The Prayers Of The Craft.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CRAFT .

tONDON , SATURDAY , JUNE 19 , 1869 .

By Bro . W ILLIAM JAMES HUGHAN , P . M . 131 , & c . In the constitutions of Grand Lodge of Scotland A . D . 1866 , there are several prayers which for elegance of diction and devotional element can scarcely he surpassed . In consecrating daughter

lodge , the following commences the proceedings . " 0 adorable Lord God , maker of all things , and judge of all men , regard , we humbly beseech Thee , with Thy special favour , this our present undertaking , and grant that the work which we

now commence in Thy name , may conduce to Thy glory , and to the good , temporal and eternal , of Thy dependant creatures . " Let a scrupulous regard to the obligation which , in Thy name , and under Thine all seeing

eye , shall be herein entered into , distinguish all upon whom the privileges of initiation shall be conferred—that they , abounding in all holy conservation and godliness , may become true and worthy members of our venerable Order , and that their practice may in all things correspond with their profession .

Response by the brethren—So mote it be . After the oration and anthem , the V . W . the Grand or Provincial Grand Chaplain offers the following invocation . " Great Architect of the Universe ! maker and

ruler of all worlds ! deign from Thy celestial temple , from realms of light and glory , to bless us , in all the purposes of this present assembly . " We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this , and at all times , wisdom in all our doings , strength

of mind in all our difficulties , and the beauty of harmony in all our communications . " Permit us , 0 Thou centre of light and life , great source of love and happiness , to erect this lodge , and now solemnly to consecrate it to Thy

honour and glory . " Response by the M . W . the G . M ., or the R . W . the Prov . G . M . — -Glory be to God on High ! Response by the brethren—As it was in the beginning , is now , and ever shall be , world without end . —Amen .

[ The consecrating elements are then sprinkled on the lodge room , - after which the chaplain resumes . ] " Grant , 0 Lord our God , that they who are [ now about to be ] invested with the government of this lodge may be endued with wisdom to

instruct their brethren in all duties . May brotherly love and charity always prevail among the members of this lodge ; and may this bond of union continue to strengthen the lodges throughout the world !

Bless all our brethren wheresoever dispersed , and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed . We humbly commend to Thee all the members of Thy whole family . May they increase in the knowledge of Thee , and in the love of each other .

Finally , may we finish all our works here below with Thine approbation ; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy heavenly temple above , there to enjoy light , glory and bliss ineffable . "

Response by the brethren—So mote it be . The installation of the Office Bearers of a lodge , is a lengthy and imposing ceremonial under the Grand Lodge of Scotland , as each officer is suitably addressed respecting the duties he will be

expected to discharge . The Worshi pful Master is told that " The Holy Bible , which is never shut in a lodge , teaches us to love God ; and unless our motives be founded on that love , and our actions spring from it , all the morality in the world is of no avail . "

All the officers have to take oaths de fideli on accepting- their appointments , and are then invested with the insignia or jewels , and the charges are delivered . Although we are no advocates for at multiplicity of obligations and believe "T is

not the many oaths that make the truth ; but the plain simple vow that is vow'd true , " yet we have often wondered why the W . M . of an English lodge should be the only brother obligated on accepting office . We hope ere long to refer to

the system practised in Scotland . The following thanksgiving , by the V . W . the Grand or Provincial Grand Chaplain , and the Masonic Anthem , concludes the impressive ceremony , and the lodge is " closed , and in the third degree . "

Thanksgiving . " Blessed be Thy name , 0 Great Architect of the Universe , that it hath pleased Thee to put into the hearts of Thy servants to found this lodge to Thy honour and glory . Bless them O Lord , with

Thine especial blessing , and grant all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work , may continue-Thy faithful servants unto their lives' end . Let their practice shadow forth the blessed principles- -