In a Masonic Lodge the thoughtful observer discovers that nearly every object about him has a meaning. And here is the point at which symbolism comes into the picture. In the course of the Work attention is directed to various symbols about the room. Even the location of each Officer has a meaning.

In this chapter I desire to direct their readers attention to the Chaplain, to his place in duties, especially in the white of the symbolical meetings of the office. Upon entering a Lodge one is struck with significance of the Chaplain's place - at the left of the Master in the East. Symbolized here is leadership and spirituality, side by side. Here is symbolized the fact that he who leads must, if he would build that which will endure, lean on things spiritual. Considering, then, the Chaplain's place in the Lodge, we see why is necessary that he be in his proper place - at the left of the Master in the East.

Too often I see a Chaplain seated on the sideline. As a matter of humility perhaps this may be commended, but there are times when humility is not a virtue, and when it is not to be paraded, and this is one of them. I have often seen a Chaplain's seated in the Marshal's chair, and that is also wrong. The Chaplain's place is in the East, even is Solomon, we are told, placed at his side the High Priest, in order that the mighty and wise King might have the benefit of spiritual advice.

So much for the Chaplain's place. Now let us consider his work - and by that I have in mind the part that he plays in the course of the Ritualistic work, and in the various forms and ceremonies.

The Chaplain's chief task is to lead the devotions of his Lodge. The prayers at the opening and at the closing of Lodge, and those repeated from time to time during the Work, have as much a place in the scheme of things as any other detail of the Ritual.

I have known Masters so derelict in their conception of duty as to permit their Lodges to be opened and dosed without prayer. So low a conception of the spiritual side of Masonry is bound to be disruptive, sooner or later, of harmony in the Lodge. And it must be apparent that no human institution can live up to its highest possible ideals and ignore the things that are spiritual. Many have tried, and many are still trying - sooner or later, however, the effort will be marked by failure. We must not, we dare not, neglect the spiritual aspects of life. All of which emphasizes the significance of the Chaplain's prominent place before the Brethren, and the importance of his duties.

And now for a glance at the ritualistic side of the Chaplain's work. In the opening and closing of Lodge certain prayers are used. The prayers are contained in the standard Monitor, and are to be used as they appear - unless the Chaplain is sufficiently gifted to improve on them! I have heard of many attempts at improvement, but only once or twice has the effort proved a success. In these prayers, as in all of our Work, the theme, or motif (call it what you choose), is "Harmony." Analyze these prayers - as for example: "Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may be so subdue every discordant passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and goodness, that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy Throne."

Again at the closing of Lodge observe this beautiful petition to the Great Architect: "Subdue every discordant passion within us, and enable us to love one another in the bonds of union and friendship."

And here I also say, observe how impressively the theme of harmony is woven throughout the passage. Like any profound musical selection, any book worth while, any master painting - in short, like any great work of art, these prayers have a quality that makes them live. The prose of them is worthy of a Cranmer; in its rhythm is a majesty that moves us mightily, and withal a striking sincerity of appeal.

As is true everywhere in our Ritual, the English of these prayers is cartelized by a smoothness together with a ruggedness, a fixity of purpose, to be found in few of the masterpieces of composition, and with it in the quality of incisiveness that only sincerity can lend. Brother Chaplain, use them - unless you are so exceptionally gifted as to be able to improve upon them!

In the light of these considerations is it cause for wonder that we are appalled as we listen to come of the prayers that are offered to the Supreme Architect? Some time ago I chanced to be present at the opening of a Lodge. The Chaplain stepped to the altar for the opening prayer. As I listened I was amazed at the poor man's fearful and wonderful conception of life. He prayed the good Lord to give each of us strength to withstand the trials and tribulations of this "vale of tears," and in particular the trial of our daily with occupation.

Perhaps he meant well. I don't know. But heaven help the man who looks with repugnance upon the fact that he is oblige to work and God bless the ban who can put his feet out upon floor in the morning and he, like Saint Paul, has a race to run. Moreover, it may be a personal feeling of mine, but the thread bear allusion to life as a vale of tears never fails to leave me cold. It involves a miserable philosophy of living. The Master who drew our designs never intended us to take so abject an attitude toward anything of His providing.

Many times, too, I have observed Chaplains give the prayers from the sidelines. This practice lacks proper dignity and fails utterly to achieve impressiveness. It encourages an idea that prayer is not particularly important, whereas, if the Chaplain is in his proper place his appeal for divine guidance is elevated to the high standard to which it belongs.

These prayers and the Scripture passages to which I shall presently allude, should be memorized. The passage, however, are to be read, or sung at the Chaplain, they are to be rendered from the side of the alter nearest the Senior Warden, and with the Chaplain facing the East.

Since the Holy Bible is in the center of the room, the focal point of the attention of all, it is fitting that the Chaplain do his work here as a matter of association if for no other reason. Around the spiritual should our lives revolve. Symbolically the Lodge represents life, "from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same," wherefore it is altogether appropriate that that which relates to the spiritual in our work be performed in the very center of the room.

In the light of these considerations is it to be wondered at if we are appalled at the spectacle of a Master opening his lodge without prayer? By the same token can one conceive a Master so lacking in a sense of the fitness of things as to permit his Brethren to leave without prayer.

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