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.
Purge.
* * *
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.
Tyle.
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 offend. 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
in the heavens. Amen!
Response: So mote it be!
Closing Prayer.
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. Amen!
Response: So mote it be!
Benediction.
May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons! May
brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us.
Amen!
Response: So mote it be!