Masons are to avoid all law suits, until they have laboured, to the ut most of their ability, agreeably to the Book of Constitutions, to obtain what is justly their due. In all differences of a Masonick nature, law suits are to be entirely avoided, and the good advice of prudent brethren is to be followed, as they are the best referees of such differences,

Masons ought to be moral men. Consequently they should be good husbands, good parents, good sons, and good neighbours; avoiding all excesses injurious to themselves, or fami lies, and to be wise in all things,

Our institution inspires its members with exalted ideas of God, and leads to the exercise of pure and sublime piety. A reverence for the Su preme Being, the Grand Architect of nature, is the elemental life, the primordial source of all its principles, the very spring and fountain of all its virtues,

It interests us, also, in the duties and engagements of humanity produces an affectionate concern for the welfare

of all around us; and raising us superiour to every selfish view, or party prejudice, fills the heart with an unlimited good will to man.

All its plans are pacifick. It cooperates with the pure religion of Jesus, in regulating the tempers, restraining the passions, sweetening the dispositions, and harmonizing the discordant interests of men.

It seeks to intwine the cardinal vir tues and the christian graces in the web of the affections and the drapery of the conduct. It wears the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. In one hand, it holds out the olive branch of peace; and in the other, the liberal donation of charity. In all ages and in all countries the true and accepted have been found to conduct as peaceable citizens, and acknowledged to be the firm and decided supporters of good order, government, and religion.

Little should we deserve the name of the sons of peace, if we violated our allegiance as subjects; much less should we merit the protection of the legislature, if we gave the slightest en

couragement to machinations against the national tranquility, or the poisonous breath of seditious calumny. "To depart from evil and do dood;" uniformly to follow after "the things that make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another;" and to promote, as far as we can, the general welfare of the community to which we belong, and of mankind at large; is at once our characterestick profession, our duty, our interest, and our praise.

Every brother should remember that piety towards God the glorious Mas ter Builder of the universe, and love to mankind, are the two grand immoveable pillars which support the fabrick of Masonry. May all our hearts ever glow with the warmest emotions of piety and the noblest sentiments of benevolence,

CHAPTER XXI.

THE CEREMONY OBSERVED AT FU

NERALS, ACCORDING ΤΟ ANCIENT CUSTOM; WITH THE SERVICE USED ON THE OCCASION.

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the order, unless it be by his own special request, communicated to the Master of the lodge of which he died a member, foreigners and sojourners excepted; nor unless he has been advanced to the third degree of Masonry; and from this restriction there can be no exception. Fellow Crafts, or Apprentices, are not entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend the Masonick procession on such occasions.

The Master of a lodge, having received notice of a Master Mason's death, and of his request to be interred with the ceremonies of the order, fixes the day and hour for the funeral, and issues his command to summon the lodge. He may invite as many

lodges as he thinks proper, and the members of those lodges may accompany their officers in form; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the Master of the lodge to which the deceased belonged, and he and his officers must be duly honoured, and cheerfully obeyed, on the occasion.* But in case the deceased

was not a member of either of the attending lodges, the procession and ceremony must be under the direction of the Master of the oldest lodge.

All the brethren who walk in procession, should observe as much as possible, an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning with white stockings, gloves, and aprons, is most suitable,

The Funeral Service.

The brethren being assembled at the lodge room (or some other convenient place) the presiding Master opens the lodge, in the third degree, with the usual forms; and having stated the

* Except when the Grand or Deputy Grand Master is present and exercises his authority.