Page:Manual of the Lodge.pdf/277

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
232
GENERAL REGULATIONS.

in order to admit him or debar him, as they shall see cause: Provided they send no man away before they have acquainted all the brethren within doors with the reasons thereof, to avoid mistakes; that so no true brother may be debarred, nor a false brother or mere pretender admitted. This committee must meet very early on St. John's Day at the place, even before any persons come with tickets.

XXVI. The Grand Master shall appoint two or more trusty brethren to be porters or doorkeepers, who are also to be early at the place, for some good reasons; and who are to be at the command of the committee.

XXVII. The Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, shall appoint beforehand such a number of brethren to serve at table as they think fit and proper for that work: and they may advise with the Masters and Wardens of Lodges about the most proper persons, if they please, or may take in such by their recommendation; for none are to serve that day but Free and Accepted Masons, that the communications may be free and harmonious.

XXVIII. Ail the members of the Grand Lodge must be at the place long before dinner, with the Grand Master, or his Deputy, at their head, who shall retire and form themselves. And this is done in order—

1. To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above regulated, that the appellant may be heard, and the affair may be amicably decided before dinner, if possible; but if it can not, it must be delayed till after the new Grand Master is elected; and if it can not be decided after dinner, it may be delayed, and referred to a particular committee, that shall quietly adjust it, and make report to the next quarterly communication, that brotherly love may be preserved.

2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may be feared to arise that day, that no interruption may be given to the harmony and pleasure of the Grand feast.

3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency and decorum of the Grand assembly, and to prevent all indecency and ill manners, the assembly being promiscuous.

4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or any mo-