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and their requisite qualifications. The ceremony of opening and closing lodges in the several preceding degrees, and and the forms of installations and consecrations, in the grand Lodge, are explained. It comprehends the ceremonies at laying foundation stones of public buildings, and also at funerals and at dedications, in a variety of particulars.

SECTION FIRST.

This part of the lecture contains the form of a petition for a warrant, or charter, for a Master's Lodge. The ceremonies of constitution and consideration, together with a grand procession, are displayed.

When a Lodge constituted, if the grand Master attends the ceremony, it is said to be performed in ample form; if the deputy only attends, it is done in due form; if the master of a subordinate lodge presides, it is done in form.

SECOND SECTION.

Here the ceremony of installation is presented.

The master elect is addressed by the presiding officer as follows:

"BROTHER,

Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations which point out the duty of a master of a lodge

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The grand master then reads, or orders to be read, a summary of the ancient charges to the mastér elect, as follows, viz.

1.-You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law.

II.-You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside.

III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legislature.

IV-You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all men.

V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the order of masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren when convened, in every case consistent with the constitutions of the order.

VI.-You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess.

VII.-You agree to be cautious in carriage and behaviour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your lodge.

VIII.-You promise to respect genuine brethren, and to discountenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan of masonry.

IX-you agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowl edge of the art.

X.-You promise to pay homage to the grand master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the grand lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and groundwork of masonry.

X. You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry.

XII. You promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the grand lodge, on receiving proper notice, and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry, on convenient occasions.

XIII.-You admit that no new lodge shall be formed without permission of the grand lodge and that no countenance be given to any irregular lodge, or to any

person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the ancient charges of the order

XIV. You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his charac

ter.

XV.-You agree that no visiters shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular Lodge."

The master, having signified his assent to the foregoing regulations of Masonry, is further addressed as follows;

"Do you submit to these charges and promise to conform to these regulations as all masters have done before you?

The master, assenting, is further addressed : "Brother A B,

"In consequence of your cheerful conformity to the foregoing regulations of the order, you are now to be installed master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to govern the same."

The new master is then regularly invested with the insignia of his office, and is presented with the furniture and implements of his Lodge. These implements are il lustrative of our various duties in life, and are carefully explained.

"The Holy Bible, the first and greatest light in Masonry, will guide you into all truth; it will direct your steps to the temple of happiness; and point out to you the whole duty of man."

"The square teaches to regulate your conduct and harmonize your actions by the principles of morality and virtue."

"The compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, rising to eminence by merit; that, having lived respected, we may die regretted."

"The rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, inclining neither to the right hand nor to the left; and continually keep eternity in view."

"The line is the symbol of moral rectitude, leading our steps to immortality."

"The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times, and cause it to be read in your lodge."

"Lastly you receive the by-laws of your lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed."

CHARGE TO A NEWLY INSTALLED MASTER.

"WORSHIPFUL MASTER,

"The grand lodge having committed to your care the superintendence and government of the brethren who are to compose this new lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations which devolve on you, as their head; nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the inportant duties annexed to your appointment.

"The honour, reputation, and usefulness of your lodge will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns: while the happiness of its members will be generally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine principles of our institution.

"For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary of nature, which, rising in the east, regularly diffuses light and lustre to all within its circle. In like manner it is your province to spread and communicate light and instruction to the brethren of your lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of masonry; and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practise, out of the lodge, those duties which they have been taught in it; and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the institution; so that when any one is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is

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one to whom the burthened heart may pour out its sorrows; to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and his heart expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the by-laws of your lodge, the constitutions of masonry, and above all the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honour and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time shall be no

more."

The foregoing charge as well as those which follow are given after the respective jewels are presented, by the grand officer of corresponding rank.

SENIOR WARDEN.

"Brother C D, you are appointed Senior Warden of this new lodge, and are now invested with the ensign of your office.

"The level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; and though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that, we are brethren; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune's wheel may be entitled to our regard; because a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinctions, but that of goodness, shall cease; and death, the grand leveller of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.

"Your regular attendence on our stated meetings is essentially necessary; in the absence of the master, you are to govern this lodge; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of masonry, and attachment to the lodge, for the faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust.Look well to the West.

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