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DESCENT OF FREE-MASONRY. 457
We shall now advance a theory, which we consider to be
perfectly original ; and though we freely allow it to be only a
theory, we trust we may be permitted to say that it is specious,
and unallied to improbability. It is, that Free-Masonry, or
Lux, has descended down to us from the Druidical Mysteries
through the CULDEES, who succeeded the Celtic priesthood.
But at what precise period, and by whom the comparatively
modern change in its forms and ritual was made, we shall not
presume here to determine.
But let us inquire who and what these Culdees were. Dr.
Henry asserts, that the Druids had among them collegiate
or monastic institutions, similar to the Pythagoreans and Cae-
nobites, and certain it is that such institutions are to be found
in the most early records of antiquity. Dr. Aickin says, that
the Chaldeans and Celts were one and the same people : no
wonder is it, then, that the priesthood are to be found in these
islands by the name of Culdees. It appears that they succeeded
to their office by hereditary descent, or heirship, in the church of
St. Andrew's, leaving their possessions to their wives and chil-
dren when they died. And in Ireland also, in the church of
Armagh, where this body had great influence, there was an
hereditary succession of fifteen generations. (Celtic Druids.)
Huddleston has given a curious account, from the registry
of the Prior of St. Andrew's, of the dedication of that church,
which till then had been called Kilrimont, to St. Andrew, by
King Hungus and Bishop Regulus, in the year 825. From
this it appears not to have before been dedicated to any Saint.
He says, that Kilrimont means temple on the King's mount.
I think it probable that their bishop, Regulus, had become
converted to the Roman faith, and that in consequence the
monks were obliged to submit ; for what could they do against
their prior and the king? But they continued to perform
divine worship in a certain corner of the church, after their
own manner j and the register adds, " Nor could this evil be
removed till the time of King Alexander, of blessed memory,
in the year 1 124 5 so that the Culdees and Popish priests
performed their service in the same church for nearly three
hundred years."