The Platform Of The German Masonic Reformers.

expression to the unity of the Order m juxtaposition to the local and legislative separation of its divisions . Such expression is to be found in associations of lodges , in Congresses , convokedby the same , and

in their leading Committees ; more particularly in an universal ( international ) association of lodges to be aimed at , with general Congresses under the leadership of a general Committee . { Vide sect . III . on Constitution . ) § 7 . The objects of the Order are served

furthermore . ( b ) By the exercise of an edifying and instructing influence upon its members , hy means of a species of cult , of assthetic proceedings borrowed from the symbolic of the brotherhood of Stonemasons , ( rituals ) or by means of discourses and lectures calculated to strengthen and foster

unselfish lore conducive to the creation of mutuality and a consequent aspiration towards the divine , and to lead such aspirations to the fertile ground of practical exercise : § 8 . The selection of these instructive and

edifyingmeasures , the ritual arrangements , and subjects of discourses are to be left to the discretion of each lodge , upon the following conditions . 1 st . That the neutrality of the Order be maintained . It is therefore entirely illicit to bring

within thelscope of the lodge labours , topics relating to ecclesiastical or political party questions , apart from subjects of religious edification and instruction , and politico-moral education .

2 nd . That the character of the Order of Freemasonry , as established on historical grounds , be maintained by the symbolical system of instruction . ( See clauses 7 and 15 . ) § 9 . The institution of several grades or degrees

of initiation , as well as their number and signification within the common object of the Order to be optional also . The distinction of grades , however , is in no way to affect Masonic rights , the exercise of which is practicable , without the knowledge of

the special character of hi gher grades ( see § 3 ) . § 10 . The majority of Masonic meetings ( labours ) to be such as allow of the participation thereat of brethren of all grades .

§ 11 . The Order itself , its history , its principles and objects shall be no mystery . The Masonic secrecy to which the brethren are pled ged has no other object but mutual recognition , protection of confidential utterance of opinions

within the precincts of the lodge , and moral education to be practised by the lodge . No mystery , however , is to be preserved towards the Civil authorities , in order that they- may be enabled to take cognisance of all that is taking

place under the protection of the laws of the country . § 12 : Lastly , the Order aspires towards its object—( c ) . Through external actions in the exercise of their ordinary avocations , which may be considered as emanations of the fundamental Masonic

ideas specified m clause 2 , withm the limits established outside the political and religious party struggles . These actions comprise chiefly charity , establishing and furthering benevolent and useful institutions , and support of scientific and other

civilising enterprises . § 13 . The following are the duties of all members of lodges and of the Order : — 1 st . Conscientious labour towards the advancement of the object of the Order , ancl the interests

ofthe lodge and the Craft . 2 nd . Sympathy and activity for the welfare of mankind .

3 rd . Respect for every sincere belief and every honest persuasion . 4 th . Respect for the laws , and rational obedience to those entrusted by the Craft with the carrying out of the same .

Sth . Secrecy as to all private affairs of the lodge and personal circumstances . 6 th . Advancement of Masonic knowledge and intelligence , no ennobling cultivation of the individual or of the Craft being possible without

them . 7 th . Observance and maintenance of legal proceedings in the lodge . Sth . Payment of such annual monetary contributions as are requisite for the maintenance of the institution .

§ 14 . In conformity with universal Masonic freedom , every Mason enjoys the following rights : — 1 st . To follow his own convictions insofar as they clo not interfere with the object of the

association and encroach upon the rights of the members , he is therefore entitled to rescind his connection with the lodge and the Order if actuated by his convictions or by external circumstances ; however , every seceding member is under the obligation of stating the motives of his withdrawal