These are faint outlines of a ceremony which universally prevails among masons in every country, and distin guishes 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 for evermore."

PRAYER AT OPENING.

Most merciful God, we beseech thee to guide and protect these thy servants here assembled—and fulfil, at this time, that divine promise thou wert pleased to make to those who should be gathered together in thy name. Teach us to know and serve thee aright-Bless and prosper all our laudable undertakings-and grant that all our conduct may tend to thy glory, to the advancement of masonry, and finally, to our salvation. Amen.

OR THIS:

Father of all, adored by all, thou almighty and most merciful God; the source of light and life, the author of good, thou has deigned to us thy protection. In thy name. we meet, humbly beseeching thy blessing on all our honest endeavours, that they may tend to the honour and advancement of this our ancient and virtuous institution and to our happiness here and hereafter.

CHARGE AT CLOSING.

BROTHERS—We are now about to quit this sacred re

treat of virtue and friendship, to mix again with the world. Whilst busied in its concerns, let us forget not our repeated engagements to protect, to vindicate, and to relieve each other. Let us, therefore, be diligent, prudent, temperate and discreet in our respective callings, that by lib. eral benevolence and diffusive charity we may discover to the world the happy effects of this ancient and honourable institution.

CHAPTER VII.

PRAYER AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE.

O THOU supreme architect of the universe, who hast promised us thy presence, we beseech thee to bless this our present undertaking, and grant that this candidate for masonry may dedicate his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us. Give to him abili. ty to know and understand thy ways, and teach him to preserve them and the mysteries of masonry pure and undefiled.

CHARGE AT INITIATION IN THE FIRST DEGREE.

BROTHER,

As you are now introduced into the first principles of masonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honourable order; ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in every particular, so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No institution was ever raised on a better principle, or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated in the several masonic lectures. The

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greatest and best of men in all ages have been encoura gers and promoters of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory from their dignity, to level themselves with the fraternity, extend their privileges, and patronise their assemblies.

There are three great duties, which as a mason, you are charged to inculcate to God, your neighbour, and yourself. To God; in never mentioning his name, but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator; to implore his aid in all your laudable undertakings; and to esteem him as the chief good:-to your neighbour, in acting upon the square, and doing unto him as you wish he should do unto you :—and to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, which may impair your faculties, or debase the dignity of your profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will ensure public and private esteem.

In the state, you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government, and just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live.

In your outward demeanour be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favour, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guil

of a dishonourable action. Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that masonry should interfere with your necessary vocations; for these are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. At your leisure hours, that you may improve in masonic knowledge, you are to

converse with well informed brethren, who will be always as ready to give, as you will be to receive instruction. Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community, and mark your consequence among masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of being initiated into masonry, be particularly attentive not to recommend him, unless you are convinced he will conform to our rules; that the honour, glory and reputation of the institution may be firmly established, and the world at large convinced of its good effects.

CHARGE AT INITIATION IN THE SECOND DEGREE,

BROTHER,

Being advanced to the second degree of masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external qualifications of a man, are what masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge, you will improve in social intercourse.

It is necessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a mason, you are bound to discharge; or enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value,

Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to sup port; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the of fences of your brethren; but, in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice,

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education, which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration; especially the science of geometry, which is estab. lished as the basis of our art. Geometry, or masonry,

originally synonimous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.

Your past behaviour and regular deportment have merited the honour which we have now conferred; and in your new character it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.

Such is the nature of your engagements as a fellow craft, and to these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties.

PRAYER AT RAISING.

O Lord, have compassion on the children of thy crea tion; administer to them comfort, that they may be enabled to support, with a firm and unshaken resolution, the trials and afflictions they are destined to endure.

May the solemnity of our ceremonies be duly impressed upon their minds, and have a lasting and happy effect upon their lives.

CHARGE AT INITIATION INTO THE THIRD DEGREE.

BROTHER,

Your zeal for the institution of masonry, the progress you have made in the mystery, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of our favour and esteem.

You are now bound by duty, honour, and gratitude, to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the order.

In the character of a master mason, you are authorised, to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity.