are suddenly alarmed with the approach of death, when we least expect him, and at an hour which we probably conIclude to be the meridian of our existence. What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of wealth, or charms of beauty, when nature has paid her just debt? If for a moment we throw our eyes on the last scene, and view life stripped of its ornaments, and exposed in its natural meanness, we shall then be convinced of the futility of these empty delusions. In the grave all fallacies are detected, all ranks are levelled, and all distinctions are done away. "While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave of our deceased friend, let charity induce us to throw a veil over his foibles, whatever they may have been, and let us not withhold from his memory the praise his virtues may have claimed. Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf. Perfection has never been attained; the wisest as well as the best of men have erred. His meritorious actions, therefore, let us imitate, and from his weakness let us derive instruction. "Let the present example excite our serious attention, and strengthen our resolutions of amendment. As life is uncertain, and all earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer postpone the important concern of preparing for eternity; but let us embrace the happy moment, while time and opportunity offer, to provide with care against that great change, when the pleasures of this world shall cease to delight, and the reflections of a life spent in the exercise of piety and virtue yield the only comfort and consolation. Thus shall our expectations not be frustrated, nor shall we be hurried unprepared into the presence of that all wise and powerful Judge. To conclude: Let us support with propriety the character of our profession on every occasion, advert to the nature of our solemn engagements, and pursue with unwearied assiduity the sacred tenets of masonry; that from the endearments of a virtuous society on earth we may be raised to the blissful society in heaven." The following invocations are then to be made by the master, and the usual honours to accompany each: Master. May we be true and faithful; and may we live and die in love!" Response."So mote it be." Master May we profess what is good, and may we always act agreeably to our profession!" Response.So mote it be." Master."May the Lord bless us, and prosper us; and may all our good intentions be crowned with success!" Response.So mote it be." The secretaries are then to advance, and throw their rolls into the grave with the usual forms, while the chaplain repeats, with an audible voice, "Glory be to God on high, on earth peace and good will towards men." Response. So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and forever more." The master is then to conclude the ceremony at the grave, in the following words: "From time immemorial it has been an established custom among the fraternity of free and accepted masons, when requested by a brother on his death bed, to accompany his corpse to the place of interment; and there to deposite his remains with the usual formalities. "In conformity to this laudable usage, and at the special request of our deceased brother, whose memory we revere, and whose loss we deplore, we are here assembled in the character of masons, to resign his body to the earth from whence it came, and to offer up the last tribute of our affection to his memory; thereby demonstrating to the world the sincerity of our past esteem, and our steady attachment to the principles of our honourable order. "With proper respect to the established customs of the country in which we reside, with due deference to our superiors in church and state, and with unlimited good will to all mankind, we appear in the character of our profession. Invested with the badges of masonry, we publicly declare our obedience and submission to the laws and government of the country in which we live, and an ardent wish to promote the general good of society; we humbly implore the blessing of heaven on all our zealous endeavours for this laudable purpose, and pray for our steady perseverance in the principles of piety and virtue. "As it has pleased God, in the removal of our brother, to weaken the chain by which we are linked one to another, it becomes us, who survive him, to be more strongly cemented in the tics of union and friendship; and in some measure to make up his loss by a warmer zeal and fidelity in all the charities and duties of life. "Unto the grave we resign the body of our friend and brother! [The body is entombed, and the y dropped, &c. "Friend of our hearts, there rest in peace. Raised by the grand master's word, mayest thou hereafter share the honours of perfection, the joys and bliss immortal! "Amen! So mote it be.-Amen! "Farewell!-We will meet again!" Thus the service ends, when the usual honours are given, and the procession returns to the place from whence it came. The brethren being arrived at the lodge, the necessary duties are complied with, and the business of masonry is renewed. The regalia, and the ornaments of the deceased, if an officer of a lodge, are returned to the master in due form, with the usual ceremonies; after which the charges for regulating the conduct of the fraternity are rehearsed, and the lodge is closed in the third degree with a blessing. CHAPTER VI. PROCESSIONS-No. I. Order of Procession, for One Lodge, on common occasions. Tyler, with a drawn sword, Stewards, with white rods, Music, (when the musicians are brethren; otherwise they form on the right and left of the procession, or precede the Tyler) Marshal. Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts. Deacons, Secretary and Treasurer, Senior and Junior Warden, The holy writings, square and compass, carried by the oldest member of the lodge not in office, accompanied with the Chaplain, Past Masters, Master. GRAND PROCESSIONS-No. II. Order of Procession, when the Ceremony of Consecrating and Marshal. Fellow Crafts, Master Masons, Junior Deacons, Past Wardens, Senior Wardens, Past Masters, (To form as in No. 1, omitting Past Masters and Chapla in) Grand Tyler, with a drawn sword, When masonic halls are to be dedicated, &c. the corn, wine and oil, are to be carried as in No. 3. Grand Secretary and Treasurer, Master of a lodge bearing the sacred writing, square and compass, on a crimson velvet cushion; supported by the stewards of the second oldest lodge, with white rods, first steward on his right, the second on his left, Grand Marshal. Grand Chaplain, Past Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Wardens, Deputy Grand Masters, Master of the oldest lodge, bearing the book of constitu Grand Sword Bearer, with a drawn sword, Gentlemen invited to join the procession, follow, two and two. No. III. Order of Procession at laying the Foundation Stones of Public Buildings, &c. Two Tylers, (as in No. 2) Tyler of the oldest Lodge, (do.) Marshal. Marshal. Master Masons, Senior Wardens, Masters, Grand Tyler, (as in No. 2) A brother carrying a golden vessel containing corn, Two brethren carrying silver urns, one containing wine, the other oil, Principal Architect, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, |