The Prayers Of The Craft.

the light of the divine countenance , we shall pass without trembling through those gloomy mansions where all things are forgotten ; and at the great and tremendous day of trial and retribution , when arraigned at the bar of divine justice , let us hope

that judgment will be pronounced in our favour , and that we shall receive our reward , in the possession of an immortal inheritance , where joy flows in one continued stream , and no mound can check its course . "

The Grand Chapter of Scotland has arranged a " ceremonial to be observed upon constituting and dedicating a Royal Arch Chapter , and installing its office bearers , the like of which is much wanted in England . " We do not intend however now

to dwell on its general excellence , but merely mention the work to quote with approval the following prayer which is offered up by the Third Grand Principal while the first Principal Elect is kneeling .

" Most Holy and Glorious Lord God , the Great Ruler of Heaven and Earth ; W e approach thee with reverence , and implore Thy blessing on the companion appointed to preside over this assembly ,

and now prostrate before Thee—fill his heart with Thy fear , that his tongue and actions may pronounce Thy glory . Make him stedfast in Thy service . Grant him firmness of mind , animate his heart , and strengthen his endeavours . May he

teach Thy judgments , and Thy laws ; and may the incense he shall put before Thee upon thine altar , prove an acceptable sacrifice unto Thee . Bless

him , 0 Lord , and bless the work of his hands . Accept Us in mercy ; hear thou from Heaven , Thy dwelling place , and forgive our transgressions . " There is a very full ceremony in the United States at the installation of the principals , and they

receive a degree called the " High Priesthood . " Bro . John Cross in the " Masonic Chart " ( Newhaven 1820 ) , affords considerable space to Royal Arch Masonry , and says the succeeding prayer is recited after the procession has marched through

the veils into the inner department , where they surround the altar , which is previously prepared in ample form for the occasion , all devoutly kneeling . PRAYER . "Almighty and Supreme High Priest of Heaven and Earth ! who is there in Heaven but Thee ?

The Prayers Of The Craft.

and who upon the earth can stand in competition with Thee ? " Thy Ominicie-nt mind brings all things in review , past , present and to come ; Thine Omnipotent arm directs the movements of the vast

creation ; Thy Omnipresent eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart ; Thy boundless beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoyment , and Thine unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the understanding of the children

of men ! Our Father , who art in Heaven , we invoke Thy benediction upon the purposes of our present assembly . Let this chapter be established to Thine honour ; let its officers be endowed with wisdom to discern , and fidelity to pursue its true

interests ; let its members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their God , the obedience they owe their superiors , the love they owe to their equals , and the good will they owe to all mankind . Let this chapter be consecrated to Thy glory , and its members ever exemplify their love to God by their beneficence to man . "

In conclusion we would desire to say to each of our readers in the words of an old writer , should these precepts , which the Order of Masonry communicates to thee , to make the path to truth and happiness smooth , imprint themselves deep into

thy heart , open to the impressions of virtue ; shouldst thou make those excellent principles thy own , which distinguish each step of thy Masonic career , and render them the plumb-line of all thy actions . 0 Brother ! how great would

be our joy ! Then wouldst thou answer th y exalted destination ; thou wouldst resume that resemblance with God which was the share of man in his state of innocence , which is the object of religion , and the jDrincipal end of Masonic

initiation ; thou wouldst be once more the favourite of Heaven ; the abundance of its blessings would be proved over thee ; and , acquiring the title of a wise , free , happy , and from man , thou wouldst run Thy terrestrial career as the Benefactor of Mankind , and the Pattern of thy Brethen .

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FOE AGED FREE 3 IASONS AND WIDOWS OF FKEEJIASONS . —A meeting of the Committee of Management will be held at Freemasons ' Hall , on Wednesday , the 11 th inst ., at three o ' clock in the afternoon , punctually , when Bro . John Udall , V . P ., will move " That in consideration of the increase of the business of the office , partieulary as regards the Widow Fund , the salary of the Secretary , Bro . Farnfield , be increased from £ 50 to £ 100 per annum , to commence from the 1 st of December last , " and on general business .