Freemasonry > Free-masons pocket-companion

Chap. I. of MASONRY. 7
formed, all the remains or monuments thereof have
long fmce perilhed.
None can doubt but Aftronomy, which mu ft
have been preceded by geometry, was invented
from the commencement of time. As there is no¬
thing more furprifing than the regularity of the
heavenly luminaries, it is eafy to judge that one of
the firft curiolities of mankind, was to confider
their courfes, and to obferve the periods of them.
It was not curiolity only that prompted men to
app y themfelves to aftronomical fpeculations ; ne-
ceffity irfelf may be laid to have obliged them to
it. For if the feafons are not obferved, which are
diftinguilhed by the motion of the Sun, it is im-
poflible to fucceed in Agriculture. If the
duration of the month and year were not determi¬
ned, a certain order could not be eftabliftied in ci~
' vil affairs, nor the days allotted to the exercife of
religion, fixed. Thus, as neither agriculture, f>oli -
ty, nor religion could difpenfe with the .want of
Aftronomy, it is evident that mankind were obli¬
ged to apply themlelves to the Sciences from the
beginning of the world.
The pofterity of Seth, who had for lome ages-
retained their integrity in the true worfliip of God,
and a dole application to the Iciences, were at laft
infefted with the fame contagion of profanenefs and
immorality, as the race of Cain ; lb that all forts
of wickednefs overlpread the earth, and reigned
triumphant: but at laft ended in their deftruftion
and