Society Of German Masons.

that was going to be legall y constituted , demonstrating its necessity and utility , with respect to the Masonic bond in general , and refuting * the objection , as if this association Avere to be considered as superfluous on account of the treasures of

knoAvledge ( Erlcenntnissschatze ) acquired by the Grand Lod ges or the secret lodges ( Enghunde ) already existing , and pointing out the legal AA'ay by which the society Avere to attain its proposed design respecting Grand and other Lodges ,

deriving instruction and Avarnings from a survey over similar endeavours , historicall y knoAvn to have been made in former times . As to the reciprocal position existing betAveen the new society and some Grand Lodges , the speaker expressed the opinion that

those lodges represented the conservative , the neAV society the free progressive element ; yet , he said , a common , harmonious endeavour Avas to be considered as a real necessity for the continuance and development of the Masonic bond . As an

example , he stated among the Israelites the state of the priettdom , compared Avith that of the prophets . Both had , each for his OAVU part , Avorked

much good , as long as they had existed and acted unanimously ancl peaceably the one next to the other . He Avent on quoting "Bacon , " Avho called the historian a retrospective prophet . Let us , said the speaker , raise ourselves to this ideal

conception of the pasfc , imitating St . Thomas , recognised among the apostles b y the square , Avho , notAvithstanding his faithful belief , ancl true , ardent love , Avas unable to satisf y his searching doubts . Like the firsff of the prophets , Moses , the spiritual

champion of Judaism , thus the last of the prophets , John the Baptist , be our guide . He , the greatest of all born of Avomen , Avas the meanest in the kingdom of heaven—a Avarning to us that

Avisdom only can be considered as a means of exaltation by mortal men alone . For this reason the societ y should not limit its activity to scientific purposesonly , bufctendtoahi g heraim , by cultivating friendshi p ancl brotherly love ; thus fulfilling the

Masonic precepts , namely , to enlighten the mind and to dispose the heart for truth ancl virtue . This speech Avas folloAved by a debate relative to the design the "Society of G-erman Masons " Avould pursue in future ancl the laws ancl statutes

of the same Avere taken into deliberation . The whole having been settled agreeable to all the members present , the neAV society Avas declared to be dul y constituted . The session , that had lasted three full hours , Avas closed at half-past two

o ' clock in the afternoon . The remainder of the day Avas employed in the partaking of a brotherly dinner , and a tour into the vicinit y of the town , Avhere some of the guests were shown the finest prospects by the amiabilit y and kindness of the brethren of Potsdam , several of the visitors having taken their leave before . The rest departed early

at morning of the next day , all leaving Potsdam with the favourable impression that a useful Avork hacl been Avell done , that ifc hacl been p laced into able hands , and that a tie of brotherl y love and friendshi p had been Avoven around an assembly of amiable ancl qualified men , AVIIO formerly hacl been strangers , but now Avere friends , as must be hoped ,

for ever . THE FOLLOWING AEE THE STATUTES OP TUB SOCIETY .-I . —The Society of German Masons , which is not intended to be a bond within the bond , but rather an additional and furthering society of the Masonic fraternity , has the design , ( a ) to advance the Masonic science in its whole extent bpromoting tho knowledof the

y ge history , law , symbols , and doctrine of Freemasonry , and of such fraternities as are connected with this Order ; ( 6 ) to forward the mutual intercourse and intelligence respecting such things as are fit to further the prosperity of the bond , and to strengthen the ties of friendship ancl fraternal lovo among all Masons . II . —This design is to be obtained ( a ) by tho collecting

, of Masonic documents , manuscripts , prints , medals , seals , & c . ; (&) by the publishing of MSS . aud documents which have not yet been printed , and the providing and translating of publications belonging to foreign Masonic literature ; ( s ) by promoting and supporting scientific undertakings and publications ; ( cQ by creating and entertaining a scientific correspondence with inland ancl

foreign Grand Lodges , as well as the most eminent and learned Masons of all countries ; ( e ) by annual meetings and communications , to take place in a town of Germany holding a lodge . III . —The society is to be composed of regular and corresponding members , who may be elected both

among natives and foreigners . IV . —Each active M . M . will be considered as a regularmember of the society by his simple application for admission . The corresponding members will be chosen by the committee . Y . —Each regular member will have to pay an annual due of one thaler ( three shillings ) to the fund , which is

to be employed agreeably to the purpose of the society . The withdrawal from the society will be left free to auy member at any time , on condition , however , that he will have to pay the current annual due . Any member neglecting payment during the time of two years , will be considered as having willingly withdrawn from the society .

YI . —An annual meeting will be held in some town of Germany holding a lodge , and tho time thereof will be fixed by the committee . In this meeting the affairs of tho society will be treated and decreed by vote of majority of all the regular members being present . The order of the day is to be fixed by tho committee . Should a brother wish to speak or make a report

at the said meeting , he will have to give notice thereof to the committee , in order that the succession of such speeches may be fixed beforehand . Trifling communications are not liable to this restriction . VII . —Every third year there shall be elected a directing committee of five members , by ballot . Tho first elected of these members will be the chairman and repre-