CHAPTER V.

The Ceremony of Opening and Closing a Lodge*

IN all regular assemblies of men, who are
oiHiVdiied for v^^ aad- umM purposes, the •om-

22 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

inencement and conclusion of business are accom-
panied with some- form. In every country of the
world the practice prevails, and is deemed essen-
tial. From the most remote periods of antiquity
it may be traced, and the refined improvement*
of modern times have not totally abolished it.

Ceremonies, when simply considered, it is true,
are little more than visionary delusions; but their
effects are sometimes important. When thcj
impress awe and reverence on the mind, and en-
gage the attention, by external attraction, to
solemn rites, they are interesting objects. These
purposes .are effected by judicious ceremonies,
when regularly conducted and properly arranged.
On this ground they jiave received the sanction of
^e wisest men in all ages, and consequently
could not escape the notice of masons. ^ To begin
well, is the mast;^likely means to end w-ell : and
it is judiciously remarked, that when order and
method are neglected at the beginning, they will
be seldom found to take place at the end.

The ceremony of opening and closing a lodge
with solemnity and decorum, is therefore univer-
sally admitted among masons ; and though the
mode in some lodges may vary, and in every de-
gree must vary, still an uniformity in the* general
practice prevails in every lodge ; and the varia-
tion (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of m«-

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 25

thod, which a little application might easily re*
move.

To conduct this ceremony with propriety ought
to be the peculiar study of every mason ; especially
of those who have the honour to rule in our as-
semblies. To persons who are thus dignified,
every eye is naturally directed for propriety of
conduct and behaviour; and from them, other
brethren, who are less informed, will naturally
€xpect to derive 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
«ooner has it been signified, than every officer re-
pairs to his station, and the brethren rank accord-
ing to their degrees. The intent of the meeting
becomes the sole object of attention, and the mind
16 insensibly drawn from those indiscriminate sub-
jects of conversation, which are apt to intrude on
our less serious moments.

This effect accomplished, our care is directed t*
the external avenues of the lodge, and the proper
officers, whose province it is to discharge that du-
ty, execute their trust with fidelity ; and by cer*
tain mystic forms, of no recent date, intimate that
we may safely proceed. To detect impostors
amonf ourselves, an adherence to order in the

t4 rRBEMAaONM MONlTeR.

character of masons ensues^ and the lodge is either
opened or closed in solemn form.

At openini; the lodge, two purposes are wisely
f ffected : the master is reminded of the dignity of
his character, and the brethren of tl^ homage and
veneration due from them in their sundry stations.
These are not the only advantages resulting fron*
a due observance of this ceremony; a reveren-
tial awe for the Deity is inculcated, and the eye
fixed on that obicct, from whose radiant beanM
light only can be derived. Here we are taught to
tdore the God of Heaven, and to supplicate hk
protection on our well meant endeavours. 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 a(id respect,
and the ceremony concludes.

At closing the lodge, a similar form takes place.
Here the less important duties of masonry are not
passed over unobserved. The necessary degree of
•ubordination in the government of a lodge is pe-
culiarly n^arked, while the proper tribute of grati-
tude is offered up to the beneficent Author of Life,
and his blewing invoked and extended to, the
^'hole fraternity. Each brother faithfully locke
up the treasure he has acquired, in his own secret
repository ; and, plejwed witk his wward, retires

FltXSMAdON'9 MONITOR. S5

to enjoy and disseminate among the private cir-
cle of his brethren^ the fruits of his labour and
industry in the lodge.

These are faint outlines of a ceremony which
universally prevails among masons in every coun-
try^ 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 gar-
ment;

** As the dew of Hermon, that descended upon
the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord com-
manded a blessing, even life for evermore."

ji Prayer used at Closing the Lodge.

r

May the blessmg of Heaven rest upon us^ and
ull regular masons ! may brotherly love prevail,
and every moral and social virtue cement us !

fta FREEMASON'S MONITOR.