and from them, other brethren who are less informed, will naturally expect an example worthy of imitation.

From a share in this ceremony no Mason can be exempted. It is a general concern, in which all must assist. This is the first request of the Master, and the prelude to all business. No sooner has it been signified, than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren rank according to their degrees. The business of the meeting becomes the sole object of attention, and the mind is insensibly drawn from those indiscriminate subjects of conversation, which are apt to intrude on our less serious moments.

This effect accomplished, our care is directed to the external avenues of the Lodge; and the proper officers, whose province it is to discharge that duty, execute their trust with fidelity, and by certain mystic forms, of no recent date, intimate that we may safely proceed. To detect imposters among ourselves, an adherence to order in the character of Masons ensues, and the Lodge is opened in solemn form.

At opening the Lodge, two purposes are wisely effected: the Master is reminded of the dignity of his character, and the brethren of the homage and veneration due from them in their respective stations. These are not the only advantages resulting from a due observance of this ceremony; a reverential awe for the Deity is inculcated, and the eye fixed on that object, from whose radiant beams only light can be derived. Here we are taught to adore the God of Heaven, and to supplicate his blessing on our well

meant endeavors. 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 is used. 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 of fered up to the beneficent Author of life, and his blessing invoked upon the whole fraternity. Each brother faithfully locks up the treasure he has acs quired, 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 labor 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 garments;

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the

mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.-Psalm cxxxiii.

A PRAYER USED AT CLOSING A 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.

[NOTE.-If a clergyman be present, he may be requested by the Master to lead in the devotion at opening and closing.]

CHARGE AT CLOSING Å LODGE.

Brethren-You are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and temptations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance; you have promised to remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors; and if possible, aid him in a reformation. These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Remember it more "especially to the household of the FAITHFUL."

Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight tỏ dwell with and bless you.

CHAPTER III.

INSTRUCTIONS TO A PERSON WISHING TO BECOME A MASON.

No person can become a Mason, consistently with the ancient and salutary usages of our order, unless he be free born, and at least twenty-one years of age; of a good moral character; temperate, industrious, charitable, and possessed of public spirit and the social virtues. He must be of sufficient natural endowments to be respectable, and must have, entire, all the faculties and senses of a man. He must also have an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible means of acquiring an honest livelihood, as becomes the members of this ancient and honorable fraternity. In short, he must have a sound head and a good heart, and be exempt from all those ill qualities and vices which bring dishonor to the craft.

A person possessing the foregoing qualifications must be proposed, at his own voluntary request, by a friend or acquaintance belonging to the Lodge of which he wishes to become a member, at least one meeting previous to the time of initiation.

FORM OF APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION.

"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Lodge, No. —, of Free and Accepted Masons: The petition of the subscriber respectfully sheweth that, enter

taining a favorable opinion of your ancient institution, he is desir ous of being admitted a member thereof, if found worthy.

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry G

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincers wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures 9

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will conform to all the ancient established usages of the order 9 ”

If there remain no objection, the candidate is introduced in due form. But he has a right, previous to presenting himself, to desire his friend to show him the warrant or dispensation by which the Lodge is held; which, if genuine, he will find to be an instrument written or printed upon paper or parchment, signed by some Grand Master or his Deputy, the Grand Wardens and Secretary, and sealed with the Grand Lodge seal.

He may also request the perusal of the By-laws, and has a right to examine a complete list of the members, to learn whether the Lodge contains any