world, will not be found to differ very materially.

A lodge ought to assemble for work, at least once in every month, and must consist of a master, a senior and junior warden, a secretary, treasurer, two deacons, one or more stenards, a tyler, and as many members as the master and a majority of the brethren shall think proper. It is, however, in general, deemed expedient for the convenience of working to advantage, that a lodge should not consist of more than fifty members. When a lodge

considerably exceeds that number, some of the most able workmen, and others under them, will obtain leave from the grand lodge to separate, and form themselves into a new lodge.

All preferment, amongst masons, should exclusively depend upon merit, so that the body may be well served, and thereby have honour and profit. The wardens must be chosen from amongst the master masons, and no one can be promoted to the master's chair, who has not officiated as a warden, except on extraordinary occasions, or when a new lodge is to be formed; in which case, three master masons, though never masters or wardens before, may be installed as master and wardens of the new lodge; but no number, whatever,

* In all lodges, where there are many members, there is, likewise, in general, an officer who is denominated master of ceremonies.

unless there be three master masons, can constitute a lodge, and no brother can be grand master, or a grand warden, who has not been a master of some particular lodge.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Of the Ceremony of Opening and Closing a Lodge.

In all regular assemblies, convened for wise and useful purposes, the commencement and conclusion of the business is, in general, accompanied by some form. In every country, the practice prevails, and is deemed essential. It is traced from the most remote periods of antiquity, and the refined improvements of modern times, have not abolished it.

Ceremonies, simply considered, are little more than visionary delusions; but their effects, are sometimes very important. When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, and attract the attention to solemn rites, they become peculiarly interesting. A good beginning, is the most certain mode of ensuring a good ending, of any business or pursuit whatever; and it may be observed, that when order is neglected at the beginning, it will seldom be found to take place at the end. "Let all things," says the apostle Paul, be done decently, and in order.” 1 Corinthians, xiv. 40.

And again, xiv. 33, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace."

The ceremony of opening and closing the lodge with solemnity and decorum, is, therefore, universally adopted; and though the mode may vary in some meetings, it will be found to be in all, essentially the same. To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the particular study of every mason; but more especially, of those, who have the honour of presiding in our assemblies.

Our first care is directed to the external avenues of the lodge, and the proper officers will always direct their attention to this important object, so that no improper persons can gain admission.

At the opening of the lodge, two purposes are effected, the master is reminded of the dignity of his station, and the brethren of that respect which is due to him, whom they have appointed to direct their steps in the ma

sonic art.

But these are the least important of the advantages, which result from this ceremony: A reverential awe for the Great Architect of the Universe, is inculcated, and the eye fixed on that object, from whose radiant beams, light can only be derived. Hence, in this ceremony, we are taught to adore our Creator, Preserver, and continual Benefactor, and to supplicate his direction on our well-meant endeavours. The master now assumes his government, and his wardens under him, and the

brethren uniting with one accord in duty and respect, the ceremony ends. And at the closing of the lodge, a similar form takes place. Masonic meetings always convene in the name of the Most High God, and in his name, they part; and from this pious custom they will never deviate.

A Prayer used at Opening the Lodge.

May the favour of heaven be upon this meeting; and as it is happily begun, may it be conducted in order, and closed in harmony. Amen.

A Prayer used at Closing the Lodge.

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

The Ancient Prayer at Making, or Opening a Lodge.

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the Universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces, thou hast promised, that where two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of them. In thy name, we assemble, most humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve thee

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aright, and that all our actions may tend to thy glory, and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue.

And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless this our present assembling, and grant that this our new made brother, may prove true and faithful. Endue him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that he may, with the secrets of free-masonry, be able to unfold the mysteries of godliness; and may he and we walk in the light of thy countenance, and when all the trials of our probationary state shall be over, be admitted into the temple not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen.

A Prayer at the Making of a Mason.

O God, the author of every good and perfect gift, we thy servants approach thy Divine Majesty, with the most exalted ideas of thy character, and the highest reverence for thy perfections, with gratitude for thy goodness, and submission to thine authority.

Give our

We beseech thee, to bless us. brother the spirit of wisdom, to avoid the evil and choose the good, the spirit of meekness and forbearance, of brotherly love, and cha rity. And grant, that we may not abuse our freedom; but in all our thoughts, words, and actions, so live within the compass of thy commandments, as to secure thy love. Amen.