ing the craft, and increasing the number of worthy brethren; provided, that this dispensation do continue, and be in force, until the next session of the grand lodge, and no longer.

Given under my hand and the seal of the grand lodge, and countersigned by the grand secretary at in the year of our Lord

this

day of

and of masonry

B. C. H. Grand Secretary.

T. E. W. Grand Master.

In consequence of this charter, a lodge may be held, at the place therein specified; and, the transactions being properly recorded, are equally valid, for the time being, with those of a regularly constituted lodge; provided they are afterwards approved by the brethren convened at the time of constitution.

The grand lodge having signified its approbation of the new lodge, the grand master appoints a day and hour for its constituting and consecrating, and for installing the master, wardens, and other officers.*

If the grand master and all his officers attend the ceremony, the lodge is said to be constituted in ample form; if the deputy grand master only, and the other grand officers, attend, it is said to be constituted in due form; but if the power of performing the ceremony is vested in any subordinate lodge, it is said only to be constituted in form; in which case he grants his authority in the following words:

No new lodge is acknowledged, nor can their officers be admitted into the grand lodge until such new lodge is first regularly constituted, and registered by the authority of the grand lodge.t-Vide Dermot new regula. tions, article 12, page 49.

† It too frequently happens that innovations creep into our excellent ceremonies, not so much for the lack of information, as owing to a loose and indifferent mode of work too prevalent among the masons of the present day. True it is, that the more important parts of our ceremonies and mysteries, being derived from oral tradition, require an uncommon degree of retention, and the strictest regard to ancient custom, to prevent that most mischievous evil, an infringement upon the ancient land marks. But surely this cannot be urged as any apology, for the least deviation from laws which are printed and promulgated, and which should be found not only in the library, but in the mouth and heart of every zealous member of our ancient and honourable society.

Nothing short of the strictest adherence, not only to the spirit but to the letter, will keep alive and transmit to future ages our excellent regulations, which, "like the laws of the Medes and Persians," should be declared to be unsusceptible of the slightest alteration.-Compiler.

Copy of the authority from a grand master to any number of brethren to constitute and consecrate a new lodge, and to install the officers thereof:

"Sir and Brother-(or as the case may be)-Having indubitable testimony of your ability and attachment to the royal craft, and reposing especial confidence in your integrity, I do hereby authorize and appoint you to form and constitute a lodge in the city of by the name and style of lodge No., agreeably to a resolve of the grand lodge of held at — on—, and of the said lodge you will install our beloved brother J. C. shipful master, and our beloved brother W. P. and J. K. senior and junior wardens, agreeably to the ancient usages, for which this shall be your sufficient authority.

6.

wor

day of

A.

T. E. W. Grand Master. [SEAL.]

On the day and hour appointed, the grand-master and his officers [or the master and officers of any private lodge, authorized by the grand master for that purpose] meet in a convenient room, near to that in which the lodge to be constituted is assembled.

The officers of the new lodge are to be examined by the deputy grand master. After they are approved, they return to their lodge, and prepare for the reception of the grand lodge. When notice is given, that they are prepared, the grand lodge walk in procession to their hall; the officers and members of the new lodge resign their seats to them, and take their several stations on the left.

The necessary cautions are then delivered from the chair. After which, all, excepting masters or past masters of lodges, are desired to retire, until the master of the new lodge is placed in the chair.

Upon due notice, the brethren return; and all take their places, but the members of the new lodge, who form a procession on one side of the hall, to salute their master. The grand master addresses them-Behold your Master!" The brethren advance, and make the proper salutation. They move on, until they have all passed: then their master joins them, taking his proper place.

[*The lodges present next form, either in one body, ac

The sentences between the brackets relate to a public performance of the ceremonies. Whether they shall be so, or not, is optional with the grand

cording to the usual order of procession, or in separate lodges, as shall be judged best.

The whole procession then moves on towards the house where it is intended that the services shall be performed; with the clergy, the civil officers of the town and neighbourhood, and such other gentlemen as may have been invited, and are in waiting.]

[The public services are such as the brethren of the lodge to be constituted have previously arranged, with the approbation of the grand master. Generally a prayer is made, and a discourse delivered, by the chaplain, or some brother of the clergy, appointed for that purpose.] After which, the business of consecration commences.

The service begins with solemn music, and the grand master, deputy grand master, grand chaplain, and grand secretary, go to the place of consecration.

The officers and brethren of the new lodge, then form before the grand master. The deputy grand master then informs the grand master, that

"A number of brethren, duly instructed in the several degrees of free masonry, and good workmen, having, by virtue of a warrant granted them for that purpose, assembled as regular masons, and duly recorded their transactions, do now desire to be formed into a regular lodge, under the jurisdiction of this grand lodge; and promise to conform, in all things, as good masons ought to do.”

Their secretary then delivers the charter and records to the master elect, who presents them to the grand master, and he observes, that

"Upon due deliberation, the grand lodge have seen fit to grant the petition of the brethren here assembled, and a charter has been given them, which the grand secretary will now read." [The charter is read.]

He next examines the records; and, if approved, proclaims

"The records appear to be properly entered-and are approved. We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular lodge."

Whereupon the jewels and badges are delivered up by the officers to their master, who presents them to the deputy grand master, and he to the grand master.

master. These proceedings, respecting constituting, &c. were collected from ancient records, and adapted to public use, by the right worshipful ISAIAN THOMAS, Esq. past grand warden.

Then the deputy grand master presents the master of the new lodge to the grand master, saying

"Most Worshipful-I present you brother G. M. whom the members 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 the head, in token of assent.] The master then presents, one after the other, his wardens and other officers; naming them and their office. The grand master asks the brethren, if they are satisfied with each and all of them. [They bow their heads, in token of assent.]

Next, during solemn music,* the lodge is uncovered. All devoutly kneel. The music ceases; and the grand chaplain rehearses the following prayer:

"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 centre of light and life, great source of love and happiness, to erect this lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor 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!

"Grant, O Lord our God, that they who are now about to be invested with the government of this lodge, may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all duties. May brotherly love and charity always prevail among the members of this lodge; and may this band of union continue to strengthen the lodges throughout the world!

"Bless all our brethren, wheresoever 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 thec, and in the love of each other.

"Finally, may we finish all our works here below, with thine approbation; and then have our transition from this

The music alluded to, is occasionally vocal or instrumental, more frequently both. See the appendix where on this, as on other solemn occasions, the hymns and odes are to be found set to appropriate tunes.

earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory and bliss ineffable-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 covering. 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 by the brethren.-As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.-Amen!-so mote it be.-Amen!

After this, during solemn music, the officers of the new lodge advance to salute the grand lodge, with their hands crossed on their breast, bowing as they pass. Then they take their places, and stand as they were.

The music ceases, and the grand master proceeds to constitute the lodge, by directing the grand marshal to say: "Brethren-I am directed by the most worshipful

grand master for the state of, to make proclamation, that, by virtue of his power and authority, these brethren are now constituted a regular society of free and accepted masons, by the title and designation of lodge, to be holden in And from henceforth they are fully empowered to exercise all their rights and privileges, agreeably to the tenure of their charter, the laws of the grand lodge, and the ancient usages of the fraternity; and may God be with them."+

Response, by the members of the grand lodge.-So mote it be!

The grand honours are then given, and the ceremony of Installation succeeds.

The grand master asks the deputy grand-master,

"Have you examined the master nominated in the warrant; and do you find him well skilled in the science of masonry, and worthy to be invested with the government of a lodge?"

The grand chaplain is not confined to this form of devotion. He may use one of those among the collection of prayers contained in this book; or, with the consent of the grand master, may introduce one of his own, prepared for the occasion.

This proclamation must be made in the name of the grand master, in cases where he is not present.