The Grand Lodge Of The Three Globes, Berlin.

In 1839 , a Grand Masters' * Union , which still exists , was established , having for its object a consultation , on common . Masonic subjects , and the cementing of friendly relations between the lodges of the " Fatherland . "

In 1833 , changes in the ritual were proposed , when it was laid down as a leading principle that everything that rested upon an historical foundation , or had become sacred by time and dear to the brethren by usage , should be preserved ;

changes only should be made which the spiritual necessities of an advanced age seemed to require . In 1840 , the present King , the CroAvn Prince of Prussia , was initiated into Masonry , in the

presence of the three Grand Lodges of Berlin , according to the Swedish system * and immediately assumed the protectorate devolved upon his son , 'the CroAvn Prince , who Avas initiated in 1853 . Nothing of general interest seems to have

transpired up to 1866 , with AA'hich year the history closes . In the course of this history , a subject is discussed on which , inasmuch as it was at one time the cause of a remonstrance on the part of our

Grand Lodge with those of Berlin , we cannot forbear to make a fev ? remarks , particularly as a principle of vital importance to the institution is involved therein . In 1844 , the three Grand Lodges of Berlin made the following declaration : —

" The three Grand Lodges have the same aim as regards the Order ; they labour for the ennobling of their members and the happiness of mankind , according to the principles of Christianity , but without any tendency to politics or sectional

confession , & c . " The Grand Lodge of the Three Globes states that her statutes of 1799 are based upon the constitution of the Grand Lodge of England , of 1723 , and , in consequence , has engrafted the following

among her laws : — " A Freemason masb he an upright and candid professor of the Christian religion . " An appendix to the statute , adopted in 1808 , further prescribes : —

" A Jew cannot be initiated , affiliated , or be admitted a visitor . " In 1841 , hoAvever , this section was stricken out , in consequence of a remonstrance by a lodge

under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Holland , one of whose members , being an Israelite , was refused admission as visitor to the Berlin Lodge . But section 166 of the same revised statutes * adopted during that year , contains the

following : — " Those persons only can be proposed for initiation in Freemasonry who " I . Profess Christianity , without regard to particular creed , " etc .

" Every brother who desires to be affiliated with any lodge under our jurisdiction must be a professor of Christianity . " A commission for the revision of the Statutes of the Three Globes declared , in 1849 , " that the

initiation in , and affiliation with the daughte r lodges of the National Mother Lodge was an impossibility . " This declaration was unanimously adopted by the mother lodge . The commission , however , declared " that all brethren who prove

themselves members of regularly constituted Masonic lodges , recognised by the Berlin lodges , can be admitted as visitors , as it seems a

contradiction to recognise a lodge ; and yet refuse its members admission . " To justify its requirement of a profession of Christianity in a candidate , or for affiliation , the Grand Lodge cites the Constitution of the Grand

Lodge of England , of the year 1723 , as follows : —¦ Section 1 of that instrument says : " But though in ancient times Masons Avere charged in everycountry to be of the religion of that country or nation , yet it is now thought more expedient only

to obligate them to that religion in which all men agree , leaving their particular opinions to themselves—that is , to be good men and true * * by whatever denomination or persuasion they may be distinguished , " etc .

Which the mother Grand Lodge explains : " By ' relijion in which all men agree , is to be understood the Christian religion solely . "

To support it vieAvs , the Grand Lodge refers to VI ., 3 ( should be 2 ) , of Ancient Charges , where it speaks of the " behaviour" of the brethren after the lodge in the folloAving manner : " Therefore no private piques or quarrels must be brought

Avithin the door of the lodge , far less any quarrels about religion , or nations , or State policy , we being only , as Masons , of the Catholic religion above-mentioned ; we are also of all nations , tongues , kindreds , and languages , and are resolved