Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason together with the Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, Masonic Burial, Etc.

Excerpt

OPENING THE LODGE.

At regular meetings the lodge must be opened up in regular order and full form from the E. A. to M. M. degree.

At special meetings it need only be opened in the degree in which work is to be done.

Congregate.

The J. D. will see that the Tyler is at his station and close the door.

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One brother can not vouch for another unless he has sat in open lodge with him, or examined him by appointment of the W. M.

Opening Prayer.

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces! In Thy name we have assembled and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and goodness, that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne! Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

Or,

Almighty and merciful God, hear us with indulgence, have pity for our weakness, and aid us with Thy strength. Help us to perform all our duties—to ourselves, to other men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of Masonic light flow over the world. Pardon us when we When we go astray, lead us back to the true path; and help our feeble efforts to remove all obstacles to the final triumph of the great law of love; and, having faithfully performed our duty here below, wilt Thou receive us into Thy Celestial Lodge above, that house not made with hands, eternal heavens. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

Extemporaneous, or the following:

Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our hearty thanks for the many mercies and blessings which Thy bounty has conferred upon us, and especially for this social intercourse with our brethren. Pardon, we beseech Thee, whatever Thou has seen amiss in us, and continue to us Thy protection and blessing. Make us sensible of our obligations to serve Thee, and may all our actions tend to Thy glory and our advancement in knowledge and virtue. Grant that the world—the little circle in which we move—may be better and happier for our having lived in it, and may we practice that Charity which is the bond of peace and the perfection of every virtue. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

This charge may be used at closing:

Brethren: We are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties which you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly, recommended in this lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have promised, in the most friendly manner, to remind him of his errors and to aid his reformation. These generous principles are to extend further: Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more especially to the "household of the faithful." Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace; and may the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with and bless you....