peace. Even amid the ravages of war the voice of Masonry is heard. Frequently, when the burst of trumpets and the shock of arms have silenced every oral language, the mystic sign has brought a redeeming spirit to the soldier's side, and the mantle of Masonry has received him in its silken folds. Yes, and that very MANTLE which can shield from the flaming sabre on the field of battle, has been employed from immemorial time to wipe the tear of suffering orphanage, and drink from the brow of care its dungeondamps. And although Masonry is frequently solicited to feed the mouth that defames her, still she enters with pleasure the house of mourning and of sorrow, leaves her last mite in the shed of poverty. Sometimes, indeed, she deems it her duty to deny her right hand the knowledge of what her left has done, but she asks only the reasonable privilege, of alleging in her defence, the precept and example of her Divine Master.

and

Here too, the bigoted sectary is taught to feel, that the Master Builder of the universe has not erected his celestial temple for any one name or nation, but that the virtuous and the good of every denomination, and of every country, are invited from the labours and trials of this world, to the rest and refreshments of the Paradise above.

Such, brethren, being the nature and design of our beloved Institution, constituting at once our example and our pride, we need not to be invited to study and to practise the precepts of her lips.

CHAPTER II.

On the first seven degrees, or classes of Free and Accepted Masons.

HONOUR and probity are recommendations to the first class; and to the ENTERED APPRENTICE the practice of

virtue is recommended, while the duties of morality are strongly enforced upon the mind.

For the second class, diligence, assiduity, and application are indispensable qualifications, and to the FELLOW-CRAFT an accurate elucidation of science, both in theory and practice is presented.

The third class is composed of those whom truth and fidelity have distinguished; who when assaulted by threats and violence, have evinced their integrity, by preserving inviolate the sacred mysteries of the craft. Such may be raised to the honours and privileges of a MASTER MASON.

The fourth degree is a reward of merit, and is conferred on those only who have faithfully studied the scientific branches of art. Those who are MARK MASONS, therefore, must have exhibited proofs of their skill and evidence of their acquirements.

The fifth class, denominated PRESENT or PAST MASTERS, are such as have acquired a sufficient degree of skill in the art, to become teachers, and have been elected to preside over regularly constituted bodies of Masons.

The sixth class consists of those who have discharged the duties of the chair with honour, and have been received and acknowledged as MOST EXCELLENT MASTERS.

The seventh class is composed of a select few, whom years and experience have improved, and whom merit and abilities have entitled to preferment. With this latter class, or ROYAL ARCH MASONS, the ancient landmarks of the order are preserved.

CHAPTER III.

OF A LODGE IN GENERAL.

OUR first care is directed to the external avenues of the lodge; and the proper officers, whose province it is to discharge that duty, execute the trust with fidelity.

A prayer used at opening.

May the favour of heaven be upon this meeting! And as it is begun happily, may it be conducted with order, and closed in harmony.

Another prayer used at 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. In thy game we assemble, most humbly beseeching thee tof 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 in virtue. Amen.

Charge at opening.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. the dew of Hermon; as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded his blessing, even life for evermore.

Prayer used at closing.

As

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us, and all regular Masons! May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us.

Charge at closing.

BRETHREN-You are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and temptations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in the Lodge. Be, therefore, diligent, prudent, and temperate. And remember also that you have

solemnly and repeatedly promised to befriend and relieve, with the most prompt cordiality, so far as shall be in your power, every brother who shall need your assistance: that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings; to vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced; and to suggest in his behalf the most candid, favourable, and palliating circumstances, even when his conduct is justly reprehended; that the world may observe how Masons love each other. And these generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind and obliging offices. Let it not be supposed that you have here" laboured in vain, and spent your strength for nought; for your work is with the Lord, and your recompence with your God."

Finally, brethren! be ye all of one mind, live in peace ; and may the God of love and peace delight to be with you, and bless you.

CHAPTER IV.

Instructions to a person wishing to become a Mason.

No person can become a Mason, consistently with the ancient and salutary usages of our order, unless he be free-born, and, at least, twenty-one years of age; of a good moral character; temperate, chaste, industrious, charitable, and possessed of public spirit, and the social virtues. He must be of sufficient natural endowments to be respectable, and must have, entire, all the faculties and senses of a man. He must have an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible means of acquiring an honest livelihood, as becomes the members of this ancient and honourable fraternity. In short he must have a sound head and a good heart, exempt from all those ill qualities and vices which bring dishonour on the craft.

A person possessing the foregoing qualifications must be proposed, at his own voluntary request, by a friend or acquaintance belonging to the Lodge of which he wishes to become a member, at least one meeting previous to the time of his initiation.

All applications for admission should be made in writing, in the following form:

"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren o -Lodge of free and accepted Masons. "The petition of the subscriber respectfully showeth, that, having long entertained a favourable opinion of your ancient institution, he is desirous of being admitted a member thereof, if found worthy.

his age

-, his oc

(Signed)

A. B."

Before admission, the candidate must assent to the following interrogations.

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, that, unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of masonry?

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of masonry by a favourable opinion of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere desire of being serviceable to your fellowcreatures?

"Do you seriously declare, upon your honour, that you will conform to the ancient established usages of the order?"

If there remain no objection, the candidate is introduced in due form. But he has a right, previous to presenting himself, to desire his friend to show him the warrant or dispensation, by which the Lodge is held; which, if genuine, he will find to be an instrument written, or printed upon parchment, and signed by some grand master, his deputy, the grand wardens and grand secretary, and sealed with the grand lodge seal.