open, the square and compasses being laid thereon, and the Constitution roll. An anthem is then sung, and an exordium on Masonry is given; after which the architect addresses the Grand Master in an elegant speech, returns thanks for the honour conferred upon him, and surrenders up the plans and implements which had been entrusted to his care at laying the foundation-stone. The Grand Master expresses his approbation at the architect's conduct, an ode in honour of Masonry is sung, accompanied by the band, and the ladies retire, with such of the musicians as are not Masons.

The Lodge is then tiled, and the business of Masonry 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, during which the organ continues playing solemn music, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The Lodge being uncovered, the first procession is made round it, and the Grand Master having reached the East, the organ is silent, and he proclaims the hall duly dedicated to Masonry in the name of the Great Jehovah, to whom be all honour and glory; upon which the Chaplain strews corn over the Lodge. The organ plays, and the second procession is made round the Lodge, when, on the Grand Master's arrival at the East, the organ is silent, and he declares the hall dedicated to Universal Benevolence; on which the Chaplain sprinkles wine on the Lodge. The organ plays, and the third procession is made round the Lodge, when, on the Grand Master having reached the East, the music is silent, and the hall is dedicated to Virtue; upon which the Chaplain dips his fingers in the oil, and sprinkles it over the Lodge; and at each dedication the grand honours are given. A solemn invocation is made to heaven, and an anthem sung; after which the Lodge being covered, the Grand Master retires to his chair, and the business of Masonry is again adjourned.

The ladies are then introduced: an ode for the occasion is performed; and an oration delivered by the Grand Chaplain, which is succeeded by an anthem. Donations for the charity are then received, and the grand procession is resumed. After marching three times round the

hall, preceded by the Tyler, carrying the Lodge as at entrance, during which the music continues to play a grand piece, the Brethren return to the place whence they set out, where the laws of the Order being rehearsed, the Grand Lodge is closed in ample form in all the degrees.

ARGUMENT XXV.

ON THE CEREMONY OBSERVED AT MASONIC FUNERALS, ACCORDING TO ANCIENT CUSTOM; WITH THE SERVICE USED ON THAT OCCASION AT THE PRESENT DAY.

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order, unless it be by his own special request, communicated to the Master of the Lodge of which he died a member, foreigners and sojourners excepted: nor unless he had been advanced to the third degree of Masonry, and from this restriction there can be no exception. Fellow-crafts or apprentices are not entitled to the funeral obsequies.

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, fixes the day and hour for the funeral, and issues his command to summon the Lodge; if more Lodges are expected to attend, he must make application by the Grand Secretary to the Grand Master, or his deputy, to preside over such Brethren of other Lodges as may assist in forming the procession, who are to be under his direction for the time; and all the Brethren present must be properly clothed.

A dispensation having been obtained, the Master may invite as many Lodges as he thinks proper, and the members of those Lodges may accompany their officers in form; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the Master of the Lodge to which the deceased belonged, for which purpose only the dispensation is granted; and he and his officers must be duly honoured, and cheerfully obeyed on the occasion.

All the Brethren who walk in procession should observe, as much as possible, an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning, with white stockings, gloves, and aprons, is most suitable. No person should be distinguished with a jewel, unless he is an officer of one of the Lodges invited to attend in form, and the officers of such Lodges should be ornamented with

sashes and hat-bands; as also the officers of the Lodge to whom the dispensation is granted, who are, moreover, to be distinguished with white rods.

THE FUNERAL SERVICE.

The Brethren being assembled at the house where the body of the deceased lies, the Master of the Lodge to which he belonged opens the Lodge in the third degree, with the usual forms, and an anthem is sung. The body being placed in the centre on a couch, and the coffin in which it is laid being open, the Master proceeds to the head of the corpse, and the service begins.

Master." What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave?

"Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather them.

"When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him.

"Naked he came into the world, and naked he must return; the Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord!"

The great honours are then given, and certain forms used, which cannot be here explained. Solemn music is introduced, during which the Master strews herbs or flowers over the body, and taking the sacred roll in his hand, he says

"Let us die the death of the righteous, and let our last end be like his!"

The Brethren answer

"God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death!"

The Master then puts the roll into the coffin, and says, "Almighty Father! into thy hands we commend the soul of our loving Brother."

The Brethren answer three times, giving the grand honours each time

"The will of God is accomplished! so be it!" The Master then repeats the following prayer"Most glorious God! author of all good, and giver of all mercy! pour down thy blessings upon us, and

strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection! May the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate, and draw our attention towards thee, the only refuge in time of need! that, when the awful moment shall arrive that we are about to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death; and after our departure hence in peace, and in thy favour, we may be received into thy everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union with the souls of our departed friends, the just reward of a pious and virtuous life. Amen!"

An anthem being sung, the Master retires to the pedestal, and the coffin is shut up. An oration, suitable to the occasion, is delivered; and the Master, recommending love and unity, the Brethren join hands, and renew their pledged vows. The Lodge is then adjourned, and the procession to the place of interment is formed.

The different Lodges rank according to seniority, the junior preceding; each Lodge forms one division, and the following order is observed :

The Tyler, with his sword;

The Stewards, with white rods;
The Brethren out of office, two and two;
The Secretary, with a roll;

The Treasurer with his badge of office;
The Senior and Junior Wardens, hand in hand;
The Past Master;

The Master;

The Lodge to which the deceased Brother belonged in
the following order, all the members having flowers or
herbs in their hands;

The Tyler;

The Stewards

Martial music, drums muffled, and trumpets covered;
The Members of the Lodge;

The Secretary and Treasurer;
The Senior and Junior Wardens;

The Past Master;

The Holy Writings, on a cushion covered with black cloth
carried by the oldest Member of the Lodge;

The Master;