'The deputy grand master now presents the master elect of the new lodge to the grand master, saying,

66 MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"I present you brother .......

whom the mem

bers of the lodge now to be constituted have chosen for their master."

The grand master asks them if they remain satisfied with their choice. (They bow in token of assent.)

The master then presents, severally, his wardéns, and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. The grand master asks the brethren if they remain satisfied 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 master: and the business of consecration commences with sodemn music.

Ceremony of Consecration.

The grand master, 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 clause of the consecration prayer is rehearsed, as follows, viz.

"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 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 !

"Permit us,

O thou Author of Light and Life, Great Source of Love and Happiness, to erect this lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honour 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-!

Amen !"9·

During the response, the deputy grand master, and the grand wardens, take the vessels of corn, wine and oil, and sprinkle the elements of consecration upon the lodge.

66

The grand chaplain then continues :

Grant, O 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, 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!

"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 members of thy whole family. May they increase 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 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 !

Amen! So mote it be! Amen!"

Then succeeds solemn music, while the lodge is cov ered. 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 !"

Response.

"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end! Amen! So mote it be! Amen!""

A piece of music is then performed, while the brethren of the new lodge advance in procession to salute the grand lodge, with their hands crossed upon their breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then take their places, and stand as they were."

The grand master then rises, and constitutes the new lodge in the form following:

"In the name of the most worshipful grand lodge, I now constitute and form you, my good brethren, into a lodge of free and accepted masons. From henceforth I empower you to act as a regular lodge, constituted 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 prosper, direct and counsel you in all your doings."

Response by all the Brethren.

"So mote it be !""

The ceremony of installation then succeeds.

SECOND SECTION.

Ceremony of Installation.

The grand master* asks his deputy, "Whether he Kas examined the master nominated in the warrant, and finds him well skilled in the noble science and the royal art." The deputy, answering in the affirmative, by the grand master's order, takes the candidate from among his fellows, and presents him at the pedestal, saying,

46 MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER,

"I present my worthy brother, A B, to be installed master of this new lodge. I find him to be of good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of the whole fraternity, wheresoever dispersed, over the face of the earth, I doubt not that he will dist charge his duty with fidelity"

The grand master then addresses him :

BROTHER,

"Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regulations which point out the duty of a master of a lodge.

The grand master then reads, or orders to be read, a summary of the ancient charges to the master elect, as follows, viz.

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 installa tion of every officer.

"I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law.

"II. You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheer fully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside.

"III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decisions of the supreme legislature.

"IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honourably by all men.

"V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the order of masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren when convened, in every case Consistent with the constitutions of the order.

"VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess.

"VII. You agree to be cautious in carriage and behaviour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your lodge.

"VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and to discountenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan of masonry.

"IX. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the art.

"X. You promise to pay homage to the grand master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the