Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/271

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226
GENERAL REGULATIONS.

with according to the by-laws of that particular Lodge, or else in such a manner as the quarterly communication shall in their great prudence think fit; for which a new regulation may be afterward made.

X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when congregated, shall have the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and Wardens before the assembling of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge, at the three quarterly communications hereafter mentioned, and of the annual Grand Lodge too; because their Masters and Wardens are their representatives, and are supposed to speak their mind.

XI. All particular Lodges are to observe the same usages as much as possible; in order to which, and for cultivating a good understanding among Freemasons, some members out of every Lodge shall be deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought convenient.

XII. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by, the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, and his Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand Wardens in their proper places, and must have a quarterly communication about Michaelmas, Christmas, and Lady Day, in some convenient place, as the Grand Master shall appoint, where no brother shall be present who is not at that time a member thereof, without a dispensation; and while he stays, he shall not be allowed to vote, nor even give his opinion, without leave of the Grand Lodge asked and given, or unless it be duly asked by the said Lodge.

All matters are to be determined in the Grand Lodge by a majority of votes, each member having one vote, and the Grand Master having two votes, unless the said Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination of the Grand Master for the sake of expedition.

XIII. At the said quarterly communication, all matters that concern the fraternity in general, or particular Lodges, or single brethren, are quietly, sedately, and maturely to be discoursed of and transacted: Apprentices must be admitted Masters and Fellow Craft only here, unless by a dispensation. Here also all