Master of the oldest Lodge, bearing the book of Constitutions, (as in No. 2.)

Grand Deacons, with black rods, (placed as in No. 2,)
Grand Master,

Grand Sword Bearer, (as in No. 2,)
Two Stewards, with white rods,

Note. When two or more lodges walk in procession, they form as above, either in one body, or in separate lodges; if separately, the youngest lodge precedes the elder. The cushion, on which the Holy Writings are carried, is covered with crimson satin or velvet.

Marshals are to walk on the left of the procession.

All officers of lodges, in processions, should wear the badges of their office.

None but Master Masons are to wear decorated aprons. Those of the lower degrees may have an edging of silk, or a square and compass made of silk-the aprons of those of higher degrees, according to their order. Attention must be paid to colours. None but officers (who are always to be master masons) are to wear sashes; and this decoration is only for particular officers.

If a past or present Grand Master should join the procession of a private lodge, or Deputy Grand Master, or the Grand Wardens, attention is to be paid to them. They take place after the Master of the lodge. Two Deacons with black rods, one on the right, and another on the left, attend a Grand Warden; and when a Grand Master is present, or Deputy Grand Master, the book of constitutions is borne before him; a sword bearer follows him, and the Deacons, with black rods, are placed on his right and left, at an angular distance of five feet, as in No. 2.

Musicians, if they are of the fraternity, walk in the pro

cession, after the Tyler; if not, they precede the Tyler, walk on the right and left of the procession. When there is but one band, and the Grand Lodge attends, they follow the Grand Tyler.

The order of procession No. 1, is suitably formed for funerals. The cushion, on which is carried the Holy Writings, is covered with black silk or cloth: a black silk knot is placed at the end of each Steward's rod—the same on the musical instruments. The procession immediately precedes the corpse.

The brethren all walk two and two, excepting such officers as from their station are to walk otherways.

When a new lodge is to be consecrated, &c. that lodge is always to form separately;-its place in the procession is immediately preceding the Grand Lodge.

On entering public buildings, &c., the Bible, square and compass, book of Constitutions, &c., are placed before the Grand Master. The Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons keep near him.

10*

THE

FREEMASON'S GUIDE.

CHAPTER I.

VINDICATION OF FREE MASONRY.

It is a very easy task to trace from reason and the nature of things, the wise ends and designs of the sacred constitution of Masonry; which not alone cultivates and improves a real and undisguised friendship among men, but teaches them the more important duties of society. Vain, then, is each ídle surmise against this sacred art, which our enemies may either meanly cherish in their own bosoms, or ignorantly promulgate to the uninterested world. By decrying Masonry, they derogate from human nature itself, and from that good order and wise constitution of things, which the Almighty Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind, and has established as the basis of the moral system; which, by a secret, but attractive force, disposes the human heart to every social virtue. Can friendship or social delights be the object of reproach? Can that wisdom, which hoary time has sanctified, be the object of ridicule? How mean, how contemptible must those men appear, who vainly pretend to censure or contemn what they cannot comprehend! The generous heart will pity ignorance so aspiring and insolent.

I shall now proceed, and consider in what shape Masonry is of universal utility to mankind, how it is reconcilable to

the best policy, why it deserves the general esteem, and why all men are bound to promote it.

Abstracting from the pure pleasures which arise from a friendship so wisely constituted, and which it is scarce possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase; let us consider, that Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, but diffused over the whole terrestrial globe, where arts flourish. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved among ourselves throughout the world, Masonry becomes an universal language. By this means, many advantages are gained: men of all religions and of all nations are united. The distant Chinese, the wild Arab, or the American Savage, will embrace his brother; and he will know, that, besides the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger obligation to engage him to kind and friendly actions. The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed, and a moral brother, though of a different persuasion, engage his esteem. Thus, all those disputes, which embitter life, and sour the tempers, are avoided; and every face is clad with smiles, while the common good of all, the general design of the craft, is zealously pursued.

Is it not evident that Masonry is an universal advantage to mankind? For, sure, unless discord and harmony be the same, it must be so. Is it not likewise reconcilable to the best policy? for it prevents that heat of passion, and those partial animosities, which different interests too often create. Masonry teaches us to be faithful to the government, and true to our country; to avoid turbulent measures, and to submit with reverence to the decisions of legislative power. It is surely, then, no mean advantage, no trifling acquisition, to any community or state, to have under its power and jurisdiction loyal subjects and citizens, patrons of science, and friends to mankind.

Does not Masonry, therefore, of itself command the

highest regard? Does it not claim the greatest esteem? Does it not merit the most exclusive patronage? Without doubt. If all that is good and amiable, if all that is useful to mankind or society, be deserving a wise man's attention, Masonry claims it in the highest degree. What beautiful ideas does it not inspire? How does it open and enlarge the mind? And how abundant a source of satisfaction does it afford? Does it not recommend universal benevolence, and every other virtue which can endear one man to another? And is it not particularly adapted to give the mind the most disinterested, the most generous notions?

An uniformity of opinion, not only useful in exigencies, but pleasing in familiar life, universally prevails among Masons, strengthens all the ties of their friendship, and equally promotes love and esteem. Masons are brethren; and amongst brethren there exists no invidious distinctions. A king is reminded, that though a crown adorns his head, and a sceptre in his hand, yet the blood in his veins is derived from the common parent of mankind, and is no better than that of the humblest individual. Men in inferior states are taught to love their superiors, when they see them divested of their grandeur, and condescending to trace the path of wisdom, and follow virtue, assisted by those of a rank beneath them. Virtue is true nobility, and wisdom the channel by which it is directed and conveyed. Wisdom and virtue, therefore, are the great characteristics of Masons.

Masonry inculcates universal love and benevolence, and disposes the heart to particular acts of goodness. A Mason possessed of this amiable, this God-like disposition, is shocked at misery under every form or appearance. His pity is not only excited, but he is prompted, as far as is consistent with the rules of prudence, to alleviate the pain of the sufferer, and cheerfully to contribute to his relief. For this end our funds are raised, and our charities established on the firmest foundation. When a brother is in distress,