Transcription Notes:

This Internet file is not an exact copy of the book. Certain liberties have been taken. It is presented here as a collection of poetry, rather than as songs to be sung. Some of the conventions helpful for singing, such as breaking words into syllables and heavy use of apostrophes for elided 'e's and 'v's, were felt unnecessary and distracting, so many of the 'v's and practically all of the vowels that were apostrophized out have been replaced. While choruses are noted, repeating line have otherwise been left out. A very few spellings have been modernized, and typographic errors corrected.

If a more precise rendition is required, a photocopy of the book is available online. http://books.google.com/books?id=Q_3nB5CiGoYC&pg=PA5 is the Google Books reference for this, where the number at the end (5 in this example) is the page number you wish to start at.

Page numbers ran from 1, for the Frontspiece, to 72, for the final page of text, but since the 76 poems and songs were numbered (1 to 73, with two each numbered 49 & 62, plus one in the funeral service), it was felt unnecessary to interrupt the flow of the verses to insert them for an Internet file. The Table of Contents has accordingly been expanded from the original, which listed only major sections in all-caps, and page numbers.

This book did not include any music, but all artwork has been included in this HTML file, mostly just at major headings

No author credits were given in this book, but we've compiled a table for those that we discover at the end of this file. We've also added indexes of first lines, sorted both by song number (just following the Table of Contents) and alphabetically (at the end).

ERRATA: Song #40 is just a single word different from the first verse of #43. There are two each of #49 & #62, labled in the indexes as 49a, 49b, 62a, & 62b.

PREFACE.

The object of the present volume is to furnish Lodges, Chapters, and appropriate Ceremonials, with a complete Collection of Odes for all practical purposes. Great care has been used in the selection: all light and trifling pieces were rejected, and it is believed that nothing has been admitted but such as will tend to advance the dignity of the Order, and elevate the moral character of its members.

The tones of music breathing the "concord of sweet sounds," speak a language to the soul richer in meaning than words can express, and add an inspiring influence, in unison with the sublime ceremonies of the Order, to enliven the mind, to cheer the drooping spirit, and assist in promoting the reciprocal sentiments of Brotherly Love and Charily.

The tunes selected and accompanying each piece, are old and familiar; but may be changed, by those having a knowledge of music, to other and probably more appropriate airs.

song #	CONTENTS	page #
ODES FOR THE LODGE
1	ODE TO MASONRY	5
2	THE LODGE	8
3	—
ENTERED APPRENTICE		9
4	— Opening
5	—
6	— Initiation
7	—
8	— Initiation of a Clergyman
9	—
10	—
11	—
12	—
13	—
14	— Closing
15	—
FELLOW CRAFT		16
16	— Opening
17	—
18	—
19	— Initiation
20	—
21	—
22	— Closing
23	—
MASTER MASON		21
24	— Opening
25	—
26	—
27	—
28	— Initiation
29	—
30	—
31	—
32	— Sonnet
33	—
34	—
35	—
36	— Closing
37	—
38	—
39	—
40	—
ODES FOR ANCIENT CEREMONIES
41	CONSTITUTING A LODGE	32
42	—
43	—
44	CONSECRATING A LODGE	35
45	—
46	—
47	INSTALLING A LODGE	37
48	—
49a	—
49b	—
50	—
51	LAYING FOUNDATION STONES	41
52	—
53	—
54	—
55	—
56	—
57	DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS	47
58	—
59	—
60	—
61	—
62a	—
ODES FOR THE CHAPTER
62b	MARK MASTER	53
63	—
64	—
65	—
66	PAST MASTER	57
67	—
68	MOST EXCELLENT MASTER	59
69	—
70	ROYAL ARCH	61
71	—
72	—
73	— Closing
FUNERAL CEREMONIES
funeral	SERVICE AT THE GRAVE	66
74	— Death March
index	— Index of Writers

First Lines

Hyperlinked In Song Number Order

1. Hail, Masonry! we boast thy cheerful grace,

2. 'Tis Wisdom, Strength and Beauty,

3. 'Tis Masonry unites mankind,

4. Within our temple, met again,

5. Come, brothers of the mystic tie —

6. Behold! how pleasant, and how good,

7. How pleasant and how good it is,

8. When, met in Friendship's kindly name,

9. While journeying on our darksome way,

10. Behold! how good a thing it is,

11. Spirit of power and might! behold

12. Deep in the quarries of the stone,

13. Far from the world's cold strife and pride,

14. Now our social labors closing,

15. To heaven's high Architect all praise,

16. O welcome, brother, to our band,

17. Come, Brothers of the Craft, unite,

18. May our united hearts expand

19. Come, Craftsmen, assembled our pleasure to share,

20. Hail, Masonry, thou Craft divine!

21. In all your dealings take good care,

22. Soon we part; the word once spoken.

23. Come, brothers, ere to-night we part,

24. Freemasons all, wherever ye be,

25. Come, Masters of the Art, unite,

26. With Masters of the Art sublime,

27. Come, all ye gentle springs that move

28. Let us remember in our youth,

29. Dangers of every form attend

30. Eternal Source of every joy!

31. Let Masonry from pole to pole

32. Hail, mystic Science! seraph maid,

33. Solemn strikes the funeral chime,

34. Strange darkness gathers round the soul,

35. Ah! when shall we three meet like them,

36. Soon to part in friendly feeling,

37. Now, brothers, we must part,

38. Now we must close our labors here,

39. Farewell, till again we shall welcome the time

40. Hail! universal Lord!

41. Hail, mysterious, glorious Science,

42. Joyfully in the lodge we meet,

43. Hail! universal Lord,

44. Hail, Masonry divine!

45. While thee we seek, protecting Power

46. How blest the sacred tie, that binds

47. When earth's foundation first was laid,

48. When heaven's Great Architect Divine

49a. Behold! in the East, our new Master appear;

49b. Accept the trust we offer thee.

50. Thou! who art God alone,

51. Great Architect of earth and heaven,

52. Masons uniting raise the hallowed pile,

53. Let Masons' fame resound

54. O glorious Builder of the vaulted skies,

55. Let there be light, the Almighty spoke;

56. Placed in form the corner stone —

57. Great Architect of heaven and earth,

58. Genius of Masonry, descend,

59. When darkness veiled the hopes of man,

60. Blest be the tie that binds

61. All honors to our Master pay,

62a. When heaven designed that man should know

62b. Accept, Great Builder of the skies,

63. Mark Masters gather near;

64. Mark Masters all appear,

65. Now each brother marked with kindness,

66. Come, and with generous will,

67. While Science yields a thousand lights

68. All hail to the morning

69. See, from the Orient rise

70. Almighty Sire! our heavenly King,

71. Joy! the sacred Law is found,

72. Lowly now we bend before Thee,

73. Companions we have met,

74. Unvail thy bosom, faithful tomb;

ODES FOR THE LODGE

1.
ODE TO MASONRY

Hail, Masonry! we boast thy cheerful grace,
And own our union to an ancient race.
This boast is noble, Virtue makes it so,
And stamps the man who wears it, high or low,
As he his actions to the world doth show.

Our order's age to Time himself's unknown,
And still shall flourish when his scythe's laid down.
When the era came for Nature to arise,
Pleased with the work she hasted through the skies;
Beauty, and Strength, and Wisdom then arose,
Attendant to fulfill her various laws;

Quick the immortals hastened to descry
Her great designs, and saw with wondering eye
Discord and darkness fly before her face,
And sweetest beauty fill the boundless space.

They saw the planets dance their wonderous round,
By Attraction's secret force in order bound,
They saw the earth in glory rise to view;
Surprised they stood, each different scene was new.

The crowning wonder next arose, and charmed
Their minds with greater force, for man was formed;
In whom the, various graces all were joined,
And Beauty, Strength and Wisdom were combined.

Their admiration then gave birth to praise,
They sung the Architect in glorious lays.
Their lyres they tuned with sweetest harmony,
And hailed the matchless name of Masonry.
Such is the genial power whose laws we own,
Whose wisdom animates each duteous son.


When sad corruption tainted human kind,
And prejudice shed darkness over the mind,
Men fled her presence, dazzled at her light,
And chose to wander in the wilds of night;

Grieved at the scene, reluctant she retired,
And in a seven-fold veil her face attired.
No more in public are her truths revealed,
From all, but a chosen few, she keeps concealed.

No mixed gaze, no clamorous noise she loves,
Wisdom in soberness her mind approves;
But still (so 'tis decreed) she must retain
Some among men her science to maintain,
For them the noblest fabrics now she rears,
To crown their virtues, and to ease their cares.

Within those walls no trivial merit's known,
No wild ambition. Envy's jealous frown,
Jaundiced Suspicion, Satire's vengeful sneer,
Dare not intrude; immortal Truth is there.

Friendship and Love, with all their charming train.
In Masonry's bright temples ever reign;
No characters are on her altars slain.

What though the weak may point with foolish sneer
At those who're Masons but by what they wear,
And sagely ask, if Masonry's so good,
Why are the lives of these so very rude?

Yet candid minds (and such everywhere abound)
Will own the good, though bad ones may be found.
Search orders through, even sacred are not free
From those who are not what they ought to be.

Still so exact are Masonry's bright rules,
They none offend, but vicious men or fools.
Long may the lodge remain the honored seat
Of each Masonic Virtue, good and great!

May every member as a Mason shine,
And round his heart its every grace entwine!
While here below, may Heaven upon him shower
Its choicest gifts, and in a distant hour,
Gently from the lodge below his soul remove

To the Grand Lodge of Masonry above!

2.
THE LODGE

'Tis Wisdom, Strength and Beauty,

United, hand in hand,

Support our glorious fabric,

Which spreads o'er every land.

The steps within its ladder,

By which aloft we climb,

Are Hope and kindly Charity,

And spirit Faith sublime.

The starry heaven, its canopy

Curtained by angel wings;

Whose kind protecting radiancy,

A halo 'round us flings.

3.

Music —

'Tis Masonry unites mankind,

To generous actions forms the soul;

In friendly converse all conjoined

One spirit animates the whole.

Wherever aspiring domes arise,

Wherever sacred altars stand;

Those altars blaze unto the skies,

Those domes proclaim the Mason's hand.

ENTERED APPRENTICE.

4.
OPENING.

Music — Dundee, C. M.

Within our temple, met again,

With hearts and purpose strong,

We'll raise our notes of grateful praise,

With union in our song.

Around our altar's sacred shrine,

May Love's pure incense rise,

Bearing upon its mystic flame

Our music to the skies.

5.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

Come, brothers of the mystic tie —

Our social work begun —

We'll raise an opening song on high

To Him, the Holy One!

Chorus

With hearts united, firm and free,

We round our altar stand;

Who best can work, and best agree

Are dearest in our band.

Come, kindle, at our holy fire,

Fraternal thoughts and kind;

Each worthy act and pure desire

Shall kindred wishes bind.

6.
INITIATION.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

Behold! how pleasant, and how good,

For brethren such as we,

Of the accepted brotherhood,

To dwell in unity,

'Tis like the oil on Aaron's head,

Which to his feet distills,

Like Hermon's dew, so richly shed

On Zion's sacred hills.

For there, the Lord of Light and Love,

A blessing sent with power:

Oh! may we all this blessing prove,

Even life forevermore;

On Friendship's altar rising here,

Our hands now plighted be,

To live in love, with hearts sincere,

In peace and unity.

7.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

How pleasant and how good it is,

And beautiful to see,

For Brethren (as Freemasons are)

To live in unity.

'Tis Heaven-like! and good for all,

Who Masonry do love;

'Tis the command from Him who reigns

Omnipotent above.

May Masons long united be,

Their thoughts to God direct;

Who was — and is — and will remain —

The World's Great Architect.

"Brotherly Love — Relief — and Truth,"

Freemasons do combine;

Masons agree, in "Faith and Hope,"

And "Charity" divine.

Oh! what a boon to Masons' hearts,

'Tis to relieve distress;

And own from whom their good proceeds

Their health, their happiness.

Then Masons join to praise the Lord,

For blessings freely given;

And when we leave this earthly Lodge,

May we ascend to Heaven.

8.
INITIATION OF A CLERGYMAN.

Music — Tallis' Chant.

When, met in Friendship's kindly name,

We round our altar stand,

Then each shall own Religion's claim,

And bow at her command.

Whenever her messengers of peace

Shall light our holy fire,

Let each unworthy passion cease,

Controlled each wrong desire.

Here let our heart-felt prayers unite

For him who comes in love,

Each Brother blest in that pure Light

Reflected from above.

While traveling on life's weary road,

No hand to guide us there,

Then be the messenger of God

A friend to soothe each care.

Thus fondly known the joys of time

That brothers kindly prove,

Our hopes shall point to that fair clime

Where dwells Immortal Love.

9.

Music — Sterling.

While journeying on our darksome way,

By love fraternal gently led,

Supreme Conductor! Thee we pray,

To smooth the dangerous path we tread.

No fear shall cross the trusting heart,

Our faith reposed on Him above

No dearer joy can life impart

Than gently breathes in words of love.

When earthly ties shall fade and die,

When earthly joys shall come no more,

Supreme Conductor! then supply

Thy holy aid, when time is o'er.

10.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

Behold! how good a thing it is,

And how becoming well,

For brethren, such as Masons are,

In unity to dwell.

Oh! 'tis like ointment on the head;

Or dew on Zion's hill!

For then, the Lord of Hosts hath said,

Peace shall be with you still.

11.

Music — Dundee.

Spirit of power and might! behold

Thy willing servant here;

With thy protection him infold,

And free his heart from fear.

Though darksome skies shall o'er him lower,

And dangers fill the way;

Support him with thy gracious power,

And be his constant stay.

12.

Music — Cephas.

Deep in the quarries of the stone,

Amid vast heaps of other rock;

In darkness hid, to art unknown,

We found this rude and shapeless block.

Now shaped by art, its roughness gone

And fit this noble work to grace;

We lay it here, a corner stone,

Chosen and sure, in proper place.

Within this stone there lies concealed

What future ages may disclose,

The sacred truths to us revealed,

By Him who fell by ruthless foes.

On Him, this corner stone we build,

To Him, this edifice erect;

And still, until this work's fulfilled,

May Heaven the workman's ways direct.

13.

Music — Ward.

Far from the world's cold strife and pride,

Come join our peaceful, happy band;

Come, stranger, we your feet will guide,

Where truth and love shall hold command.

Although in untried paths you tread,

And filled, perhaps, with anxious fear —

A brother's faithful hand shall lead

Where doubt and darkness disappear.

Then may you in our labors join,

And prove yourself a brother true;

All sordid, selfish cares resign,.

And keep our sacred truths in view.

14.
CLOSING.

Music — Sicilian Hymn.

Now our social labors closing,

Homage of our hearts we pay;

Each in confidence reposing

Kindest thoughts that ne'er decay

Let us each, in time's commotion,

Heavenly light and truth implore

Thus we'll pass life's stormy ocean,

Landing on a happier shore.

15.

Music — Rule Britannia.

To heaven's high Architect all praise,

All praise, all gratitude be given;

Who deigned the human soul to raise

By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.

Sound aloud the great Jehovah's praise;

To him the dome the temple raise.

FELLOW CRAFT.

16.
OPENING.

Music — Balerma.

O welcome, brother, to our band,

Though strong its numbers now,

And high its lofty pillars stand,

And noble arches bow.

O welcome — if thy heart be true,

Thou'lt find with us a home;

We're daily adding columns new

Unto our glorious dome.

Now let our soulful prayers arise,

For blessings on his brow,

And bear our offering to the skies,

For him who joins us now.

17.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

Come, Brothers of the Craft, unite,

In generous purpose bound;

Let holy love and radiant light

In all our works be found.

Chorus

Where columns rise in beauteous form,

Untouched by time's decay,

We'll fear no dark or threatening storm

To cloud our passing day.

And as we pass life's journey o'er,

Though trouble's waves may rise,

Our faith shall rest on that bright shore

Beyond the changing skies.

18.

Music — Ortonville.

May our united hearts expand

With love's refreshing showers,

Whose warm and kindling glow is felt,

To cheer our saddest hours.

Before our treasured shrine, we bow

In gratitude sublime;

Imploring still Thy saving grace

Through all of coming time.

19.
INITIATION.

Music — What Fairy-like music.

Come, Craftsmen, assembled our pleasure to share,

Who walk by the Plumb, and who work by the Square;

While traveling in love, on the Level of time,

Sweet hope shall light on to a far better clime.

We'll seek, in our labors, the Spirit Divine,

Our temple to bless, and our hearts to refine;

And thus to our altar a tribute we'll bring,

While, joined in true friendship, our anthem we sing.

See Order aud Beauty rise gently to view,

Each Brother a column, so perfect and true!

When Order shall cease, and when temples decay,

May each, fairer columns, immortal, survey.

20.

Music — Rule Britannia.

Hail, Masonry, thou Craft divine!

Glory of earth, from heaven revealed;

Which doth with jewels precious shine,

From all but Masons' eyes concealed;

Thy praises due, who can rehearse,

In nervous prose or flowing verse.

All craftsmen true, distinguished are,

Our code all other laws excels;

And what's in knowledge choice and rare.

Within our breasts securely dwells.

The silent breast, the faithful heart,

Preserve the secrets of the art.

From scorching heat and piercing cold,

From beasts, whose roar the forest rends;

From the assaults of warriors bold,

The Mason's art mankind defends.

Be to this art due honor paid,

From which mankind receives such aid.

Ensigns of state, that feed our pride,

Distinctions troublesome and vain.

By Masons true are laid aside:

Art's free-born sons such toys disdain;

Ennobled by the name they bear,

Distinguished by the badge they wear.

Sweet fellowship, from envy free,

Friendly converse of brotherhood,

The lodge's lasting cement be,

Which has for ages firmly stood.

A lodge thus built, for ages past

Has lasted, and shall ever last.

21.

In all your dealings take good care,

Instructed by the friendly Square,

To be true, upright, just and fair,

And thou a Fellow Craft shall be.

The Level so must poise thy mind,

That satisfaction thou shall find,

When to another Fortune's kind

And that's the pride of Masonry.

The Compass the other two compounds,

And says, though angry on just grounds,

Keep all your passions within bounds,

And thou a Fellow Craft shall be.

Thus symbols of our order are

The Compass, Level, and the Square;

Which teach us to be just and fair:

And that's the pride of Masonry.

22.
CLOSING.

Music — Sicilian Hymn.

Soon we part; the word once spoken.

Friend from friend in kindness goes;

Thus, till time's last ties are broken,

Be the claim each brother knows.

On the Level met, forever

May we stand upright and true;

Friends on earth shall meet, and sever,

With a better world in view.

23.

Music — Rockingham.

Come, brothers, ere to-night we part,

Join every voice and every heart —

One solemn hymn to God we'll raise,

One closing song of grateful praise.

Here, brothers, we may meet no more,

But there is yet a happier shore;

And there, released from toil and pain,

Dear brothers, we shall meet again.

MASTER MASON.

24.
OPENING.

Music — Bruce's Address.

Freemasons all, wherever ye be,

Sons of light, ye Masous free,

May virtue and may honor be

The Ornaments of Masonry.

With fervent zeal, with heart and hand,

May love cement our mystic band;

And for our cause let's make a stand,

For glorious Masonry.

Freemasons all from pole to pole,

May love unite and truth control;

If sorrows come what can condole,

Our griefs like Masonry.

With kindly smiles we all have met,

To welcome each and not forget,

The absent whom we now regret,

On grounds of Masonry.

Ye Craftsmen all may love impart,

A warmth unto each honest heart;

And oft consult that faithful chart,

The guide of Masonry.

And when the spirit hence has fled,

May angels over, their pinions spread,

And crown with bliss each Mason's head,

With heavenly Masonry.

25.

Music — Zerah.

Come, Masters of the Art, unite,

And may this meeting prove,

To all the assembled sons of light,

A strengthened bond of love.

May friendship and morality,

And brotherly love, impart

The spirit of pure harmony,

To each and every heart.

26.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

With Masters of the Art sublime,

In solemn conclave met,

Are found the dearest joys of time,

Our hearts can ne'er forget.

Chorus

Though dangers threat, and perils rise,

Our hope is placed above;

Still traveling with the good and wise

We trust a Father's love.

Should foes beset our rugged way,

No danger will we fear;

A Brother's hand shall be our stay,

Our weary path to cheer.

27.

Music — The Birks of Invermay.

Come, all ye gentle springs that move

And animate the human mind,

And by your energy improve

The social bond by which we're joined.

The happy lodge, of care devoid,

And haggard malice always free,

Shall by your aid be still employed

In social love and harmony.

How must the heart with rapture glow

When every nerve's with virtue strung,

When from the kindly bosom flow

Unfeigned expressions of the tongue!

The social virtues thus practised,

Expressed by symbols of our art,

Engage us to be exercised

In studies that improve the heart.

28.
INITIATION.

Music — Bonny Doon.

Let us remember in our youth,

Before the evil days draw nigh,

Our Great Creator, and his Truth!

Ere memory fail, and pleasure fly;

Or sun, or moon, or planet's light

Grow dark, or clouds return in gloom;

Ere vital spark no more incite;

When strength shall bow and years consume.

Let us in youth remember Him!

Who formed our frame, and spirits gave,

Ere windows of the mind grow dim,

Or door of speech obstructed wave;

When voice of bird fresh terrors wake;

And Music's daughters charm no more,

Or fear to rise, with trembling shake,

Along the path we travel o'er.

In youth, to God let memory cling,

Before desire shall fail, or wane,

Or ever be loosed life's silver string,

Or bowl at fountain rent in twain;

For man to his long home doth go,

And mourners group around his urn;

Our dust to dust again must flow,

And spirits unto God return.

29.

Music — Sharon.

Dangers of every form attend

Your steps, as onward you proceed;

No earthly power can now befriend,

Or aid you in this time of need.

Rely your trust on Him alone,

Who rules all things above, below;

Send your petitions to his throne,

For he alone can help you now.

30.

Music — Cistine Chapel.

Eternal Source of every joy!

Well may thy praise our lips employ;

While in thy temple we appear

To hail the Sovereign of the year.

Wide as the wheels of nature roll,

Thy hand supports and guides the whole!

The sun is taught by thee to rise,

And darkness when to vail the skies.

Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days,

Demand successive songs of praise;

And be the grateful homage paid,

With morning light and evening shade.

31.

Music — Auld Lang Syne.

Let Masonry from pole to pole

Her sacred laws expand,

Far as the mighty waters roll,

To wash remotest land:

That virtue has not left mankind,

Her social maxims prove,

For stamped upon the Mason's mind

Are unity and love.

Ascending to the native sky,

Let Masonry increase;

A glorious pillar raised on high,

Integrity its base.

Peace adds to olive boughs, entwined

An emblematic dove,

As stamped upon the Mason's mind,

Are unity and love.

32.
SONNET.

Hail, mystic Science! seraph maid,

Imperial beam of light;

In robes of sacred Truth arrayed,

Morality's delight.

O give me Wisdom to design,

And Strength to execute;

In native Beauty ever be mine,

Benevolence, thy fruit.

Unsullied pearl of precious worth,

Most grateful to my soul,

The social Virtues owe their birth

To thy unmatched control.

Celestial Spark, inspired by thee,

We pierce yon starry arch on wings of piety.

33.

Music — Pleyel's Hymn.

Solemn strikes the funeral chime,

Notes of our departing time;

As we journey here below,

Through a pilgrimage of woe.

Mortals now indulge a tear,

For mortality is here!

See how wide her trophies wave

Over the slumbers of the grave.

Here another guest we bring,

Seraph of celestial wing,

To our funeral altar come;

Waft this friend and brother home.

There, enlarged, his soul shall see,

What was veiled in mystery;

Heavenly glories of the place

Show his Maker face to face.

Lord of all below — above —

Fill our souls with truth and love;

As dissolves our earthly tie;

Take us to Thy Lodge on high.

34.

Music — Windham.

Strange darkness gathers round the soul,

And over it frightful billows roll;

The victor, death, and all things drear

Reveal their fearful powers here.

Disperse these clouds, some ray of light,

And bid the day revoke the night;

Oh! God of light, extend thy power,

And save us in this trying hour.

35.

Music — German Hymn, Limehouse.

Ah! when shall we three meet like them,

Who last were at Jerusalem,

For three there were, and one is not —

He lies where cassia marks the spot.

Though poor he was, with kings he trod;

Though great, he humbly knelt to God,

Ah! when shall hope restore again,

The broken link of friendship's chain?

Behold! where mourning beauty bent,

In silence over his monument,

And wildly spread, in sorrow there,

The ringlets of her flowing hair.

The future sons of grief shall sigh,

While standing round in mystic tie,

And raise their hands, Alas! to heaven,

In anguish that no hope is given.

From whence we came or whither go,

Ask me no more, nor seek to know,

Till three shall meet, who formed like them,

The Grand Lodge in Jerusalem.

36.
CLOSING.

Music — Sicilian Hymn.

Soon to part in friendly feeling,

Will the Master's call be made;

Kindly words, the thoughts revealing,

Tell of joys that never fade.

Soon will our Grand Master call us

From the changeful joys of time;

Then no grief can ever befall us.

In a blest and holy clime.

37.

Music — Boylston.

Now, brothers, we must part,

Where we have met in peace,

Where harmony its joys impart,

And strife and discord cease.

We on the Level meet,

Upon the Square we part;

May truth and love, and friendship sweet.

Pervade each brother's heart.

Here, Lord, before we part,

Help us to bless thy name;

Let every tongue, and every heart,

Praise and adore the same.

38.

Music — Arlington.

Now we must close our labors here,

Though sad it is to part;

May Love, Relief, and Truth sincere,

Unite each brother's heart.

Now to our homes let's haste away,

Still filled with love and light;

And may each heart in kindness say,

Good night, brother, good night.

39.

Music — Sweet Home.

Farewell, till again we shall welcome the time

Which brings us once more to our fame-cherished shrine;

And though from each other we distant may roam,

Again may all meet in this, our dear loved home.

Home, home — sweet, sweet home.

May every dear brother find joy and peace at home.

And when our last parting on earth shall draw nigh,

And we shall be called to the Grand Lodge on high,

May each be prepared, when the summons shall come,

To meet the Grand Master in heaven, our home,

Home, home — sweet, sweet home.

May every dear brother find heaven a home.

40.

Music — America.

Hail! universal Lord!

By heaven and earth adored:

All hail! great God!

Before thy name we bend,

To us thy grace extend,

And to our prayer attend.

All hail! great God!

ODES FOR ANCIENT CEREMONIES.

41.
CONSTITUTING A LODGE.

Music — Here's a health.

Hail, mysterious, glorious Science,

Which to discord bids defiance;

Harmony alone reigns here:

Come let's sing to him that raised us,

From the rugged path that mazed us,

To the Light that we revere!

Glorious science, glorious science!

Hail, mysterious, glorious science;

Which to discord bids defiance;

Harmony alone reigns here.

42.

Music — Faintly as tolls the evening chime.

Joyfully in the lodge we meet,

Fondly each other as brethren greet,

Soon as the door is closely tiled,

Masonry issues her precepts mild.

List, brothers, list! the solemn prayer

Fervently floats upon the air.

Why should we to the world unfold,

Secrets as precious as beaten gold?

Yet the accepted, true, and free,

Who are so ready to teach as we?

Hail we, and claim we, heart and hand,

Brethren, the noblest of the land.

With solemn prayer the lodge we close,

Who may not safely then repose?

Nature's great Architect's name invoke?

Terror shall fly like scattering smoke.

Sing, brothers, sing, no danger fear,

Masonry reigns all powerful here.

43.

Music — America.

Hail! universal Lord,

By heaven and earth adored,

All hail, great God!

Before thy throne we bend,

To us thy grace extend,

And to our prayer attend!

All hail, great God!

O, hear our prayer to-day,

Turn not thy face away,

O Lord, our God!

Heaven, thy dread dwelling place,

Cannot contain thy Grace,

Remember now our race,

O Lord, our God!

God of our fathers, hear,

And to our cry be near,

Jehovah, God!

The heavens eternal bow,

Forgive in mercy now

Thy suppliants here, O Thou,

Jehovah, God!

To thee our hearts do draw,

On them O write thy law,

Our Savior, God!

When in this Lodge we're met,

And at thine altar set,

O, do not us forget,

Our Savior, God.

44.
CONSECRATION.

Music — America.

Hail, Masonry divine!

Glory of ages, shine;

Long mayest thou reign!

Wherver thy lodges stand,

May they have great command,

And always grace the land;

Thou art divine!

Great fabrics still arise,

And grace the azure skies;

Great are thy schemes —

Thy noble orders are,

Matchless beyond compare;

No art with thee can share,

Thou art divine!

Hiram, the architect,

Did all the Craft direct

How they should build;

Solomon, great Israel's king,

Did mighty blessings bring,

And left us room to sing,

Hail, royal Art!

45.

Music — Brattle Street.

While thee we seek, protecting Power

Be our vain wishes stilled;

And may this Consecrated hour

With better hopes be filled.

In each event of life, how clear

Thy ruling hand we see!

Each blessing to our souls most dear,

Because conferred by thee.

My lifted eyes without a tear

The gathering storm shall see;

My steadfast heart shall know no fear;

That heart will rest on thee.

46.

Music — Lawton, or Amlin.

How blest the sacred tie, that binds

In sweet communion kindred minds!

How swift the heavenly course they run

Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one.

Together oft they seek the place

Where Masons meet with smiling face;

How high, how strong their raptures swell,

There's none but kindred souls can tell.

Nor shall the glowing flame expire,

When dimly burns frail nature's fire:

Then shall they meet in realms above —

A heaven of joy, a heaven of love.

47.
INSTALLATION.

Music — Rule Britannia.

When earth's foundation first was laid,

By the Almighty Artist's hand;

'Twas then our perfect, our perfect laws were made,

Established by his strict command.

Chorus

Hail! mysterious, Hail, glorious Masonry!

That makes us ever great and free.

In vain mankind for shelter sought,

In vain from place to place did roam,

Until from heaven, from heaven he was taught.

To plan, to build, to fix his home.

Illustrious hence we date our Art,

And now in beauteous piles appear,

We shall to endless, to endless time impart,

How worthy and how great we are.

Nor we less famed for every tie,

By which the human thought is bound;

Love, truth and friendship, and friendship socially,

Join our hearts and hands around.

Our actions still by Virtue blest,

And to our precepts ever true,

The world admiring, admiring shall request

To learn, and our bright paths pursue.

48.

Music — Redeeming Love.

When heaven's Great Architect Divine

Raised world on world in kind design,

Then form on earth was laid;

Fraternal thoughts conferred on man,

By love inspired the social plan,

And social hearts obeyed.

While wandering on our clouded way,

Compassion shed its kindly ray,

A guide to lead the blind;

Conducted by a holy light,

With generous love and mystic rite,

The purest joys we find.

With skill to work, and wise to guide,

No pain shall come, no thought divide,

Where hearts with heart agree;

Then let us to our altar bring

The dearest offering while we sing,

United, true and free.

49.

Music — Bright rosy morning.

Behold! in the East, our new Master appear;

Come, brothers, we'll greet him with hearts all sincere;

We'll serve him with freedom, fervor and zeal,

And aid him his duties and trust to fulfill.

In the West see the Warden, with Level in hand,

The Master to aid and obey his command.

We'll aid him with freedom, fervor and zeal,

And help him his duties and trust to fulfill.

In the South, see the Warden by Plumb stand upright,

Who watches the sun, and takes note of its flight,

We'll aid him with freedom, fervor and zeal,

And help him his duties and trust to fulfill.

49.

Music — Zerah.

Accept the trust we offer thee.

Our Master and our guide;

May justice, truth, and purpose high,

In all thy power abide.

God help in thy extended charge,

To keep our temple fair;

To rear it higher — higher still,

The temple of thy care.

Oh! lead us by the light of truth,

To walk in wisdom's way,

Through all the trying paths of life,

To realms of endless day.

50.

Music — America.

Thou! who art God alone,

Accept before thy throne,

Our fervent prayer!

To fill with light and grace,

This house, thy dwelling place,

And bless thy chosen race,

O, God! draw near.

As through the universe,

All nature's works diverse

Thy praise accord;

Let Faith upon us shine,

And Charity combine,

With Hope, to make us thine,

Jehovah, Lord.

Spirit of Truth and Love,

Descending from above,

Our hearts inflame,

Till Masonry's control

Shall build in one the whole,

A temple of the soul,

To thy great name.

51.
LAYING FOUNDATION STONES.

Music — Laneboro.

Great Architect of earth and heaven,

By time nor space confined,

Enlarge our love to comprehend,

Our Brethren, all mankind.

Wherever we are, whatever we do,

Thy presence let us own;

Thine Eye, all-seeing, marks our deeds,

To Thee all thoughts are known.

While nature's works and science's laws,

We labor to reveal,

O! be our duty done to Thee,

With fervency and zeal.

With Faith our guide, and humble Hope,

Warm Charity and Love,

May all at last be raised to share,

Thy perfect light above.

52.

Masons uniting raise the hallowed pile,

Sacred to virtue, by science planned;

Power celestial over the fabric smile,

And join in kindred tones the exulting band.

Strength, mighty artist! lay the ample base —

Wisdom stretch forth thy potent wand —

Beauty adorning, give the modest grace —

And, science, though complete with sovereign hand.

53.

Music — America.

Let Masons' fame resound

Through all the nations round,

From pole to pole:

See what felicity,

Harmless simplicity,

Like electricity,

Runs through the whole.

Such sweet variety,

Never had society,

Ever before:

Faith, Hope, and Charity,

Love and Sincerity,

Without Temerity,

Charm more and more.

When in the lodge we're met,

And in due order set,

Happy are we:

Our works are glorious,

Deeds meritorious,

Never censorious,

But always free.

Masons have long been free,

And may they ever be

Great as of yore:

For many ages past

Masonry has stood fast,

And may its glory last

Till time's no more.

54.

O glorious Builder of the vaulted skies,

Almighty Architect of earth and heaven,

Come down to bless the Mason's enterprise,

To thee, O God, and faith and bounty given

A home to Friendship and to Love we raise,

Where ages yet to come shall sound our Maker's praise.

Oh, make its deep foundations firm and fast,

O bless the rearing of the mighty pile;

And when to Thee its spires look up at last,

Upon the finished work and workmen smile.

Nor less the inner works of kindness bless,

And make the Mason's labor peace and happiness.

Enlarge our spirit — let our means improve;

Enforce our faith — make strong our mystic ties;

Exalt our friendship and refine our love,

And let our hearts be pure before thine eyes;

So that while God approves, the world may see

How great and good a thing is ancient Masonry.

Aid us to wipe the widow's bitter tears;

Help us to hear the orphan's lonely cries;

Be present when we soothe a brother's cares,

And be our strength in all calamities.

For what can we, as one or many do,

Unless, O Lord, with thee our labors we pursue?

O, therefore, Builder of the vaulted skies,

Almighty Architect of earth and heaven,

Come down to bless the Mason's enterprise,

To Thee, O God, and faith and bounty given

A home to friendship and to love we raise,

Where ages yet to come shall sound our Master's praise.

55.

"Let there be light," the Almighty spoke;

Refulgent streams from chaos broke,

To illume the rising earth!

Well pleased the great Jehovah stood;

The power supreme pronounced it good,

And gave the planets birth!

Chorus

In choral numbers Masons join

To bless and praise this light divine.

Parent of light! accept our praise!

Who sheddest on us thy brightest rays,

The light that fills the mind:

By choice selected, lo! we stand,

By friendship joined, a social band!

That love, that aid mankind!

The widow's tear, the orphan's cry,

All wants our ready hands supply,

As far as power is given;

The naked clothe, the prisoner free,

These are thy works, sweet Charity!

Revealed to us from heaven.

56.

Music — Turin.

Placed in form the corner stone —

True and trusty, brothers own —

Come and bring, in thought sincere,

Hands to help, and hearts to cheer.

Marked with love the Master's will —

Kindly proved the work of skill —

Beauteous forms in grace shall rise

Beneath the arch of favoring skies.

Join we now our offering true,

While our homage we renew;

Bear to him whose praise we sing

Thanks that from each bosom spring.

When on earth our work is o'er,

Be a dearer life in store;

Each in form, in heart upright,

Taught by Truth's unerring light.

57.
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS.

Music — Old Hundred.

Great Architect of heaven and earth,

To whom all nature owes its birth;

Thou spake! and vast creation stood,

Surveyed the work — pronounced it good.

Lord, canst thou deign to own and bless

This humble dome — this sacred place?

Oh! let thy Spirit's presence shine

Within these walls — this house of thine

'Twas reared in honor of thy name.

Here kindle, Lord, the sacred flame;

Oh! make it burn in every heart,

And never from this place depart.

Lord, here the wants of all supply,

And fit our souls to dwell on high;

From service in this humble place,

Raise us to praise thee face to face.

58.

Music — Migdol.

Genius of Masonry, descend,

And with thee bring thy spotless train;

Constant our sacred rites attend,

While we adore thy peaceful reign.

[Dedication to Freemasonry]

Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid;

Bring Love, bring Truth, and Friendship here.

While kind Relief will lend her aid,

To smooth the wrinkled brow of care.

[Dedication to Virtue.]

Come Charity, with goodness crowned,

Encircled in thy heavenly robe;

Diffuse thy blessings all around,

To every corner of the globe.

[Dedication to Universal Benevolence.]

To heaven's high Architect all praise,

All praise, all gratitude be given,

Who deigned the human soul to raise,

By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.

59.

Music — Indian Philosopher.

When darkness veiled the hopes of man,

Then Light with radiant beams began

To cheer his clouded way;

In graceful Form, to soothe his woes,

Then Beauty to his vision rose,

In bright and gentle ray.

Immortal Order stood confessed,

From furthest East to distant West,

In columns just and true;

The faithful Plumb and Level there,

Uniting with the mystic Square,

The temple brought to view.

Descending then from heaven, Most High,

Came Charity with tearful eye,

To dwell with feeble man;

Hope whispered peace in brighter skies,

On which a trusting Faith relies,

And earth's best joys began.

Abroad was seen the boon of Heaven,

Fraternal Love was kindly given,

And touched each kindred heart;

The Sons of Light with transport then,

In kindness to their fellow-men,

Unveiled the Mystic Art.

Let grateful paeans loudly rise,

O'er earth's domains, to azure skies,

As time shall onward move;

A brother's joy and woe shall be,

Undying bonds to mark the Free,

To wake a brother's love.

60.

Music — Golden Hill.

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in virtuous love:

The fellowship of kindred minds,

Is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne,

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain:

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives

Our courage by the way;

While each in expectation lives,

And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil and pain,

And sin we shall be free;

And perfect love and friendship reign,

Through all eternity.

61.

Music — Sterling.

All honors to our Master pay,

Who bade our holy temple rise;

While here we journey on our way,

Our thanks shall reach to farthest skies.

[Dedication to Freemasonry.]

We hail our holy patron's name,

Whose bright example guides us still;

His highest honors we proclaim,

While grateful thanks our temple fill.

[Dedication to Virtue.]

While thus we seek, in pure desire,

Immortal bliss in realms above,

Our hearts shall kindle at the fire

Whose light is universal love.

[Dedication to Universal Benevolence.]

This well-formed lodge shall long endure,

Through rolling years preserve its prime;

Upon a rock it stands secure,

And braves the rude assaults of time.

62.

Music — Rule Britannia.
(The two last lines of each verse are Chorus)

When heaven designed that man should know

All that was good and great below,

This was the happy, choice decree,

The blessings of Freemasonry

Hence peace and friendship deign to smile,

Instructive rules the hours beguile:

In social joy and harmony

Are spent the hours of Masonry.

To Beauty's shrine they homage pay,

Its power they know and own its sway;

And this their boast will always be,

Success to love and Masonry.

When taste and genius both combine,

To shape the stone or draw the line;

In fair proportion, just and free,

All own the power of Masonry.

Whatever in sculptured skill we prize,

Or domes are reared, or structures rise,

Such wonders mankind never could see,

But from the help of Masonry.

An edifice we're proud to own,

Of wood not made, nor yet of stone;

Whose angles, squares and symmetry,

Are emblems of Freemasonry.

'Tis founded on a Brother's Love,

Relief aud Truth its pillars prove;

Its corner-stone is Charity;

The building's then Freemasonry.

By nature reared, improved by art,

The mansion view — a Mason's heart!

Which never was equaled, all agree,

When modeled by Freemasonry.

ODES FOR THE CHAPTER.

62.
MARK MASTER.

Music — Sterling.

Accept, Great Builder of the skies,

Our heart-felt acts of sacrifice!

Each brother found a living stone,

While bending low before Thy throne.

Let holy love our work still be,

Inspiring hopes that rest on Thee!

Thus, when we see a brother's woe,

Our hearts shall feel the love we owe.

While Craftsmen true their work prepare,

With thoughts unstained, and holy care,

May each be fitly formed, and placed

Where Love Divine his hopes had traced.

63.

Music — America.

Mark Masters gather near;

Hail our Grand Overseer,

With heart and voice:

Each in his station known

As some fair corner stone,

Before our Master's throne,

Let all rejoice!

May the Grand Architect

Keep us as sons elect,

While time shall stand;

To Heaven our prayers shall rise,

In grateful sacrifice,

All hearts to solemnize

In friendship's band.

64.

Music — America.

Mark Masters all appear,

Before the Chief Overseer,

In concert move;

Let him your work inspect,

For the Chief Architect,

If there be no defect,

He will approve.

You have passed the square,

For your rewards prepare,

Join heart and hand;

Each with his mark in view,

March with the just and true,

Wages to you are due,

At your command.

Hiram, the widow's son,

Sent unto Solomon

Our great key-stone;

On it appears the name

Which raises high the fame

Of all to whom the same

Is truly known.

Now to the westward move,

Where full of strength and love,

Hiram doth stand;

But if impostors are

Mixed with the worthy there,

Caution them to beware

Of the right hand.

(Ceremonies)

Now to the praise of those

Who triumphed o'er the foes

Of Mason's art:

To the praiseworthy three,

Who founded this degree,

May all their virtues be

Deep in our hearts.

65.

Music — Greenville.

Now each brother marked with kindness,

Leaves the calm retreat of love;

Holy light to mental blindness

Flows, like mercy from above.

Chorus

Now each brother marked with kindness,

Leaves the calm retreat of love.

Over life's tempest, hope delaying,

As the gentle, trembling dove,

Ere that hope is found decaying,

Friends will meet, and Heaven approve.

66.
PAST MASTER.

Music — America.

Come, and with generous will,

Past Master, bring your skill,

Our work to prove;

Calm each invading storm,

Each erring thought reform,

With Truth each bosom warm,

Inspired by love.

Firm as our columns stand,

Be each approved command,

Where Brothers dwell;

Let notes of kindness roll

Over each trusting soul;

Far as from pole to pole,

Let anthems swell!

67.

While Science yields a thousand lights

To irradiate the mind,

Let us that noblest art pursue

Which dignifies mankind.

Chorus

So to Masonry huzza!

So to Masonry huzza!

Whose art and mystery coincide

With gospel and with law.

The pompous dome, the gorgeous hall,

The temple's cloud-capped tower,*

The Mason's glory shall proclaim,

Till Time's remotest hour.

Yet he who thinks our art confined

To mere domestic laws,

As well might judge great Nature's works

Sprung up without a cause.

Religion's all enlightened page

We spread before our eyes;

By which we're taught those steps to trace,

Which lead us to the skies.

The good Freemason so will prove,

To all and every where;

Upon the Level still to meet,

And part upon the Square.

Upon this rock we'll stand, when worlds

To oblivion are consigned,

And vision's baseless fabric like,

Leave not a rack behind.

*Aluding to the beautiful passage from Shakspeare.