and to supplicate his protection on our well meant endeavours. The master assumes his government in due form, and under him his wardens; who accept their trust, after the customary salutations. The brethren then, with one accord, unite in duty and respect, and the ceremony concludes.

At closing the lodge, a similar form takes place. Here the less important duties of masonry are not passed over unobserved. The necessary degree of subordination in the government of a lodge is peculiarly marked, while the proper tribute of gratitude is offered up to the beneficent Author of life, and his blessing invoked and extended to the whole fraternity. Each brother faithfully locks up the treasure he has acquired in his own secret repository; and, pleased with his reward, retires to enjoy and disseminate among the private circle of his brethren, the fruits of his labour and industry in the lodge.

These are faint outlines of a ceremony, which universally prevails among masons in every country, and distinguishes all their meetings. It is arranged as a general section in every degree, and takes the lead in all our illustrations.

Charge used at Opening a Lodge.

Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment :

As the dew of Hermon, that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded a blessing, even life forevermore.

A Prayer used at Closing the Lodge.

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us, and all regular masons! may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us! Amen.

CHAPTER VI.

Charges and Regulations for the Conduct and Beha viour of Masons.

A REHEARSAL of the ancient charges properly succeeds the opening, and precedes the closing, of a lodge. This was the constant practice of our ancient brethren, and ought never to be neglected in our regular assemblies. A recapit. ulation of our duty cannot be disagreeable to those who are acquainted with it; and to those who know it not, should any such be, it must be highly proper to recommend it.

ANCIENT CHARGES.

On the Management of the Craft in Working.

Masons employ themselves diligently in their sundry vocations, live creditably, and conform

with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which they reside.

[The most expert craftsman is chosen or appointed master of the work, and is duly honoured by those over whom he presides.

[The master, knowing himself qualified, undertakes the government of the lodge, and truly dispenses his rewards, giving to every brother the approbation which he merits.

[A craftsman, who is appointed warden of the work under the master, is true to master and fellows, carefully oversees the work, and his brethren obey him.]

The master, wardens, and brethren, receive their rewards justly, are faithful, and carefully finish the work they begin, whether it be in the first or second degree; but never put that work to the first which has been accustomed to the second degree, nor that to the second or first which has been accustomed to the third.

Neither envy nor censure is discovered among true masons. No brother is supplanted, or put out of his work, if he be capable to finish it; as no man, who is not perfectly skilled in the original design, can, with equal advantage to the master, finish the work begun by another. All employed in masonry meekly receive their rewards, and use no disobliging name. Brother or fellow are the terms or appellations they bestow on each other. They behave courteously within and without the lodge, and never desert the master till the work is finished.

Laws for the Government of the Lodge.

You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, agreeably to the forms established among masons ;* you are freely to give such mutual instructions as shall be thought necessary or expedient, not being overseen or overheard, without encroaching upon each other, or derogating from that respect which is due to any gentleman were he not a mason; for though, as masons, we rank as brethren on a level, yet masonry deprives no man of the honour due to his rank or character, but rather adds to his honour, especially if he has deserved well of the fraternity, who always render honour to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners.

No private committees are to be allowed, or separate conversations encouraged; the master or wardens are not to be interrupted, or any brother speaking to the master; but due decorum is to be observed, and a proper respect paid to the master and presiding officers.

These laws are to be strictly enforced, that harmony may be preserved, and the business of the lodge be carried on with order and regu larity. Amen. So mote it be.

Charge on the Behaviour of Masons out of the Lodge. When the lodge is closed, you may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth; but you are

* In a lodge, masons meet as members of one family; all prejudices, therefore, on account of religion, country, or private opinion, are removed.

You are not to com

carefully to avoid excess. pel any brother to act contrary to his inclina tion, or give offence by word or deed, but enjoy a free and easy conversation. You are to use no immoral or obscene discourse, but at all times support with propriety the dignity of your char

acter.

You are to be cautious in your words and carriage, that the most penetrating stranger may not discover, or find out, what is not proper to be intimated; and, if necessary, you are to wave a discourse, and manage it prudently, for the honour of the fraternity.

You

At home, and in your several neighbourhoods, you are to behave as wise and moral men. are never to communicate to your families, friends or acquaintance, the private transactions of our different assemblies; but upon every occasion to consult your own honour, and the reputation of the fraternity at large.

You are to study the preservation of health, by avoiding irregularity and intemperance, that your families may not be neglected and injured, or yourselves disabled from attending to your necessary employments in life.

If a stranger apply in the character of a mason, you are cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence may direct, and agreeably to the forms established among masons; that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt; and beware of giving him any secret hints of knowledge. But if you discover him to be a truc and genuine brother, you are to re