Obrazy na stronie
PDF
ePub

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 the 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 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 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. As the dew of Hermon; as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded his blessing, even life for ever more.

Prayer used 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.

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 farther. 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 recompense 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 freeborn, 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 persons possessing the foregoing qualification 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 of Lodge of free and accepted Masons. "The petition of the subsciber 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 place of residence is

[blocks in formation]

his age

his oc

[blocks in formation]

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 honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of masonry by a favorable opinion of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere desire of being serviceable to your fellow creatures?

"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.

He may also request the perusal of the by-laws; and has a right to examine a complete list of the members, to learn whether the lodge contains any member with whom he cannot consistently and cordially associate.

Should the candidate find the charter to be genuine ; the by-laws salutary and such as he can cheerfully observe; and should he be pleased with all the brethren of the Lodge -his wish to proceed is reported to the master, who makes it known to the Lodge thus :

"BRETHREN-At the request of Mr. A. B., he has been proposed and accepted in due form; I therefore recommend him as a proper candidate for the mysteries of masonry, and worthy to partake of the privileges of the fraternity; and in consequence of a declaration of his intensions, voluntarily made, I believe he will cheerfully conform to the rules of the order."

CHAPTER V.

REMARKS ON THE FIRST LECTURE OF MASONRY.

WHICH is divided into three sections. Virtue is painted in the most enchanting colours, and the duties of morality and religion are enforced. The excellency of knowledge and philosophy is displayed, and many important lessons, impressed on the mind by sensible images, admirably calculated to influence our conduct in the affectionate and faithful discharge of the duties of social life; teaching us to be peaceful subjects, and feeling masters; obedient children, and indulgent parents; affectionate husbands, and inviolable friends.

SECTION FIRST.

This part of the lecture of an Entered Apprentice unfolds our object in visiting the hall of masonry; developes

« PoprzedniaDalej »