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CHAPTER XVI.

PRAYERS.

The ancient prayer, at making or
opening.

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 grant that this our new brother may prove true and faithful. Endue him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that he may, with the secrets of Free Masonry, be able to unfold the

mysteries of godliness. And may he and we 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 !" Amen.

ANOTHER.

Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the universe, to this our present convention-and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us! Endue him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of brotherly love, relief, and truth, to the honour of thy holy name! Amen.

ANOTHER.

Great Architect in heaven! Maker and Ruler of worlds unnumbered! deign, from thy celestial temple, to look down on us, the work of thine hands. As we are now about to enlighten a fellow mortal in Masonry,

wilt thou enlighten us in the knowledge of divine truths. Enable us to live within the compass of thy commands, and to square our actions to thy divine will; and bless us, even us, Father Almighty! Thou hast planted reason in the human heart; may it expand, until it reaches the footstool of thy throne; and when our spirits shall be called to part from this lodge of clay, may they be permitted to join the perfect lodge in heaven, there to receive never-ending refreshment, in the regions of bliss and immortality. Amen.

ANOTHER.

At the initiation of a minister.

O Thou, whose offspring we are! On the mountain of thy truth, permit us to dwell with unspeakable satisfaction, and with unquenchable zeal to display thy glorious perfections. Behold us,we beseech thee, at this hour, leading a young son into a knowledge and enjoyment of our rights and benefits. Like the temple, erected in ancient ages by Masons, and dedicated to thee, let him

be beauteous without, and all glorious within. Let his soul be furnished with unsearchable grace, and his affections be as pure as the serene heavens, when the silent moon gives her light. Let him obey as the sun, who labours until perfect day with increasing strength; and let all the purposes of his heart be as the stars, which tell of worlds unknown, and are notices of boundless benevolence. Let him move like the heavenly orbs, in harmony, and while he flies in the midst of heaven, may he preach thine everlasting gospel to all

nations.

Within this lodge, may he be sacred as the altar, sweet as the incense, and pure as the most holy place..... Among thy ministering servants, may le be ready as an angel of God, and faithful as a beloved son. And when his work is finished, may his memory be celebrated by love, on the durable monuments of eternity; and his reward, in the solemn joys of heaven, be sure from the hand of God, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

ANOTHER.

A general prayer in a lodge.

Great Architect! in whose work all life is employed. The whole is harmony in thee, each part has its place, and all is perfect.

Behold us, who form this apartment in thy works, small indeed in itself, but vast enough for our full employment. From hence we behold thy magnificent displays of power and wisdom, and here we enjoy thy goodness. Regard our work, begun in thy presence, and by thy laws. On the equal bas of truth let our building stand! May its entrance be illuminated with the Sun of righteousness, and in his beams may all our advancements be made and covered with rays of glory. With our Master, may our labour be sweet, and our reward sure. May the skilful inspire a laudable ambition, and each soul be filled with light.

When we extend our hands to a friend, and introduce him to our jors, let truth guide our lips, and love dwell in our hearts. May we add merit to

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