution, to improve the morals of its members, and to open and expand their hearts to acts of charity and pure benevolence. Those who elevate masonry to a level with revealed religion, and those who rank it below the standard of pure morality, are equally unacquainted with its true object. That every Brother and Companion may possess a correct knowledge of the nature and principles of our excellent Institution, and that their conduct may be such through life as to convince all with whom they may have intercourse, that our great aim is to inculcate FRIENDSHIP, MORALITY, BROTHERLY LOVE, and CHARITY, is the earnest and sincere wish of THE AUTHOR. ADVERTISEMENT. IN presenting the fourth edition of THE MASONIC CHART to the Fraternity, the Author is happy to state that but few alterations in the last edition are necessary, except in the Emblems and Hieroglyphics, which are much improved by new designs, emendations, and additions. While he believes the work has been much improved in accordance with the principles of the Institution, he yet feels conscious that some defects may be discovered by the scrutinizing eye of his more experienced Brethren: he would therefore solicit their forbearance and candor. In taking a retrospective view of the Institution, it is truly gratifying to every upright and correct Mason, to notice the great improvement which has been made within a few years past. In an institution like ours, however, which is founded on the MORAL LAW OF GOD, and requires that all her members should walk in accordance thereto, we can easily discern that much remains to be done. Especially should it not be forgotten, that the very nature of the Institution forbids the admission of any to membership, except men sustaining the straitest moral character, and that no Lodge can be justified in receiving candidates solely for the purpose of increasing their members or their funds. Let them strictly adhere to the Masonic rule, and let the "internal and not the external qualifications of the man " be the standard for admission. As every man, on entering a Lodge, first puts his trust in GoD, and then takes the "HOLY SCRIPTURES to be the rule and guide of his faith and practice," so none should be suffered to remain members who deviate therefrom. It is the intention of the Author of this little volume, by the leave of Divine Providence, to present to his Masonic Brethren, as soon as convenient, a new and improved edition of the "MASONIC BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS," a work which is often alluded to, but seldom seen, except in a few Lodges. It is designed to give a brief History of Masonry from its commencement up to the present time comprising |