We now, my beloved brethren, congratulate you on the establishment and prosperous situation of this respectable lodge, solemnly constituted for the promotion of morality and virtue; and we offer our fervent wishes for your personal and public felicity. By a careful observance of the precepts, which have been repeated, you may eradicate prejudices from the minds of those, who are candid and will discover, that though you possess secrets for your immediate benefit, your benevolence is imparted to the whole family of mankind. While the fair, and most amiable part of the creation, are not admitted into the lodge, let your constant endeavours to render them happy, remove every suspicion of a want of confidence, and convince them, that their importance is not diminished, by that universal custom, which prevents their connexion with this, and several other societies, whose laws and regulations do not accord with their dispositions, nor suit their convenience. Long may you enjoy every satisfaction and delight, which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men and masons. Within your peaceful walls, may your children's children celebrate with gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious solemnity; and may future generations, animated by the recollection of your exertions, transmit a benediction to their successors, like that contained in this ancient and truly expressive language; "God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger; and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, to the north, and to the south and in thee, and in thy seed, shall all the families of the earth be blessed." CHAPTER XXX. Ceremony observed on laying the foundation stone of public structures. THIS Ceremony is conducted by the grand lodge, and by such officers and members of private lodges, as may find it convenient to attend, accompanied by the magistrates of the place where the building is to be erected, as well as the most respectable inhabitants in the vicinity. At the time appointed, the grand lodge is convened at some convenient place. Music is provided, and the brethren appear with the insignia of their order. The lodge is opened by the grand master, and the rules for forming the procession are read by the grand secretary. The necessary cautions are then given from the chair, and the lodge is adjourned. They then move in procession to the place, where the foundation of the building is to be laid. A triumphal arch is usually erected on the spot, where the ceremony is to be performed, under which, the brethren repair to their station, and the grand master and his officers, take their place on a temporary platform, covered with a carpet. An ode suitable to the occasion, is then sung. The grand master commands silence, and the necessary preparations are made for laying the stone, on which is engraven the year of masonry, with the name and titles of the grand master, &c. The workman's tools are presented to the grand master, who applies them to the stone in their proper positions, and pronounces it to be, "WELL-FORMED, TRUE AND TRUSTY." The stone is next raised, by means of an engine erected for that purpose, and the grand chaplain, delivers a prayer, to the following purport: 66 May the Grand Architect of the Universe, grant a blessing on this foundationstone, which we have now laid; and by his providence, enable us, to finish this, and all our works, with skill and success. "Glory be to God in the highest.". [Response by the brethren.] "As it was in the beginning, is non', and ever shall be. "Amen! So mote it be! Amen!" After solemn music, the grand treasurer, by the grand master's command, places under the stone, various coins and medals of the present age; and the stone is placed in the manner, in which it is intended that it should lie. The cornucopia, and two silver vases, are next brought to the table, when the former is delivered to the deputy grand master, and the two vases to the wardens, who successively present them to the grand master, and he, according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the wine, and the oil, on the stone, saying, May the all-bounteous Author of Nature, bless the inhabitants of this place, with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life; assist in the erection and completion of this building; protect the workmen against every accident; and long preserve the intended structure from decay. And grant to us all, according to our several necessities, the CORN of nourishment, the WINE of refreshment, and the oil of joy." "Amen! So mote it be. Amen!" He then strikes the stone thrice, with the mallet, and masonic honours are given. The grand master then delivers to the master workmen, the various implements of architecture. After which, he re-ascends the platform, and an oration, suitable to the occasion is delivered. 1 An ode, in honour of masonry, is then sung; after which, the procession returns, and the lodge is closed in form. SECTION 2.-CEREMONY AT THE OPENING OF A The grand lodge, the neighbouring lodges, and individual brethren, walk in procession to the new bridge, accompanied by the magistrates, and other respectable citizens in the vicinity. They form, in order, at the entrance of the bridge, when the grand master with his wardens, examine the work, and finding it to be "WELL CONSTRUCTED, AND FIT FOR PUBLIC USE," he causes proclamation to be made accordingly. The masonic honours are then given, which are followed by an address, and an ode adapted to the occasion. They then march over the bridge, and return with music, when the proclamation is repeated; after which, it is usual to have a discharge of artillery. The grand lodge then returns in procession, and is closed in form. SECTION 3.-CEREMONY OBSERVED AT THE DED- On the day appointed for dedication, the grand lodge meet in a convenient room adjoining to the place, in which the ceremony is to be performed, and is opened in form, in all the degrees of masonry. The order of pro |