M. M. Lodge was held in the * * * , and consisted of

but 3, *.*'.*. By this wise and judicious distribu- tion of labor, and the arrangement of the workmen in augurated at the building of the Temple and continued in our Lodges to the present time, Freemasonry has been perpetuated and harmony preserved among its members.
But the Temple of Solomon — where is it now? Where are its altars and cherubim, and vessels of silver and gold? Where the palaces of the Hebrew mon- archs? Where the cities and gardens and vineyards of Palestine ? All vanished from the face of the earth. The rich and prolific soil of Judea — " a land once flow-
MASTER MASON. 103
ing with milk and honey " — is now a barren waste, unfit for the abode of man. The rock on which the Temple stood presents its naked breast to every storm, and in its utter desolation seems to lament the downfall of its departed glories. And why all this destruction? Because the people neglected the use of the Plumb, the Level, and the Square ; therefore they and their work were rejected by their Grand Master, and their Temple destroyed! So, my Brother, shall all Masons be re- jected and destroyed who fail to put their trust in God! But the institution of Freemasonry, inaugurated at the building of the Temple, has still survived. It has withstood the shocks of time, the revolutions of a^es, the convulsions of empires, and the concussion of hos- tile, contending nations, while everything unsolid in nature falls. While kings and kingdoms are lost in the vortex of revolutions, and thrones and governments crumble into ruin, and totter and fall from their foun- dations, Freemasonry, towering above all that is awful and ruinable in nature's realm, stands unmoved — un- shaken as the mountain rock. She has passed safely through the dark ages of bigotry and superstition, when wars and commotions convulsed the world to its center; and she will stand amid the changes yet to be, immutable, unchanging, and unchanged, so long as the attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.
In this section are also explained a variety of appropriate emblems, with which the skillful brother will not fail to make himself familiarly acquainted, and they are thus ex- plained :
104
UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
This section also illustrates certain hieroglyph ical emblems, and inculcates many useful lessons, to extend knowledge and promote virtue.
THE THREE STEPS
Usually delineated upon the Master's carpet, are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life — youth, manhood, and age. In youth, as En- tered Apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge ; in manhood, as Fellowcrafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our. neighbors, and ourselves; so that in age, as Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflec- tions consequent on a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality.
MASTER MASON.
105
THE POT OP INCENSE
Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and as this glows with fervent heat, so should our hearts continually glow with gratitude to the great and beneficent Au- thor of our existence, for the manifold blessings and comforts we enjoy.
THE BEE-HIVE
Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dusi It teaches us that, as we came into the world rationa» and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones, never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, when it
106 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
is in our power to relieve them without injury to ourselves.
When we take a survey of nature, we view man in his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brute creation ; he lies languishing for days, months, and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the forest, or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weather.
It might have pleased the great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man independent of all other beings; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protection and security, as they there- by enjoy better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work of God ; and he that will so demean him- self as not to be endeavoring to add to the common stock of knowledge and understanding, may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a useless mem- ber of society, and unworthy of our protections as Masons.
THE BOOK OP CONSTITUTIONS,
Guarded by the Tyler's sword, reminds us that we
MASTER MASON.
107
should be ever watchful and guarded in our thoughts, words, and actions, particularly when before the ene- mies of Masonry ; ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circumspection.
THE SWORD POINTING TO A NAKED HEART
Demonstrates that justice will sooner or later over- take us; and although our thoughts, words, and ac- tions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that
ALL-SEEING EYE !
Whom the sun, moon, and stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stu- pendous revolutions, beholds the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our works.
108
UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
THE ANCHOR AND ARK
Are emblems of a well-grounded hope, and a well- spent life. They are emblematical of that divine ark which safely bears us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary shall find rest.
THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID.*
This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa, and Europe, was initiated into several orders of priesthood, and raised to the sub- lime degree of a Master Mason. This wise philoso- pher enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things, and more especially in geometry ,
* Theorem.— In any right-angled triangle, the square which Is described upon the side subtending the right angle, is equal to the squares described upon the sides which contain the right angle
MASTER MASON. 109
or Masonry. On this subject he drew out many problems and theorems, and among the most dis- tinguished he erected this, which in the joy of his heart he called Eureka, in the Grecian language sig- nifying I have found it; and upon the discovery of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences.
THE HOUR-GLASS
Is an emblem of human life. Behold ! how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close. We can not without astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this ma- chine ; how they pass away almost imperceptibly, and yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an hour they are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! To-day he puts forth the tender leaves of hope ; to- morrow blossoms, and bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; the next day comes a frost, which nips the shoot, and when he thinks his greatness still as- piring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.
THE SCYTHE
Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and launches us into eternity. Behold ! what havoc the scythe of time makes among the human
110 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
race ; if by chance we should escape the numerous evils incident to childhood and youth, and with health and vigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered into the land where our fathers have gone before us.
There is no emblem in our whole system more elo- quent and suggestive than the Scythe. It speaks of decay — of the decay of manly vigor and strength — the prostration of all schemes of pleasure and business and ambition; the sudden termination, at the same time, of all the plottings of pride and crime, and of the long- projected plans of benevolence and charity. All are interrupted by the Scythe's relentless sweep ; its mo- tions are as perpetual as the revolving hours, its pres- ence is as universal as life itself, and its ghastly pur- pose as certain as destiny. Yet, while it is intended to admonish us of the brevity and uncertainty of our earthly existence, and thus move us to employ our time wisely and well, its lessons are not all sad; nor do they, in any way, announce a final decay, or the ultimate supremacy of death. Over the undulating hills and through the broad valleys, the Scythe takes its untiring way, and the grass and the flowers fall be- fore its fatal strokes, but its victories are only monien-
MASTER MASON.
Ill
tary. In another spring, green grows the grass again on the smiling hills, and the lilies again embellish the valleys, more radiant than " Solomon in all his glory;" and thus is eternally repeated the great story of life in death — the perpetual renewal of nature. While the all-devouring Scythe of Time cuts us down, it gathers us into that everlasting spring and summer land, " where our fathers have gone before us " — into the splendor and glory of the greater mysteries, where the bond of our fellowship is rendered perfect, and Friend- ship and Love are unchanging and immortal.
-*
Striking emblems of mortality are here epitomized, and the mind of the candidate is directed to the solemn thought of death.
>K
Thus we close the explanation of the emblems with the solemn thought of death — which, without revela- tion, is dark and gloomy. For by the E. A. &., or
112 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
the * * from the * * , we are reminded that by the dim light of nature and the religion of reason, we know not but that our bodies shall go down to the dust, as the beasts of the field, there to remain ; by the F. C. Gr., or the * * * from the * *;'* , we are also reminded that, although by the Jewish dispensation we were taught to believe in the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body was not clearly taught ; but by the * * of a * , we are re- minded that, by faith in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, we are strengthened in confidence and composure to look forward to a blessed immortality beyond the grave, and doubt not that, in the glorious morning of the resurrection, our bodies shall arise, and become as incorruptible as our souls ; and by the * * , which bloomed, * * we are reminded of that immortal part of man which survives the grave, and which bears the nearest affinity to that Supreme Intelligence which pervades and animates all nature, and which assures us we can never, never, never die!
Here usually follows an exhortation to the practice of vir- tue. The following is a form much used :
Now, Brethren, let us see to it, and so regulate our lives by the plumb -line of justice, squaring our actions by the square of truth and virtue, that when the Grand Warden of Heaven shall call for us, we may be found ready. Let us cultivate assiduously the real tenets of our profession — Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth: from the Square learn morality ; from the Level, equal- ity ; and from the Plumb, rectitude of life. Let us
MASTER MASON. 113
imitate, in all his varied perfections, him * . * ■ . * * * . Let us emulate his virtuous and amiable conduct, his unfeigned piety to his God, his inflexible fidelity to his trust ; and as the sprig of Acacia which bloomed at the head of his grave betrayed the place 0f * * * ? g0 may virtue, by its ever-bloom- ing loveliness, designate us as Free and Accepted Masons.
With the mystic Trowel let us spread liberally the cement of brotherly love and affection ; and, circum- scribed by the Compasses, let us ponder well our thoughts, words, and actions ; let all the energies of our minds and all the affections of our souls be em- ployed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Mas- ter's approbation. So, then, when the hour of dissolu- tion draws near, and the cold winds of death come sighing around us, and his chill dews already glisten on our foreheads, we may with joy obey his summons, and go from our labors on earth to everlasting refresh- ment in the Paradise of God, where, by the benefit of the Pass of a pure life, and a firm reliance on Divine providence, we shall gain a ready admission into that Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides; where, seated at the right- hand of our Supreme Grand Master, He may be pleased to pronounce us just and upright Masons, indeed fitly prepared as living stones for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ; where no discordant voice shall ever be heard, but all the soul shall experience shall be perfect bliss, and all it shall express be perfect praise ; where love divine
114 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
shall ennoble every heart, and hosannas exalted employ the tongue.
CHARGE.
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 favor and esteem.
You are now bound by duty, honor, 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 author- ized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied, must be your constant care ; and for this purpose it is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability ; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate, and, by the regularity of your own behavior, afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient land- marks of the Order, intrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve; and never suffer them to be in- fringed, or countenance a deviation from the estab- lished usages and customs of the Fraternity.
Your virtue, honor, and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear.
MASTER MASON. 115
Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust ; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that cel- ebrated artist whom you this evening represent. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence that we have reposed.
CHARGE AT CLOSING A LODGE.
Brethren, — You are now about to leave this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and tempations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be dili- gent, 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 reforma- tion. Vindicate his character, when wrongfully tra- duced. Suggest, in his behalf, the most candid and favorable circumstances. These generous principles are to extend further — every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all, but recom- mend it more especially to the household of the faith- ful. By diligence in the discharge of your respective duties, by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity, by constancy and fidelity in your friendship, discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honorable institution. Let it not be said that you have here labored in vain and spent your time for
116 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
naught; for your work is with the Lord and your rec- ompense with your God.
Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you all I
CLOSING.
Brother S. W., how should M. meet? " On the Level." Brother J. W., how should they act? " By the Plumb." And part upon the Square. Thus may we ever meet, act, and part, my brethren ! For
* There is a world where all are equal. We are hurrying
towards it fast. We shall meet upon the Level there, when the gates of
death are past. We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will
be there, To try the blocks we offer with his own unerring
Square. We shall meet upon the Level there, but never thence
depart. There is a mansion — 'tis already — for each trusting,
faithful heart. There is a mansion and a welcome ; and a multitude is
there, Who have met upon the Level, and been tried upon the
Square. Let us meet upon the Level, then, wrhile laboring pa- tient here ; Let us meet and let us labor, though the labor be severe. Already, in the Western sky, the signs bid us prepare To gather up our working tools, and part upon the
Square.
* Brother Rob Morris.
MASTER MASON. 117
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.
PRAYER AT CLOSING A MASTER MASON'S LODGE.
Supreme Master of heaven and earth, who rules and governs all things in harmonious wisdom and order, Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty are attri- butes in thy Divine nature. As we are now about to close our labors and quit this retreat of friendship, to again mingle with the outer world, may we be deeply imbued with thy love and goodness, profited by the instruction received, and our minds impressed with the duties we owe to thee and toward each other !
Our life is but a shadow — a dream. We know not the continuance of our probation — it is of transitory duration. Let us, then, brethren, live in conformity to order and in obedience to duty, that, as faithful laborers in the service of our Heavenly Master, we may be prepared for the summons, when He shall command our presence in the Temple on high. Amen.
Response — So mote it be.
ANCIENT CEREMONIES;
OB,
PAST OR PRESENT
MASTER'S DEGREE.
I I I I I ! I I 1 I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I » I I
PAST MASTER. 121
PART THIRD.
PAST MASTER'S DEGREE.
This degree, in its connection, properly belongs to Symbolic Masonry. It is an honorary degree, conferred upon a Master Mason, who has been elected Worshipful Master of a Lodge. The object of the degree is to invest him with the necessary instructions and qualifications for a proper government of the Lodge over which he is called to preside.
It is conferred in a convocation or emergent Lodge of Past Masters, convened for that purpose, and which must consist of not less than three actual Past Masters.
The degree, as conferred in chapters, gives no privileges what- ever in a Symbolic Lodge.
The ceremonies pertaining to this degree are of necessity so important, that no brother should be elected to the responsible position of Master of a Lodge, unless he be well skilled and versed in Masonic usages and customs, and possessing the qual- ifications for presiding over a Lodge with dignity and de- corum.
Within its sphere is embraced all the implements pertaining to Symbolic Masonry. It includes the ceremonies of opening and closing Lodges in the several preceding degrees.
It comprehends what are termed the Ancient Ceremonies, which consist of the ceremonies of consecrating, dedicating, and constituting Masonic Lodges and installing their officers: the formation of processions, laying foundation stones 01 public structures, consecrating and dedicating Masonic Halls, «nd the funeral ceremonies observed according to Masonic customs.
From this class are also selected the Most Worshipful Master of Grand Lodges. Hence the propriety of carefully studying and well understanding the usages and customs of the Fra- ternity.
Section First.
This section contains the form of a petition for letters of dis- pensation, or a warrant of constitution of a Lodge, empower- ing them to work ; the ceremonies of consecrating, dedicating, and constituting, with the form of a Grand Procession.
122 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
For the form of a petition for a charter or warrant to establish a new Lodge, and the several Masonic forms in use, see folios 195-199
PRAYER AT OPENING A PAST MASTER^ LODGE.
" Teach me, 0 Lord, the way of thy statutes ; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law ; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments ; for therein do I delight.
" Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity ; and quicken thou me in thy way. Establish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach, which I fear; for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts ; quicken me in thy righteousness " — Psalm cxix : 33-40.
PRELIMINARIES AND ORDER OF PROCESSION. 123
CEREMONIES OF CONSECRATION, DEDICATION, AND CONSTITUTING.
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and his officers meet in a convenient room, near the Lodge to be consti- tuted, and open on the Third Degree.
Alter the officers of the new Lodge are examined by the Dep- uty Grand Master, they send a messenger to the Grand Mas- ter, with the following message, viz. :
Most Worshipful : — The officers and brethren of
Lodge, No. , who are now assembled in their
lodge room at , have instructed me to in- form you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was pleased to grant them a charter, authorizing them to form and open a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
in the of . They are now desirous
that their Lodge shall be consecrated, and their officers installed in due and ancient form ; for which purpose they are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
When notice is given, the Grand Lodge walk in procession to the hall of the new Lodge.
When the Grand Master enters, the grand honors are given by the new Lodge, the officers of which resign their seats to the grand officers, and take their several stations on the left.
If the ceremonies are performed in public, the Grand Mar- shals form a procession in the following order, viz. :
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Music.
Tyler with a drawn sword ;
Two Stewards with white rods ;
'-Entered Apprentices ;
*Fellowcrafts ;
♦Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts join the procession outside of the Lodge.
124 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
I
Master Masons;
Stewards ;
Junior Deacons ;
Senior Deacons;
I* Secretaries ;
Treasurers;
Past Wardens;
Junior Wardens;
Senior Wardens ;
Past Masters ;
Mark Masters;
Royal Arch Masons ;
Select Masters ; Knights Templars ; Masters of Lodges.
THE NEW LODGE.
Tyler with a drawn sword ;
Stewards with white rods ;
Entered Apprentices ;
Fellowcrafts ;
Master Masons ;
Junior and Senior Deacons ;
Secretary and Treasurer ;
Two brethren carrying the flooring," or Lodge ;
Junior and Senior Wardens ;
The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some suitable mem
ber not in office ;
The W. Master;
Music.
THE GRAND LODGE.
Grand Tyler with drawn sword;
Grand Stewards with white rods;
A brother carrying a golden vessel of corn ; f
Two brethren carrying the silver vessels, one of wine, the
other of oil ;
Grand Secretary ,
Grand Treasurer;
A burning Taper, borne by a Past Master ;
* Carpet. t Wheat.
SERVICES. 125
A. Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square and
Compasses, supported by two Stewards with
white rods ;
Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters ;
The Tuscan and Composite Orders ;
The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders ;
Past Grand Wardens ;
Past Deputy Grand Masters ;
^ Past Grand Masters ;
The Globes ; §* Clergy and Orator ;
-• R. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens ;
R. W. Deputy Grand Master ;
The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of
Constitutions ;
The M. W. Grand Master ;
The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on the right and
left of the Grand Master, with black rods ;
Grand Sword Bearer with drawn sword;
Two Stewards with white rods.
The Marshals conduct the procession to the church, or bouse, where the services are to be performed.
When the front of the procession arrives at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward ; while the Grand Master and others, in succession, pass througn and enter the house.
A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and provided with seats for the accommodation of the Grand Officers.
The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, and Book of Consti- tutions are placed upon a table in front of the Grand Master.
The flooring is then spread in the center, upon the platform, covered with white satin or linen, and encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels of com, wine, and oil.
SERVICES.
A piece of Music or a suitable Ode may be sung.
Prayer.
An Oration.
A piece of Music or Ode to be sung.
The Grand Marshal will now form the officers and members of the new Lodge in front of the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand Master as fol- lows.
126 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Most Worshipful: — A number of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries of Masonry, having as- sembled together at stated periods, by virtue of a dis- pensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be constituted into a regular Lodge agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity.
The dispensation and records are presented to the Grand Mas- ter, who examines the records, and, if found correct, proclaims:
The records appear to be correct and are approved. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted the brethren of this new Lodge a charter, establish- ing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Lodge, which the Grand, Secretary will now read.
After the charter is read, the Grand Master says:
We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge.
Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to the Master, who presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand Master, and he to the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect to the Grand Master, saying:
Most Worshipful Grand Master: — I present
you our worthy brother whom the members of
this Lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen as their Master.
The Grand Master then asks: Do you remain satisfied with your choice? {They bow in token of assent.)
CONSECRATING. 127
The Master elect then presents severally his Wardens and other officers, naming them in their respective offices. The Grand Master then asks :
Brethren, do you remain satisfied with each other and all of them ?
{They how in token of assent.*)
The officers and members of the new Lodge now form in front of the Grand Master, and the business of consecration com- mences.
CONSECRATING.
The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers and the Grand Chaplain, form themselves in order round the Floor- ing—all standing.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Flooring is uncovered.
After which, the first clause of the Consecration Prayer is re- hearsed by the Grand Chaplain, which is as follows:
Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker ' and Ruler of all worlds ! deign, from thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly. We humbly in voke thee to give us, at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our diffi- culties, and the beauty of harmony in all our com- munications. Permit us, 0 thou Author of light and life, great source of love and happiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor of thy glory.
Glory be to God on high.
Response by the brethren :
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be ; world without end. Amen. So mote it be.
128 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the golden Vessel of Oora and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens the silver Vessels oi Wine and Oil to the Grand Master, who sprinkles the elements of consecration upon the Lodge.
The Grand Chaplain continues :
Grant, 0 Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties. May brotherly love, re- lief, and truth always prevail among the members of this Lodge, and may this bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world.
Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed; and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed.
We affectionately commend to thee all the mem- bers of thy whole family. May they increase in grace, in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.
Finally, may we finish all our work here below with thy approbation; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal !
Glory be to God on high.
Response by the brethren :
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be : world without end. Amen. So mote it be.
DEDICATING AND CONSTITUTING. 129
DEDICATING.
a piece of solemn music is now performed, after which the Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge in the following
To the memory of the HOLY STS. JOHN, we dedicate this Lodge. May every brother revere their character, and imitate their virtues.
Glory be to God on high.
Response :
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. Amen. So mote is be.
A piece of music is performed while the brethren of the new Lodge advance in procession to salute the Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their breasts as they pass. They then take their places as they were.
CONSTITUTING.
The Grand Master then rises, calls up the brethren, and con- stitutes the new Lodge in the form following :
In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren, into a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masoso. From henceforth I empower you to meet as a regular Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our Order, and the charges of our ancient and honorable Fraternity; — and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe prosper, direct, and counsel you in all your doings. Amen.
Response: — So mote it be.
130 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
The public Grand Honors are then given. The Grand Marshal then makes the following
PROCLAMATION.
in the name and by the authority of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of , I
now proclaim this Lodge by the name of Lodge,
No. — , to be legally consecrated, dedicated, and con- stituted, in ample form, this day of , A. D.
18—, A. L. 58—.
The Grand Chaplain now makes the following BENEDICTION.
Almighty Father of the universe, whose throne is the high Heavens, and the earth thy footstool; who takest cognizance of the doings of thy intelligent creatures, may we ever look unto thee as our heav- enly counselor, to guide and direct us in the paths that lead to truth and holiness, and regard thee as the true source of happiness.
May the favor of thy blessing rest upon us and all regular assemblies of Masons. May it be our constant aim to emulate each other in the performance of good works in behalf of our fellow-beings, for the promotion of our present and our future happiness.
May every moral and social virtue prevail, and thereby more firmly cement us in the bonds of broth- erly love, to the glory and honor of thy great and holy name. Amen.
Response — So mote it be.
INSTALLATION. 131
Section Second. CEREMONIES
TO BE OBSERVED AT THE
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
OP
SUBORDINATE LODGES.
These ceremonies are also intended for annual installments, when the following order will be observed.
At the time appointed for the ceremonies, the chair must be taken by some qualified brother, who has himself been duly in- stalled as Worshipful Master of a regularly constituted Lodge, and who is, at the time, a member of a Lodge in regular stand- ing.
He will first appoint some brother to act as Marshal.
He will then direct the Secretary to call the names of the offi- cers to be installe'd, who will come forward and be arranged by the Marshal, in due order before the Worshipful Master.
The Marshal then makes the following announcement:
Worshipful Master: — I present to you these breth- ren, who, having been duly elected to preside over and conduct the business of this Lodge for the ensu- ing year, and now declare themselves ready for instal- lation.
The Worshipful Master will then arise, call up the Lodge, and address the officers elect as follows :
Brethren: — Before proceeding to invest you with the honors and responsibilities of the office to which you have been respectively elected, it becomes my
9
132 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
duty to administer to you the obligation of your of- fice. You will, therefore now repeat after me that —
OBLIGATION.
I, , do solemnly promise and swear that I
will support and maintain the Constitution, Laws, and General Regulations of the Grand Lodge of the State
of -, and that I will, to the utmost of my
knowledge and ability, faithfully discharge the duties of the office with which I am now about to be in- vested. So help me God.
The Worshipful Master will then say, " Brethren, let us pray." The members all standing, the Worshipful Master, or some suit- able brother selected for that purpose, will offer the following
PRAYER.
Great Architect of the Universe ! Maker and Ruler of all Worlds ! We most humbly invoke thee to give us, at this and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our communications. Grant, 0 Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the government of this Lodge may be endowed with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties. May brotherly love, relief, and truth always prevail among the members of this Lodge, and may this bond of union continue to strength- en the Lodges throughout the world. Bless all ou» brethren, wherever dispersed, and grant speedy relief
INSTALLATION. 133
to all who are either oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commend to thee all the members of thy whole family; may they increase in grace, in the knowledge of thee, and in love to each other. Finally, may we finish all our work here below with thy divine approbation, and then have our transition from this earthly abode to thy heavenly Temple above, there to enjoy glory and bliss ineffable and eternal. Amen. Response — So mote it be.
The Lodge is now seated.
The Marshal will then present the Master elect for installa- tion, as follows :
Worshipful Master: — I present our worthy brother, to be installed Master of this Lodge. I find
him to be of good morals, great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of our whole Fraternity, where- soever dispersed over the face of the earth, I doubt not that he will discharge his duties with fidelity.
The Worshipful Master will then address him as follows :
Brother: — Previous to your investiture, it is nec- essary that you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations, which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.