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Any number of Masons not less than seven, being well skilled in the work and mysteries of the Craft, and of good report among their Brethren, may petition the Grand Lodge, within the limits of whose jurisdiction they reside, for a Dispensation, authorizing them to ORGANIZE a Lodge for Masoni: purposes. When organized, a Lodge consists of the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, Senior and Junior Deacons, Senior and Junior Stewards, and as many members as a majority of the Brethren may determine though more than fifty will generally be found inconvenient. In addition to the officers here er umerated, it is the indispensable duty of the Master of every Lodge to appoint some trust-worthy and skillful Brothe to act as Tyler. A Marshal is also frequently appointed; but he is an officer of convenience, not of necessity.

CHAPTER II.

THE CEREMONIES OF OPENING AND CLOSING A LODGE.

THE rites and ceremonies of Freemasonry form the distinctive peculiarity of the institution. In their nature, they are simple-in their end, instructive. They naturally excite a high degree of curiosity, in a newly initiated Brother, and create an earnest desire to investigate their meaning, and to become acquainted with their object and design. It requires, however, both serious application and untiring diligence, to ascertain the precise nature of every ceremony which our ancient Brethren saw reason to adopt, in the formation of an exclusive system, which was to pass through the world, unconnected with the religion and politics of all times, and of every people among whom it should

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flourish and increase.* But the assiduous Mason, with the assistance of an intelligent Master in the Chair — and none but intelligent Brethren should ever be placed in that responsible station-will not fail to derive instruction from every ceremony he may witness, and improvement from every ordinance with which he may become acquainted.

The first business which occupies the Brethren, when assembled at their stated meetings, is what is technically termed the Opening of the Lodge. The ceremonies cannot here be described with any considerable degree of minuteness. We may, however, remark, that, at the well-known signal, the officers and members and visiting Brethren, clothed in their appropriate regalia, repair to their respective stations, and await the commands of the Worshipful Master. It having been previously ascertained that all present are Masons, the avenues of the Lodge are secured, and the ceremony of opening proceeds.

The ceremony of closing differs from that of opening only in the necessary change of phraseology, and in certain precautionary measures. The Brethren present are all expected to assist in the performance of both duties, and much of the beauty and harmony of the scene depends on their quiet deportment and strict attention to the business before them. In this, as in all other Masonic ceremonies, everything like levity or rudeness in speech or action is to be deprecated and avoided. A Mason should never forget that he is a gentleman, and that all the peculiarities he witnesses, or in which he is required to participate, while in the Lodge, are designed to illustrate and inculcate some great moral truth. The peculiar beauty of our ceremonies is, that they all tend to improve the mind, and consecrate the affections to virtue.

The labors and duties of the Lodge should begin and *Philosophy of Freemasonry.

end with prayer. The Brethren cannot be too often re minded of their dependence on the Almighty Architect of the Universe for every blessing they enjoy. Prayer is an ancient and beautiful custom of the Institution. It was the constant practice of our ancestors. It is enjoined by the Constitutions, and cannot, with propriety, be omitted. There are also certain ancient Charges, one or more of which may be properly rehearsed, either immediately subequent to the opening, or just previously to the closing, of the Lodge. When business does not prevent, the reading of at least one of them, from the Book of Constitutions, ought never to be omitted. A knowledge of their duties to the Craft, to society, and to each other, cannot be too firmly fixed on the minds of the Brethren.

It has been beautifully said, by an eminent English Brother, that the Master opens the Lodge at sunrise, with solemn prayer; the Junior Warden calls the men from labor when the Sun attains its meridian height; and the Senior Warden* closes the Lodge with prayer at sunset

when the labors of our ancient Brethren ended. The great luminary of creation rises in the East, to open the day, with a mild and genial influence, and all nature rejoices in the appearance of his beams. He gains his meridian in the South, invigorating all things with the perfection of his ripening qualities. With declining strength, he sets in the West, to close the day, leaving mankind at rest from their labors. This is a type of the three most prominent stages in the life of man-infancy, manhood, The first, characterized by the blush of innocence, is pure as the tints which gild the eastern portals of the day; the heart rejoices in the unsuspecting integrity of its own unblemished virtues, nor fears deceit, because it knows no guile. Manhood succeeds; the ripening intel

and age.

*In this country, the Master opens and closes the Lodge.

lect arrives at the meridian of its powers. At the approach of old age, man's strength decays; his sun is setting in the West. Enfeebled by sickness, or bodily infirmities, he lingers on till death finally closes his eventful day; and happy is he, if the setting splendors of a virtuous life gild his departing moments with the gentle tints of hope, and close his short career in peace, harmony, and Brotherly-Love.

CHAPTER III.

PRAYERS AND CHARGES AT THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF LODGES.

PRAYER AT OPENING.

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Great Architect of the Universe! In thy name we have assembled, and in thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us so harmonize and enrich our hearts with thine own love and goodness that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before thy throne. Amen.

Response. So mote it be.

ANOTHER.

Supreme Ruler of the Universe! We would reverently invoke thy blessing at this time. Wilt thou be pleased to grant that this meeting, thus begun in order, may be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony. Amen.

Response. So mote it be.

PRAYER AT CLOSING.

Supreme Grand Master! Ruler of Heaven and Earth! Now that we are about to separate, and return to our respective places of abode, wilt thou be pleased so to influence our hearts and minds, that we may each one of us practise, out of the Lodge, those great moral duties which are inculcated in it, and with reverence study and obey the laws which thou hast given us in thy Holy Word. Amen.

Response. So mote it be.

BENEDICTION.

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.

Response. So mote it be.

CHARGE AT OPENING.

The ways of Virtue are beautiful: Knowledge is attained by degrees: Wisdom dwells with contemplation: There we must seek her. Let us, then, Brethren, apply ourselves with becoming zeal to the practice of the excellent principles inculcated by our Order. Let us ever remember that the great objects of our associa tion, are the restraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a correct knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor and ourselves. Let us be united, and practise with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order. Let all private animosities, if any unhappily exist, give place to affection and Brotherly-Love. It is a useless parade to talk of the subjection of irregular passions within the walls of the Lodge, if we permit them to triumph in our intercourse with each other. Uniting in the grand design, let us be happy ourselves, and endeavor to promote the happiness of others. Let us cultivate the great moral virtues which are laid down on our Masonic Trestle-Board, and improve in everything that is good, amiable, and useful. Let the benign Genius of the Mystic Art preside over our councils, and, under her sway, let us act with a dignity becoming the high moral character of our venerable Institution.

ANOTHER CHARGE AT OPENING.

"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 garment:

"As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore."

CHARGE AT CLOSING.

Brethren You are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have so frequently heard inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every Brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation. Vindicate his character, when

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