CHAPTER II.

THE CEREMONY OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.
In all regular assemblies of men who are convened for wise and useful purposes, the commencement and conclusion of busi- ness are accompanied with aome form. In every country the practice prevails, and is deemed essential. From the most re- mote periods of antiquity it may be traced, and the refined im- provements of modern times have not totally abolished it.
Ceremonies, when simply considered, it is true, are of but lit- tle value ; but their effects are sometimes important. When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, and engage the attention to solemn rites by external attraction, they are inter- esting objects. These purposes are effected by judicious ceremo- nies, when regularly conducted and properly arranged. On this ground they have received the sanction of the wisest men in all ages, and consequently could not escape the notice of Ma sons. To begin well, is the most likely means to end well ; 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 importance of performing the ceremonies 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 degree must vary, still a unifor- mity in the general practice prevails in every Lodge ; and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a little application might easily remove.
To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the par- ticular study of every Mason ; especially of those who have the honor to rule in our assemblies. To persons who are thus dig- nified, every eye is naturally directed for propriety of conduct and behavior ; and from them, other brethren who are less in- formed, 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 sta- tion, and the brethren rank according to their degrees. The business of the meeting becomes the sole object of attention, and
PRELIMINARIES. 13
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 adher- ence 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 result- ing 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 bless- ing on our well-meant endeavors. The Master assumes his gov- ernment 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 grati- tude is offered up to the beneficent Author of life, and his bless- ing invoked upon the whole Fraternity. Each brother faith- fully locks up the treasure he has acquired, in his own secret re- pository, and, pleased with his reward, retires to enjoy and dis- seminate 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 pre- vails among Masons in every country, and distinguishes all their meetings. It is arranged as a general section in every de- gree, and takes the lead in all our illustrations.
Order is the first law upon which Philosophical Masonry is based. It is the fundamental principle of obedience, and con- stitutes the harmony of our science. It was by the arrange- ment of a perfect system of order through which the bands cf workmen, as operatives, were enabled, with regularity, to per form and execute their labors. Hence, the observance of this same system constitutes the strength of our union.
14 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.