progress of initiation, must be of great value, because its study involves neither a great expenditure of time, which many can not well spare, nor does it demand more intellectual exertion than almost every one is able to bestow.
In obtruding another monitorial instructor on the fraternity, already too much burdened with this class of publications, I can offer only this improved method of teaching as my excuse. I have made no innovations, but have sought to accommodate the order of ceremonies to the system of lectures long since adopted and now generally prevailing in this country.
But these lectures are only the alphabet of Masonry. He who desires to appreciate the whole truth and beauty of Masonic symbolism and philosophy, must go still further and make profounder researches. To enable such an inquirer to accomplish this task, I have written the present work in the humble hope that my labor will not be altogether in vain.
A. G. MACKEY.
April 1st. 1862
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
FIRST AND SECOND SECTIONS.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—FIRST AND SECOND SECTIONS.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.—THIRD SECTION.
FELLOW CRAFT.
FIRST SECTION.
FELLOW CRAFT.—SECOND SECTION.
FELLOW CRAFT.—SECOND SECTION.
FELLOW CRAFT.—SECOND SECTION.
FELLOW CRAFT.—SECOND SECTION.
MASTER MASON.
FIRST SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—SECOND SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—SECOND SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—SECOND SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—SECOND SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—THIRD SECTION.
MASTER MASON.—THIRD SECTION.
MANUAL OF THE LODGE.
OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.
The necessity of some preparatory ceremonies, of a more or less formal character, before proceeding to the dispatch of the ordinary business of any association, has always been recognized. Decorum and the dignity of the meeting alike suggest, even in popular assemblies called only for a temporary purpose, that a presiding officer shall with some formality be inducted into the chair, and he then, to use the ordinary phrase, "opens" the meeting with the appointment of his necessary assistance, and with the announcement, in an address to the audience, explanatory of the objects that have called them together.
If secular associations have found it expedient by the adoption of some preparatory forms to avoid the appearance of an unseeming abruptness in proceeding to business, it may well be supposed that religious societies have been still more observant of the custom, and that as their pursuits are more elevated, that the ceremonies of their preparation for the object of their meeting should be still more impressive.
In the Ancient Mysteries (those sacred rites which have furnished so many models for Masonic symbolism), the opening ceremonies were of the most solemn character. The sacred herald, in the Ancient Mysteries, commenced the ceremonies of opening the greater initiations by the solemn formula of "Depart hence, ye profane!" to which was added a proclamation which forbade the use of any language which might be deemed of unfavorable augury to the approaching rites.
In like manner a Lodge of Masons is opened with the employment of certain ceremonies in which, that attention may be given to their symbolic as well as practical import, every member present is expected to take a part.
These ceremonies, which slightly differ in each of the degrees—but differ so slightly as not to affect their general character—may be considered in reference to the several purposes which
