The preparation to which the candidate must submit before entering the Lodge serves allegorically to teach him, as well as to remind the brethren who are present, that it is the man alone, divested of all the outward recommendations of rank, state, or riches, that Masonry accepts, and that it is his spiritual and moral worth alone which can open for him the door of the Masonic Temple. Reception. [Illustration] * * * Let no man enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking the aid of Deity. * * * Prayer. Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the honor of Thy holy name. Amen! Response: So mote it be! [Illustration: TRUST in GOD.] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.--133d Psalm. [Illustration] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. [Illustration] The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, the Square and the Compasses, and are thus explained: The Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith and practice, the Square to square our actions, and the Compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren. The three Lesser Lights are the Sun, Moon and Master of the Lodge, and are thus explained: As the Sun rules the day and the Moon governs the night, so should the Worshipful Master, with equal regularity, endeavor to rule and govern the Lodge. The Representatives of the three Lesser Lights are three burning tapers, placed in a triangular form about the altar. * * * [Illustration]