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of the grand mafter. The deputy grand mafter addreffes the grand mafter, as follows:

"MOST WORshipful,

"A number of brethren, duly inftructed in the myfteries of mafonry, having affembled together, at ftated periods, for fome time past, by virtue of a difpenfation granted them for that purpose, do now defire to be conftituted into a regular lodge, agreeably to the ancient ufages and cuftoms of the fraternity."

Their fecretary then delivers the difpenfation and records to the mafter elect, who prefents them to the grand mafter.

The grand mafter examines the records, and if they are found correct, proclaims,

"The records appear to be properly entered, and are approved. Upon due deliberation, the grand lodge have granted the brethren of this new lodge a charter, confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly conftituted lodge; which the grand fecretary will now read."

After the charter is read, the grand mafter then fays,

"We fhall now proceed, according to ancient ufage, to conftitute thefe brethren into a regular lodge."

Whereupon the feveral officers of the new lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to their mafter, who prefents them, with his own, to the deputy grand mafter, and he to the grand mafter.

The deputy grand mafter now presents the mafter elect of the new lodge to the grand mafter, faying,

"MOST WORSHIpful,

"I prefent you brother ... whom the members of the lodge now to be constituted have chofen for their mafter."

The grand mafter afks them if they remain fatisfied with their choice. (They bow in token of affent.)

The mafter then prefents, feverally, his wardens, and other officers, naming them and their refpective offices. The grand mafter afks the brethren if they remain fatisfied with each and all of them. (They bow as before.)

The officers and members of the new lodge then form in the broad aisle, in front of the grand mafter; and the bufinefs of confecration commences with folemn mufic.

Ceremony of Confecration.

The grand mafter, attended by the grand officers, and the grand chaplain, form themselves in order, round the lodge, which is then uncovered. All devoutly kneeling, the first claufe, of the confecration prayer is rehearsed, as follows, viz..

"Great Architect of the Univerfe! Maker and Ruler of all Worlds! deign, from thy celestial temple, from realms of light and glory, to blefs us in all the purpofes of our préfent af fembly!

"We humbly invoke thee to give us, at this and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, ftrength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty of harmony in all our communications!

"Permit us, O thou Author of Light and Life, Great Source of Love and Happinefs, to erect this lodge, and now folemnly to confecrate it to the honour of thy glory!

"Glory be to God on high."

[Refponfe by the Brethren.]

"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever fhall be! Amen."

During the refponfe, the deputy grand mafter, and the grand wardens, take the veffels of corn, wine and oil, and fprinkle the elements of confecration upon the lodge,

[The grand chaplain then continues:]

"Grant, O Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invefted with the government of this lodge may be endued with wisdom to inftruct 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 strengthen the lodges throughout the world!

"Blefs all our brethren, wherever dispersed; and grant fpeedy relief to all who are either oppreffed or diftreffed.

"We affectionately commend to thee all the members of thy whole family. May they increafe in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.

"Finally May we finish all our work here below with thine approbation; and then have our tranfition from this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory and blifs, 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!

"Amen! fo mote it be! Amen!"

Then fucceeds folemn mufic, while the lodge is covered. The grand chaplain then DEDICATES the lodge in the following terms:

"To the memory of HOLY SAINT JOHN, we dedicate this lodge. May every brother revere his character, and imitate his virtues.

"Glory be to God on high!"
[Refponfe.]

"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever fhall be, world without end!

"Amen! fo mote it be! Amen!"

A piece of mufic is then performed, while the brethren of the new lodge advance in proceffion to falute the grand lodge, with their hands croffed upon their breafts, and bowing as they pafs. They then take their places, and ftand as they were.

The grand mafter then rifes, and constitutes the new lodge in the form following:

"In the name of the moft worshipful grand lodge, I now conftitute and form you, my good

brethren, into a lodge of free and accepted mafons. From henceforth I empower you to ac as a regular lodge, conftituted in conformity to the rites of our order, and the charges of our ancient and honourable fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe profper, direct and counsel you in all your doings." [Response by all the Brethren.] "So mote it be."

The ceremony of installation then fucceeds.

SECOND SECTION.

Ceremony of Installation.

The grand mafter* afks his deputy, "Whether he has examined the mafter nominated in the warrant, and finds him well skilled in the noble fcience and the royal art." The deputy, anfwering in the affirmative,t by the grand master's order, takes the candidate from among his fellows, and presents him at the pedestal, faying, "MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER,

"I prefent my worthy brother, A B, to be installed master of this new lodge. I find him to be of good morals, and of great fkill, true and trufty; and as he is a lover of the whole fraternity, wherefover difperfed over the face of the earth, I doubt not that he will discharge his duty with fidelity."

* In this, and other similar instances, where the grand master is specified in acting, may be understood any master who performs the ceremony.

+ A private examination is understood to precede the installation of every officer.

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