To prevent frequent quotations and a repetition of names, the reader is informed, that this volume is compiled from the highly esteemed and very useful works of Messrs. S. TOWN, ROLLIN, PRESTON, T. S. WEBB, DR. DALCHO, REV. J. SAURIN, and T. M. HARRIS, and the BOOK OF CONSTITU. TIONS. Should this performance afford useful instruction to any; refreshment to the experienced in the craft; obliterate the prejudices of those who have not known our sentiments; render luminous the paths of thousands, who are coming to our temple; and finally, should the Father of lights, who has condescended to crown with his smiles the virtuous transactions of Masons, in every age, nation, and clime, grant his benign influences to those who may read this book, that they may receive the truth and be saved through the merits of Jesus, the author will have an ample reward and the unspeakable satisfaction of believing that his undertaking this work has originated in righteous, ness. "If I am right, thy grace impart, If I am wrong, O teach my heart, CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION Page 1 19 45 50 II-The names of the Masonick Degrees, &c. 149 · 153 Temple XI-Requisite qualifications of Candidates - 157 XIV.-Remarks on the ceremonies used at opening and closing a Lodge XV.-Charges, Prayers, and Addresses -A Charge used at opening a Lodge 159 164 ib. -A Charge or benediction used at closing a lodge 165 -The ancient prayer, at making or opening 168 ib. -Another, at raising a brother to the Sublime 174 17.5 CHAP. XVL-Another, at the constitution of a Lodge opening of a Grand Lodge Another, made during the ceremony of exalta- -Another, made at the opening of the Sublime -Charge, at initiation into the First Degree -Charge, to be delivered when a Candidate is ad- -A parable to be read previous to closing a Mark Master's Lodge 178 180 182 184 187 189 191 192 194 196 -Charge to a newly exalted Companion 197 -Closing a Chapter 199 -Charge to a Grand Master at his installation XVII.-The manner of Constituting a lodge of Mas ter Masons 205 207 208 209 -Ceremony of Constitution and Consecration 220 251 XIX.-The manner of constituting new Chapters INTRODUCTION. As many individuals in every part of community entertain different opinions of Masonry, and some christians feel injured when any of their relations, friends, and brethren join the lodges; the writer wishes, if possible, to remove the objections which they bring against the order, that they may no longer disrespect a system that is founded in truth, and cannot be destroyed. To make the attempt he has discussed those objections in the following brief. catechetical manner. 1st. "How is the secrecy of Masonry consistently kept when the principles of the institution are professedly drawn from divine revelation?" "The principles and privileges of the institution are open to all such as are qualified to receive them; but of these qualifications we must reserve the power of judging for ourselves. Every trade of importance, every art and occupation, has its secrets, not to be communicated but to such as have become proficients in the science connected with them, nor then but with proper caution and restriction; and often times under the guard of heavy penalties. Charters of incorporation are granted by civil governments for their greater security, and patents for their encouragement. Nay, every government, every statesman, and every individual, has secrets which are concealed with prudent care, and confided only in the true and trusty." "We only claim a like indulgence; that of conducting ourselves by our own rules, and of admitting to a participation of our secrets and privileges such as choose to apply for them up. on our own terms. So far from wishing to deprive any one of the light we enjoy, we sincerely wish all the race of men were suitably qualified to receive it; and if so, our doors shall never be shut against them, but our |