Undue Publicity.

generally must understand , when we say we are not ashamed of publishing our doings to the world , that we consider them equally straightforward , ancl if they differ from us in their ideas as to what part of our doings shonld

be recorded in the public press we do not for one moment imagine it is from any unworthy motive , or because they are afraid of any part of their doings being known outside

the precincts of their Lodges . We assume the question is simply a matter of opinion , and no doubt we each feel that our own view of the case is the correct one .

There is no doubt thafc the publication of the doings of Freemasons in public papers could be carried too far . as by going to extremes our secrets might become intelligible to the outside world , bufc is there any fear of existing

' Masonic periodicals , " foreign or otherwise , going to that extent , or is there any risk of a respectable journal outside of Freemasonry lending itself to the publication of details which would be detrimental either to Freemasonry or

Freemasons ? If Freemasonry is used for its legitimate objects only ; if what is done in the Lodge-room is done solely for the benefit of mankind , on the principles recognised by Freemasons , no harm can follow the

publication of the names of those who were present , those who were advanced , or those who presided as Officers j it is only when Freemasonry is made the cloak for some unworthy or unholy action that any fear is justifiable that

publicity is dangerous . We may , then , dismiss the charge that the publicity to which our contemporary refers is unwise , on the ground that it being so or otherwise entirely depends on individual opinion , and that we know

is as variable as the wind . But our contemporary says ifc is un-Masonic ! Here we have ample official evidence to prove the contrary , unless our contemporary desires to assert that its view is the correct one and the recognised

action of almost every Grand Lodge wrong . Thero are very few exceptions throughout the world where the grand bodies of Freemasonry do not periodically publish reports of their Proceedings , wherein appears

everything to which our contemporary takes exception , so far as is possible , in connection with a Grand Lodge as compared with a private one . These reports , or whatever they are termed , are certainly not issued to the world

through tho medium of the newspapers , but they are usually printed , ancl widely circulated , without ; any obligation , we believe , that the Masons into whose hands they fall are to keep them sacred from outside eyes . Our

private Lodges have nofc fche means , or the inclination , to follow the example of their rulers , and publish periodical reports of their doings , but they are often as anxious to be able to send details of their work to friends as are the

Grand Lodges , and for this reason they avail themselves of the Masonic periodicals , or of such local and other papers as may be willing to afford them the opportunity of gratifying their desire . They are fully justified in doing

so , and if the reports are so worded that the essential secrets of Freemasonry are nofc disclosed , no harm can possibly arise from the publication , and we fail to see on what

ground , unless it be one of mere sentiment , the charge of un-Masonic action can be maintained . We shall be pleased to hear the views of our contemporary on the issues we have raised if it deems them fit subjects for friendly controversy .

An Interesting Old Masonic Document.

AN INTERESTING OLD MASONIC DOCUMENT .

BRO . the Rev . Charles M . Stock , of Bedford Lodge No . 320 , Pa ., iu writing to the Keystone , says :

"Two years ago , while in the city of Brunswick , I visited its famous old Cathedral founded by Henry the Lion , in the twelfth century . My attention was attracted to the tombs of Dnke Charles William Ferdinand , and his sou Dnke Frederick William . The latter ia marked by small black flags suspended above the coffin . These

were placed there , and are renewed from time to time , by the matrons and maidens of Brunswick , as memorials of his valour and patriotism . The father , Duke Ferdinand , was killed at the battle of Jena , on the 14 th day of October 180 ( 5 , while at the head of the Prussian army , numbering 70 , 000 men . The French Army was under the command

of Napoleon in person , and numbered 90 , 000 . The son , Dnke Frederick William , having united with tha English in common cause against the French , fell , nobly avenging his father ' s death , in tho battle of Quatre-Bras on the 16 th of June 1815 , two days before the battle of Waterloo . Yesterday I buried a man wbo had a remarkable history . Born in tho city of Pragne , in the year 1799 , and spending many years as a

An Interesting Old Masonic Document.

student and professor afc its university , he remembered distinctly concerning the Napoleonic wars , and the eTents of thopo times . Among his papers is the following , which I think well worth publishing . Any scholar understands the difficulty of a proper translation of such material . With this aa an explanation , I append the document in full :

The following address was delivered afc Brunswick , by Dnke Ferdinand , Grand Master , upon the occasion of the initiation of hia SOP , Count Frederick : I congratulate you on yonr admission into the most ancient ; and the most respectable society of the earth . To you the mysteries of

Masonry have been , and shall further be revealed ; and so bright a sun never heretofore shed lustre upon your eyes . Ia this awful moment , when before this holy altar , may you shudder at the thought of any crime , may you have confidence in every virtue , may your reflection inspire you with noble sentiments , may you be permeated

with a religions abhorrence of every vice that degrades human nature , and may you feel the elevation of soul whioh shuns a dishonourable action , nnd ever seeks the practice of piety and virtue . These are the wishes of a father and a brother conjointly . Concerning yon tho greatest hopes are entertained ; lot not oar expectations

be disappointed . You are the son of a Mason who gloues in tho Fraternity ; and for your zeal and attachment , your silence and good conduct , your father has already pledged his sacred honour . You are now a member of this illustrious Order , introduoed a subject of a new Country whose extent is boundles » . Pictures are now exposed to

yonr view wherein true patriotism is exemplified in glowing colour . * , and a series of transactions recorded which the rude hand of time can never efface . The obligations which influenced the first Brutus and Manlius to sacrifice their children to their love of country , are not more sacred than those which bind me to support tho honour and

integrity of this venerable Fraternity . This moment , my son , you impart to me tbe joy of a second b rth ; and shonld your conduct in life correspond with the principles of Masonry , my remaining years will pass away wifch pleasure and satisfaction . Contemplate the great example of our ancient masters j peruse onr history and

Constitutions . Tho best , the most humane , the bravest nnd most civilised of men have been our patrons . The vulgar aro strangers to onr work , but the greatest geniuses have sprang from our Fraternity .

The most illustrious characters on earth have laid tha foundation of their most amiable qualities in Masonry . Solomon , the wisest of princes , framed our constitution by the raising of a Temple to tho Eternal and Supreme Ruler of the Universe .

Swear , my son , that you will be a true and faithful Mason . Know that from this moment I combine tbe affection of a parent with the endearment of a brother . May your heart bo BUiceptible of love ancl esteem , and may yoa burn with tho same zsal your father possesses . Convince the world by your new alliance tint you aro deserving of

our favours , and never forget the ties which bind you to honour and justice . Do not contemplate wiih indifference the extensive connection you have formed , but let universal benevolence regulate your conduct . Exert your abilities in the service of your conntry and the knowledge you have this day attained—the happiest acquisition of

your life . Eecall to memory tho ceremony of your initiation ; learu to bridle yonr tongue , and to govern your pas-ions ; and ere long yon will have occasion to say : " Iu becoming a Mason , I truly became a man ; and while I breathe will never disgrace a jewel thafc kings

may prize . If I live , my son , to reap the fruits of this day's labour ^ my happiness will be complete ; I will then meet death without terror , close my eyes in peace , and expire without a groan iu the arms of a virtuous and a worthy Freemason .

The White Apron.

THE WHITE APRON .

OPEEATIVE Masons , when afc work , wear an apron to protect and preserve their garments from spot or stain . A white apron is therefore very appropriately used in Masonic ceremonies as an emblem of purity and

innocence , and is intended as such to impress upon the wearer of it the duty of bearing a pure and spotless character , unstained by corruption and free from vice . When we see an operative Mason whose clothes are all

spotted and stained with mortar and dirt , we knew he docs not wear an apron at all , or is unconcerned about the appearance of his clothing . So it is when seeing a speculative Mason indulging in intemperance , or hearing

him take the name of God in vain , or otherwise living in violation of the moral law , we think afc once he has never learned the nse of the Masouic apron , and that his soul is spotted and coloured with violations of his obligations as a

Mason . What must be the feeling of a profane , intemperate , or immoral Mason when his mind reverts to the time when first as an Entered Apprentice ho was

presented with the white apron , ancl taught thafc ib was an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason , and was told to wear it with pleasure to himself and honour to the Fraternity . —D . G . M . } Ark .

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