The Erlangen Reform Lodge.

THE ERLANGEN REFORM LODGE .

In Bro . Keller ' s retrospect on the Masonic Events of 1864 , published in the FREEMASONS ' MAGAZINE some weeks since , attention was drawn to a new lodge proposed by Bro . Lentbrecher , of Ei-langen , Avith a view to form the nucleus of a

Masonic association , based exclusively upon ideas of progress and civilisation , in keeping Avith the spirit of the century . This lodge has since been founded under the name of " LicM , Liebe , Leben " ( light , love , life ) , and is likely to be soon endowed

with a regular constitution by the liberal Grand Lodge of Bayreufch . The foundation of this lodge is one of those signs of the times to which we cannot fail to draw the attention of our readers , and Ave therefore

subjoin , without auy comment , the " declaration , " issued by Bro . Lentbrecher , which forms the basis of this new Masonic congregation . DECLARATION . 1 . The St . John's Lodge , LicM , Liebe , Leben ,

Orient of Erlangen , is constituted conformably to the Masonic laws , Avith reference to the number of its members .

2 . It has assumed its constitution from it-self and by itself ; it Avill work until further notice as an isolated lodge on improved principles , and reserves to itself the choice of its Grand Lodge . 3 . It starts from and adheres to the principle

that Freemasonry is not possessed of any mystery , that it aims at no occult object , that the Masonic brotherhood does not form a secret society . However , the lodge observes that silence on societary occurrences that is usual in every association of educated men .

4 . It has principles of its oivn Avhich , though in keeping with the ancient English Rite , are improved conformably to the requirements of the time , and open to improvement afterwards . 5 . It recognises only the three grades of the

genuine St . John's Masonry . 6 . The supreme object of its activity is the intellectual and moral improvement of its own members for the good of mankind at large . 7 . The moral huv of enlightened charity is to be

the standard of its actions . 8 . No man can be admitted as a member Avho lacks the education and capacity requisite for the understanding of the task , and sufficient strength of character that he may strive to fulfil this task . 9 . For this reason , it requires each of its members to respect and tolerate every religious

persuasion as man s internal property that is not to be infringed upon ; to abstain from frivolous atheism ; to be a loyal and conscientious citizen ; to perform the duties of his calling to the best of his ability ; to adhere to the principles of honour ,

Avith courage and earnestness , in public and pri-\ r ate life , and to IOA ' O and respect the man in his neighbour . 10 . Every member should , therefore , above all , know his own self most thoroughly , as Freemasonry

requires it ; he should carefully investigate , for his own benefit , the character and nature of human society , and strive to secure a good conscience towards a satisfactory termination of his earthly life .

11 . Every member should be assiduous in his attendance at the lodge , contribute to the best of his ability to its improvement , co-operate by word , advice , and action , never leave the lodge , or absent himself from its meetings , Avithout stating the

reason for so doing . 12 . All members should maintain a joint responsibility as a bond of friendship amongst themselves , and , further , Avhatever may be conducive to the good of mankind .

13 . They should always adhere to veracity , and earnestly strive to show themselves reliable under all circumstances .

14 . They should observe amongst themselves that silence Avhich is requisite in every association of educated men , Avith reference to the sayings and doings of the individual members . 15 . No initiation , promotion , or affiliation fees

are levied by the lodge . 16 . The expenses for the external distinction of grades by garments , & c , are defrayed out of a common fund , to Avhich the members contribute . 17 . For social gatherings and Masonic meetings ,

every member who joins therein is to contribute his proportional share . 18 . The general meeting of the members is to determine on the amount of annual subscriptions , according to the requirements of the Association .

19 . All Masonic transactions may be laid open to the authorities of the State , if required , both by the lodge and . by its individual members . In all other cases , however , the latter are to observe perfect silence .

20 . The Mason ' s' Avord of honour is to be given only after mature consideration , but must be kept as sacred , once given . To this " declaration" is attached an " ex-