Freemasonry In Germany.

excellent conduct in the chair on the previous clay . The minutes of the previous sitting , taken CIOAVII by Bro . Goldschmidt , and on all sides acknowledged to be masterlywere then read . Bro . Findel next

, presented to the meeting the greetings and good wishes of Bro . Henny , of Altenburg , and of Bro . Unger , of BrunsAvick—the latter soliciting at the same time a contribution to the "

Society for the Relief of the Shipwrecked . " Bro . Findel next stated that on that clay the consecration of the lodge " Zur Kette , " at Munich , was takingplace , and that the committee had sent there a congratulatory telegram .

Thereupon the meeting proceeded to deliberate upon Ko . 2 of the order of the clay , being the motion relative to the question of an instruction , containing , in a brief and just form , all the points coming into consideration at the

examination of candidates ; the same to be printed at the expense of the , association , and to be distributed amongthe brotherhood for the benefit of the

Central Belief Fund . In support of the motion , the mover , Bro . Cramer , said : " My beloved brethren , our migratory gatherings have , with a certain necessity , sprung from the development of our lodge system ; for so much that

divides the members of the Masonic Craft , so much that alienates them from one another , has found its way into the brotherhood , that for all those brethren who , free and active , are Avorking out the scheme of our institution , it has

become a necessity to meet at least once a year , as , indeed , our forefathers in the Craft have so often done . At present these gatherings of ours form a shuttle , as it were , joining the threads of the woof ; but the century cannot

be alloAved to close without these meetings being replaced by a Masonic Parliament . We acknowledge the necessity of improving our lodge system ; and in pointing out the tasks as yet left unaccomplished by the Freemasons , and the demands that may justly be made on the Craft , let us , in good

fellowship , consider the difficulties of the situation , and hopefully try to surmount them . We do not intend here to decide questions of Masonic science for that is done better by presenting through the press , for public judgment

the results of one ' s studies and interchange of ideas with others . Instead , then , of occupying ourselves with scientific problems , we are here concerned with the objects of Masonic practice : next to the strengthening of the feeliiw

of unity Ave Avish to aAvaken sympathies for a Masonry of action , and , more especially , effectively to prepare the approach of a better state of things . For our intended propaganda Ave are anxious to see a great many active

brethren attend these meetings , and Ave must try to discover means by which the utmost possible approximation and amity among those who attend may be attained , exactly as the lodge wishes it to be ; for if neAV and fructifying vieAvs are to be carried hence into ever Avidening circles , and there be of lasting

effect , such a consummation essentially depends upon our universal agreement on the cpiestions of interest to us . If , then , these annual meetings and the association of German Masons are , in a general sense , concentrations of strength ,

by wliicli common aspirations are promoted and all parts are benefited , yet Ave by no means seek anything producing an external effect , but rather do Ave seek to develop , as with a natural necessity , from Avithin , Ave Avould attract

all really efficient members of the brotherhood , so as , by organising them , Ave might at last approach the great goal , which is , relief from the dilettantism prevailing in many lodges . We Freemasons have humane tasks ; and Ave

Germans , discarding the narrow conception of Freemasonry hi England having first recognised the wider civihsatory mission of the brotherhood , ve must also knoAV IIOAV to elevate ourselves to this high standpoint . To do so the first requisite is to furnish the individual powers allied in the lodge with such instructions in the art tlia