Master, having expressed his approbation, an ode in honour of Masonry is sung, accompanied by instrumental music: after which, such of the spectators as are not Masons retire for refreshment.

The lodge being tiled, the business of Masonry is resumed.

The Grand Secretary informs the Grand Master, that it is the design of the fraternity to have the hall dedicated to Masonry; upon which, he orders the grand officers to assist in the ceremony, with solemn music, excepting only at the intervals of dedication.

The lodge is uncovered, and the first procession being made round it, the Grand Master having reached the east, strikes thrice with the mallet; and, after profound silence, dedicates the hall to Masonry, "in the name of the GREAT JEHOVAH to whom be all glory and honour."

Upon which, the Grand Chaplain strews corn over the lodge.

Solemn music then begins, and a second procession is made round the lodge; when, on the Grand Master's arrival at the east, silence is again proclaimed-and he declares the hall dedicated, as before, to virtue and science, on which the Chaplain sprinkles wine on the lodge.

Solemn music is again performed, and a third procession made round the lodge: when, the chief Master having reached the east, all is silent-and the hall is dedicated as before, to universal charity and benevolence. Upon which, the Chaplain dips his fingers in the oil, and sprinkles it over the lodge.

At each dedication the honours are given.

A solemn invocation is made to heaven by the Grand Chaplain, followed by responses from all the brethren; and an anthem is sung. After which, the lodge is covered, and the Grand Master retires to the chair.

The spectators may now return, and the Grand Master

may direct the grand procession to be resumed, and to march three times round the hall, halting each time in the east. Whilst the procession is moving, the music continues, but ceases when the procession halts. After this, the members of the Grand Lodge take their places. An oration, suited to the occasion, is delivered by the Grand Chaplain, or some other brother, appointed for that purpose by the Grand Master.

The Grand Lodge again forms in procession as at first, and returns to the room where it was opened; the laws of the order are rehearsed, and then the Grand Lodge is closed in ample form.

CHAPTER V.

CEREMONY OBSERVED AT FUNERALS; WITH THE SERVICE TO BE USED ON THOSE OCCASIONS.

THE practice of funeral rites has been general among mankind. It affords opportunity for the happy recollection of the virtues of the deceased, as well as for the public testimony of the duties which have existed between the dead and the living. It at once assists sympathy and virtue.

The ceremonies are different in different nations, and a conformity to them has been recommended among the brethren; they have also their usual forms, in which they express their common friendship in mourning for the dead.

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the order, unless it be by his own special request whilst living, communicated to the Master of the lodge of which he died a member; nor unless he has been advanced to the third degree of Masonry; foreigners, sojourners, and particular officers excepted, and those at the direction of the Grand

Master. From the above restriction, there can be no other exceptions.

The Master of a lodge having received notice of a Master Mason's death, and of his request to be interred with the ceremonies of the order, and duly notified of the time and place of interment, must summon his lodge, informing them of the funeral solemnities. Where the lodge is in the same city where the Grand Lodge is located, it is absolutely necessary to obtain the consent of the Grand Master.

If more lodges are expected to attend, he must make application, by the Grand Secretary to the Grand Master, for permission to preside over such brethren from other lodges as may assist in forming the procession, who are to be under his direction for the time, unless the Grand Master, his deputy, or the Grand Wardens, are present.

In case of a stranger, the Master of the senior lodge present presides, if the proper grand officers are absent.

The dispensation being obtained, the Master may invite as many lodges as he thinks proper; and the members of these lodges may accompany their officers in form.

All the brethren must appear in decent mourning; dressed in white stockings, gloves and aprons, the usual clothing of Master Masons.

The officers must appear with the badges of the lodge, and such as have been officers, may wear the badges of their former stations, provided that the brethren actually in office are distinguished by sashes and hat bands.

The brethren should first assemble, if it be possible, in their lodge room, and open in due form, and remain standing during the first part of the service, which may, in common cases, be performed in their hall, with the usual ceremonies.

A procession is then formed; the lodges move according to seniority, excepting that the lodge, of which the deceased was a member, moves nearest to the corpse.

In the graveyard, the brethren proceed to the grave, and then, entering at its foot, open, so that the master may stand at the head of the grave, and the mourners may halt at the foot, while the brethren encircle it. Whilst the prayers are reading at the grave, the brethren may slowly approach it, till they are as near as they can with comfort stand.

If no part of the service has been already performed in the lodge, or some public building, with proper ceremonies, it is here rehearsed; or such as may be substituted by the direction of the master.

The service may be performed by responses, or by one voice; at discretion.

The Master speaks, or the Chaplain by his direction;
Where is now our brother?
He sojourneth in darkness.

Can we redeem our brother?

We have not the ransom.-The place that knew him, shall know him no more!

Shall his name be lost?

[Here the roll is unfolded.]

The memory of a brother is precious. We will record

his name.

Write it here!

[Viewing the roll.]

We will write it in our hearts.

How will it then be known?

[Here strew flowers, or evergreen.]

It shall live in his virtues, which shall live in us and in every brother.

Was he worthy?

Like him we will be brethren, and our last end shall be in peace.

He was indeed our brother.

But, who hath done this!

The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away.
Let us then bless the name of the Lord.

EJACULATION.

What is our life!-It is a shadow! a dream!

We once were—but, what were we!

Whither are we going! what shall we become!

Who is poor! who is rich! the king and the beggar lie down together!

Our brother hath forsaken us!

He is no longer one of ourselves!
Every connexion of life has ceased!
The form is no longer beautiful !
He stretcheth not his hands to us!
The hour of death has overtaken him!

-Shall not some friend comfort us?

[Here an oration may be delivered; but if one has not been prepared for the occasion, then may follow]

But

THUS our brother has reached the end of life!-How many offerings has he made upon the altar of charity!— How honourably has he sustained the cares of life!-How did he make the hearts of all around him happy!-He trode not on the worm that moved at his feet!-His heart was in the laws of his country. His religion to his God taught him to love and to extend happiness to man. he has bidden us the last farewell. Farewell, our brother! We reply farewell!-Go, visit the Grand Lodge of brethren!-Go, meet thy God; and may he approve thee! May we be as faithful!-may our eyes be closed in peace, like thine!—and our dying pillow be as easy!-Farewell till the grand summons !--Then, brother, we will rise and meet thee!--Glory be to God on high !