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

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

"2. You agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside. "3. You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legislature.

"4. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil ma gistrate, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all men.

"5. 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 submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren when convened, in every case consistent with the eonstitutions of the order.

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

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

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

"9. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the art.

10. 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 ground work of masonry.

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

"12. You promise a regular attendance on the com

H

mittees and communications of the grand lodge, on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the duties of masonry, on convenient occasions.

13. 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 claudestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the ancient charges of the order.

"14. 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 char

acter.

"15. You agree that no visiters shall be received into your lodge without due examination, or being properly vouched for."

These are the regulations of free and accepted masons. The grand master then addresses the master elect in the following manner: "Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these regulations, as masters have done in all ages before you ?" The new master having signified his cordial submission as before, the grand master thus addresses him:

"Brother A. B. in consequence of your cheerful conformity to the charges and regulations of the order, you are now to be installed master of this new 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 the furniture and implements of his lodge.

The various implements of the profession are emblematical of our conduct in life, and upon this occasion carefully enumerated.

"The Holy Writings, that great light in masonry, will guide you to all truth; it will direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man.

The Square teaches to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue,

"The Compass teaches to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die regretted.

"The Bule directs, that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the right nor to the left, in all our actions, have eternity in view.

"The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to immortality.

"The Book of Constitutions, you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in your lodge; that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.

"Lastly, you receive in charge the By-Laws of your lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually

executed."

The jewels of the officers of the new lodge being then returned to the master, he delivers them, respectively, to the several officers of the grand lodge according to their rank.

The subordinate officers of the new lodge are then invested with their jewels, by the grand officers of corresponding rank; and are by them, severally in turn, conducted to the grand master, who delivers each of them a short charge, as follows, viz:—

THE 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 attendance 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!"

THE JUNIOR WARDEN.

"Brother E. F. you are appointed Junior Warden of this new lodge; and are now invested with the badge of your office.

"The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations, to hold the scale of justice in equal poise, to observe the just medium between intemperance and pleasure, and to make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty.

"To you, with such assistance as may be necessary, is entrusted the examination of visiters, and the reception of candidates. To you is also committed the superintendance of the craft during the hours of refreshment; it is therefore indispensably necessary, that you should not only be temperate, and discreet, in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the craft be suffered to convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance and excess.

“Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly requested; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment. Look well to the South!"

THE TREASURER.

"Brother G. H. you are appointed Treasurer of this new lodge. It is your duty to receive all monies from the hands of the secretary, keep just and regular accounts

of the same, and pay them out at the worshipful master's will and pleasure, with the consent of the lodge. I trust, your regard for the fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office."

THE SECRETARY.

"Brother I K. you are appointed Secretary of this new lodge. It is your duty to observe the worshipful master's will and pleasure, to record the proceedings of the lodge, to receive all monies and pay them into the hands of the treasurer.

"Your good inclination to masonry and this lodge, I hope, will induce you to discharge your office with fidelity, and by so doing, you will merit the esteem and ap plause of your brethren."

THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR DEACONS.

"Brothers, L. M. and N. O. you are appointed Deacons of this new lodge. It is your province to attend on the master and wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the lodge; such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of masonry; the introduction and accommodation of visiters, and the immediate practice of our rites. Those columns, as badges of your office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention."

THE STEWARDS.

"Brothers P. Q and R. S. you are appointed Stewards of this new lodge. The duties of your office are, to assist in the collection of dues and subscriptions, to keep an account of the lodge expenses, to see that the tables are properly furnised at refreshment, and that every brother is suitably provided for; and generally to assist the deacons and other officers in performing their respective duties. Your regular and early attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal and attachment to the lodge."

THE TYLER

Is then appointed- and receives the instrument of his of fice, with a short charge on the occasion.