INTRODUCTION. Form of a PETITION to be signed by a Candidate for Initiation. sons. To the W. Master, Wardens, and Brethren of The subscriber, residing in of lawful age, and by occupation a begs leave to state, that, unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for the mysteries of masonry, and that he is prompted to solicit this privilege by a favourable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellowcreatures. Should his petition be granted, he will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity. (Signed) A. B. The following Recommendation is to be signed by two members of the Lodge to which the application is made: THIS may certify, that we the subscribers are personally acquainted with Mr. A. B.; and from a confidence in his integrity, and the uprightness of his intention, do cheerfully recommend and propose him as a proper candidate for the mysteries of Masonry. Recommended by Č. D. ON OPENING AND CLOSING LODGES. : THE ceremony of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum, is universally admitted among Masons and though the mode in some Lodges may vary, and in every degree must, in some particulars, still an uniformity prevails in every Lodge; and the variations, if any, are only occasioned by want of method, which a little application might easily remove. To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the study of every Mason, but more especially those who are called to officiate as officers of the Lodge. To those of our brethren who are thus honoured, every eye is naturally directed for propriety of conduct and behaviour; and from them, our brethren who are less informed will 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; the first notice of which is given by the W. M. with a request of the attention and assistance of his brethren. No sooner has it been signified, than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren rank according to their degrees. The next object is to detect impostors among ourselves, and for this purpose recourse is had to our peculiar rites as masons. This object being accomplished, our next 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. At opening the Lodge, two purposes are wisely effected; the master is reminded of the dignity of character which he is to maintain from the elevation of his office, and the brethren of the reverence and respect due from them in their sundry stations. These are not the only advantages resulting from a due observance of this ceremony;-the mind is drawn with reverential awe to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and the eye fixed on HIм who is the only author of life and immortality. Here we are taught to worship and adore the supreme JEHOVAH, and to supplicate his protection and assistance in all our well-meant endeavours. After the customary salutations, the master pronounces the Lodge to be opened in due and ancient form, and assumes the government, and under him his wardens: the brethren with one accord unite in duty and respect, and the business of the meeting is conducted with order and harmony. At the closing of a Lodge, a similar ceremony takes place as at opening the avenues of the Lodge are guarded; a recapitulation of the duties of the officers is rehearsed; a proper tribute of gratitude is offered up to the Great Author of our existence, and his blessing invoked and extended to the whole fraternity. If it should be deemed necessary that the Lodge be opened in the several degrees, for dispatch of business, when that in the first degree shall have been finished, the W. Master, after due enquiry of the wardens and brethren, will proclaim it to be his will and pleasure that the Entered Apprentices degree be dispensed with for the purpose of opening on the Fellow Craft's degree, and all who are not Fellow Crafts are requested to retire. When the necessary precautions are taken that none remain but those who are entitled to this privilege, the sentinel is again reminded of his duty, and the Fellow Craft's degree opened in due form. When the business in this degree shall have been finished, the Lodge is dispensed with, as in the first degree, and a Master's Lodge opened in due form. After the business in the Master's Degree is finished, the Lodge is closed and the labours of the Fellow Craft's resumed if nothing should offer in this degree, the Lodge is closed and the labours of the Entered Apprentices' resumed. Should nothing further offer in this degree, the records of the evening having been read and approved, the Lodge is closed in due and ancient form. These are but faint outlines of the ceremonies which prevail among masons, in every country, and distinguish all their meetings. FORMS OF PRAYERS, CHARGES, && A Prayer used on opening a Lodge. Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces: Thou hast promised, that " where two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of them, and bless them." In thy name we assemble, most humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve thee aright, and that all our actions may tend to thy glory, and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue. And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless our present assembling, and to illuminate our minds, through the intercession of the Son of Righteousness, that we may walk in the light of thy countenance; and when the trials of our probationary state are over, be admitted into THE TEMPLE "not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." So mote it be. Amen. A Prayer at Closing. Supreme Architect of the universe, accept our humble praises for the many mercies and blessings which thy bounty has conferred on us, and especially for this friendly and social intercourse. Pardon, we beseech. thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss in us since we have been together; and continue to us thy presence, protection, and blessing Make us sensible of the renewed obligations we are under to love thee supremely, and to be friendly to each other. May all our irregular passions be subdued, and may we daily increase in Faith, Hope, and Charity; but more especially in that Charity, which is the bond of peace, and the perfection of every virtue. May we so practice thy precepts, that, through the merits of the Redeemer, we may finally obtain thy promises, and find an entrance through the gates into the temple and city of our God. So mote it be. Amen. Benediction at Closing. May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular masons! May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us! BRETHREN, So mote it be. Amen. Charge at Closing. We are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties which you have heard so frequently inculcated; and so 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. You have promised in the most friendly manner to remind him of his errors, and aid a reformation. These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more " especially to the household of the faithful." 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. |