are to introduce visitors, and see that they are properly accommodated; to collect subscriptions and other fees, and keep an exact account of the expenses of the lodge. Your regular and early attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal and attachment."

The Master then appoints the Tyler, and delivers over to him the instrument of his office, with a short charge on the occasion; after which he addresses the members of the lodge at large, as follows:

"BRETHREN,-Such is the nature of our constitution, that some must of necessity rule and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The brethren whom I have appointed to assist me in the government of this lodge, are too well acquainted with the principles of Masonry, and the rules of good manners, to extend the power with which they are entrusted; and you are too sensible of the propriety of their appointment, and of dispositions too generous to envy their preferment. From the knowledge I have of both officers and members, I trust we shall have but one aim-to please each other, and unite in the grand design of communicating happiness."

The Grand Master then gives the brethren joy of their officers, recommends harmony, and expresses a wish that the only contention in the lodge may be, a generous emulation to vie in cultivating the royal art, and the moral virtues. The new lodge join in

their salute, and the newly installed Master returns thanks for the honour of the constitution.

The Grand Secretary then proclaims the new lodge three times, with the honours of Masonry; flourish with horns each time: after which the Grand Master orders the lodge to be registered in the Grand Lodge books, and the Grand Secretary to notify the same to the regular lodges.

A song with a chorus, accompanied by the music, concludes the ceremony of constitution, when the lodge is closed with the usual solemnities in the different degrees, by the Grand Master and his officers, after which the procession is resumed to the apartment whence it set out.

This is the usual ceremony at the constitution of a new lodge, which the Grand Master may abridge or extend at pleasure; but the material points are on no account to be omitted.

ARGUMENT XXIV.

THE CEREMONY OBSERVED AT LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONES OF PUBLIC STRUCTURES. THE CEREMONY OBSERVED AT THE DEDICATION OF A MASON'S HALL, &c. &c.

THIS Ceremony is conducted by the Grand Master and his officers, assisted by the members of the Grand Lodge. No private member, or inferior officer of any private lodge, is admitted to join in this ceremony. Provincial Grand Masters are authorised to execute this trust in their several provinces, accompanied by their officers, and the Masters and Wardens of regular lodges under their jurisdiction. The chief magistrate, and other civil officers of the place, where the building is to be erected, generally attend on the occasion. The ceremony is thus conducted.

At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened at some convenient place, approved by the Grand Master. A band of martial music is provided and the brethren appear in the insignia of the order, elegantly dressed, with white gloves and aprons. The lodge is opened by the Grand Master, and the rules for regulating the procession to and from the place where the ceremony is to be performed, are read by the Grand Secretary. The necessary cautions are then given from the chair"

and the lodge is adjourned: after which the procession sets out in the following order :

Two Tylers, with drawn swords.

Music.

Brethren, not members of any lodge, two and two.
The Lodges according to their numbers;
Juniors going first.

Grand Superintendent of Works, with the plate bearing the

inscription.

Past Grand Sword-bearers.

Past Grand Deacons.

Grand Secretary, with Book of Constitutions, on a cushion. Past Grand Registrars.

Grand Registrar, with his bag.

Grand Treasurer bearing a phial containing the coin to be deposited in the stone.

Past Grand Wardens.

Past Provincial Grand Masters.
Provincial Grand Masters.

Past Deputy Grand Masters.

Visitors of distinction.

The Corinthian Light, borne by the Master of a lodge. The Column of J. G. W. borne by the Master of a lodge. The J. G. W. with the plumb and rule.

Grand Steward. Banner of the Grand Lodge. Grand Steward. The Doric Light, borne by the Master of a lodge.

The Column of S. G. W. borne by the Master of a lodge.

The S. G. W. with the level.-The J. G. D. Grand The Grand Chaplain, bearing the Sacred Grand Steward. Law on a cushion.

Deputy Grand Master, with square.

The Ionic Light borne by the Master of a lodge.

The Pro-Grand Master.

Steward.

A Past Grand Master, or other brother of eminence, bearing

Having arrived within a proper distance of the spot, the procession halts, the brethren open to the right and left and face inwards, so as to leave room for the Grand Master to pass up the centre, he being preceded by his standard and sword-bearer, the grand officers and brethren following in succession from the rear, so as to invert the order of procession. The Grand Master having arrived at his station, on a platform, an ode is sung or music played, (as previously arranged). The stone being prepared, and the plate with the proper inscription, the upper part of the stone is raised, by an engine, the Grand Chaplain repeats a prayer. The inscription on the plate to be deposited in the stone will then be read, and the Grand Treasurer having, by the Grand Master's command, deposited on the plate various coins of the present reign, the cement is laid on the lower stone, and the upper one is let down slowly, solemn music playing. Being properly placed, the Grand Master descends to the