On The Probable Origin Of Freemasonry.

operated in building the Temple . In this manner we can easily explain the rapid and effectual diffusion of ancient Freemasonry amongst various nations ; thus , some nations which during many centuries have had no kind of intercourse with

the remainder of the world , possess all the regular asonic secrets , hold regular lodges , and adhere o ceremonies similar to , and , in many essential points coinciding enthely with those adopted by Masonic bodies in the remainder of the world ;

and we find that Hiram , AVIIO was King of Tyre , a country adjacent to Judasa , not only concluded a treaty with Solomon , but he was his constant and devoted friend . Hiram ' s father was a Tynan , and his mother was a Jewess . Many Tyrians

assisted actively at Solomon's works , in preparing the materials requisite for the erection of the Temple . For many years the two countries entertained friendly relationship , founded on a kind of reciprocity treaty . Masonry must ,

therefore , have existed and flourished among the Tyrians almost to the same extent as it did among the Jews . The fact of the Tyrian language being derived from the Hebrew must have greatly facilitated and promoted the amicable intercourse between the two peojDles .

One hundred and sixty-four years after the inauguration of the Temple of King Solomon , the Tyrians founded in Northern Africa a colon }' , the inhabitants of which were subsequently called Carfchag'euians . The commercial activity of the

latter soon raised them to a most important and opulent position amongst the nations of that period . Between Tyrians and Oarthagenians mercantile and friendly relations continued in such a manner and on such terms that we are inclined

to believe that , if Masonry existed amongst the former , it must evidently have been cultivated also by the latter . The Tyrians planted colonies not alone in Africa , but also in Europe . At a very remote epoch they founded the city of Gacles

( Oadix ) , which became the chief emporium for the trade of Spain . The Oarthagenians , following in the same path , took possession of the greater part of Spain as well as of many important islands in the Mediterranean , and all these settlements subsequently fell into the hands of the Romans .

During Solomon ' s reign , as well as before and after , very intimate relations existed between the Jews and Egyptians . Proofs of this we find in the fact that one of Solomon's wives was a daughter of the King of Egypt , that a

flourishing commerce was carried on between the two countries , and the Court of the wisest of all kings was repeatedly visited by Egyptian noblemen . From all this we may properly infer that ancient Freemasonry was introduced among the

Egyptians . But , however this may be , we are informed by various historians of Antiquity that Masonry nourished in Egypt a short time subsequent to the said period . By the unanimity of ancient authors it is averred that the priests of

Egypt were possessed of many valuable secrets , and highly instructed in all arts and sciences of the period . We cannot determine with certainty Avhether they did or did not possess the Masonic secrets ; yet many reasons founded on various

circumstances militate in favour of such an assumption . It was in Egypt that Pythagoras was initiated in his mysteries and instructed in his arts in Egypt sculpture , architecture , and all arts and sciences of that time were brought to great

perfection , and there is an opinion prevalent amongst pala 3 ologists that Masonry was highly appreciated in that country . There are also various Egyptian obelisks conveyed to Rome during Augustus' reign , on which many curious

hieroglyphics and Masonic emblems are engraved . The ancient philosophers considered Egypt as the cradle and classical ground of science . It is certain that Homer , Lycurgus , Solon , Pythagoras , Plato , Thales , and many other poets , lawgivers

and philosophers of Antiquity frequently visited Egypt , where many of them , according to profane history , were initiated by the Egyptian priests in their mysteries . The Egyptian Cecrops was the original founder

of Athens . It naturally follows that friendly relations wore entered upon and kept up for a very considerable space of time between the two countries , and though these communications may not have served as a medium for the transmission of

the Egyptian mysteries , still the philosophers who were in the habit of visiting Egypt from time to time certainly conveyed to their native land whatever they deemed conducive to the welfare of their fellow-countrymen . There are many circumstances

incidental to the history of the States of Hellas that militate strongly in favour of the assumption that Masonry existed amongst these people , though we have certainly no positive proofs . Two points , out of many , we may adduce as evidence . At the time when the pest was raging and decimating the population of the City of Athens , Hippocrates ,