lar lodge, under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge, and promise to conform in all things, agreeably to the duty incumbent on all good masons.”

The secretary then delivers the dispensation and records to the master elect, who presents them to the grand master, and he, after being satisfied respecting their correctness, 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.”

After the charter has been read, the grand master proclaims, "the records appear to be properly entered, and are approved. We shall now, therefore, proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a regular lodge."

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

The deputy grand master now presents the master elect, to the grand master, saying,

"MOST WORSHIPFUL,

"I present you, brother

whom the members

of the lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen as their master."

The grand master asks them, if they remain satisfied with their choice, when they bow in token of assent.

The master then presents his wardens and other officers, one after the other, naming them and their officers. The grand master asks the brethren, if they

are still satisfied with each, and all of them. (They give their assent as before.)

The business of consecration commences with solemn music, during which the lodge is uncovered. On the ceasing of the music, all kneeling, the first clause of the CONSECRATION PRAYER is read, as follows:

"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 other 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 thy honour and glory.

"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.

* Grant, O Lord, our God, that they who are now 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 bond of union, continue to strengthen the lodges throughout the world!

"Bless we beseech thee, all our brethren, wheresoever dispersed, and grant speedy relief to all, who are either oppressed or distressed.

"We earnestly recommend to thy fatherly care and protection, all the members of thy whole family. May

they increase in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.

Finally, We beseech thee to enable us to finish all our works here below, with thy approbation, so that we may have our transition from this earthly abode, to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss ineffable.

Supreme and most adorable Lord God! Thou great Creator of heaven and earth, who, out of thine infinite goodness and mercy to mortal man, hast generously promised, that where they assemble together in thy name, thou wilt hear and grant their requests, we be seech thee, O Lord, to hearken unto the prayers, which we, with grateful hearts, now offer up to thee, for having so long preserved us in health and prosperity; desiring thee still to extend these manifold blessings to us, and to all men, till it shall please thee to call us from this transitory life to everlasting bliss..

"Grant, O Lord, that the society which we have formed, and which we this day offer to thy immediate protection, under the name of - lodge, may flourish like the green bay tree by the water side. May they, in their journey through life, always bear in mind, the principals of thy most holy religion; and may they always be in preparation for the great change, which will unavoidably happen to all men, so as to die on a level with all mankind, and be ready at a moment's notice to

answer the summons to join the grand lodge above, whose supreme master, is the Great Jehovah and his officers, the holy angels.

"And we beseech thee, O Almighty God, to take into thy protection, all our brethren, of whatever nation, religion, or degree; desiring thee, to grant them that peace which the world cannot give, that they may always put faith in thee, have hope in thy salvation, and be in charity with all mankind. And finally, we recommend to thy aid and protection, all our distressed brethren, wheresoever dispersed, over the face of the earth; grant that they may always experience that relief, which, in thy infinite wisdom, thou mayest think suitable for their several calamities. These, and all other blessings, we beg in the name, and for the sake of Him, who gave his life to save a guilty world from sin and death, to whom, be all honour, glory, and power, now, and for ever. Amen.*

Then succeeds solemn music, while the lodge is covering. After which, the grand chaplain 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.]

"As it was in the beginning, &c."

After this, during solemn music, the officers of the new lodge advance to salute the grand lodge, bowing as

* It is not necessary, that the grand chaplain, or brother officiating, should confine himself to either of these forms of devotion: as he may, by consent of the grand master, introduce one of his own, prepared for the occasion.

they pass. They then take their places, and stand as they were.

The music ceases, and the grand master rises, and constitutes the new lodge, after the following form:

in

"In the name of the most worshipful grand lodge, I now constitute and form you, my brethren, into a lodge of free and accepted masons. From henceforth, I empower you to act as a regular lodge, by the title and designation of lodge, to be holden in the county of; and you are fully empowered to exercise all the rights and privileges of free-masons, agreeably to the tenure of their charters, the laws of the grand lodge, and the ancient usages of the fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe, prosper, direct, and counsel you, in all your undertakings."

[Response.]

"Amen! So mote it be !"

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

"have you

The grand master then asks his deputy, 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 this lodge?"

The deputy answering in the affirmative, the grand master says, " present him to me." on this, the deputy takes him by the hand, and presents him to the grand master saying,

"MOST WORShipful,

"I present you my worthy brother,

to be installed master of this lodge. I find him to be of