Address By The Crown Prince Of Prussia.

walks of life . But my brethren , Freemasonry has also another side , which makes ib related to craft and art . Like the artist , the Masonic principle gives its truth and doctrine in a form perceivable to our

senses . Only there is the difference that art and craft create objects in which we see the ideas of the artist , like an immediate impersonation before us ; Freemasonry , however , uses symbols which only indicate the idea , signs which are more or

less wilfully connected with those thoughts aurl those ideas—may they notwithstanding be most appropriate . But this symbolization is very suitable to the aim of Masom * 3 \ Because signs and thoughts are not fully congruent , because the former does not find in the latter its full and

immediate expression ; therefore the signs want a special interpretation , and can be used to express to the adept all that fche ignorant acoylfce cannot be supposed to understand . So , on the other side , it could occur that many

different explanations are connected with these symbols ; from the simplest ideas up to the most abstract opinions , from the merest trifles up to the most earnest thoughts . It can also be found thafc iu various circles and under various circumstances

, these forms , coming from the simplest origin , terminate in a great and endless variety . Let us add that , as we are told , the traditions of our Order come from old time to us in different lines , and we must understand that the various forms have

their beginning and end in one doctrine . But it is equally clear , that , wifch all the variety of forms , we have only one Freemasonry emanatinofrom the same original source , only differentl y formed and coloured by various influences .

It is a misfortune that this fact is not acknowledged in Freemasonry to its full extent . The Masonic history of tbe last century is filled with the record of vehement quarrels and odious accusations of heresy . Let us thank God that now , at the termination of this hundred years , these thino-s exist no more .

We have to-day the pleasure to see representatives of different Grand Lodges , wifch brotherly love , participate in our celebration . Let us thank all the brethren who have contributed so largely to promulgate the knowled ge thafc Masonry is

unity . Let us especially thank his Majesty fche King , our High Protector , thafc through his influence the Grand Bodies of Prussia have come

nearer together , and that thus he strengthened the bonds of unity between the Brethren and the Lodges of different forms . As for my part , this unity , which in its apparition tends to diffuse the true spirit of Masonry ,

meets with my hearty approval , and I consider myself specially bound , as representative of our High Protector , to follow the endeavours of my father . I therefore urgently pray you , my brethren , to-day at our festival to keep steadfastly

before you , in the future , the consciousness ofthe Unity of Freemasonry in all its various forms . Let every one divest himself from the idea that he alone possesses the truth and the true and veritable method to teach and exemplify the original

form . But we pray also that this new century may be the commencement of a new era , in which those who believe in one form may be in unison and working * in brotherly love with all others , and may each and all of the brethren say to each other Peace and Good Will .

Can it Honour us to boast of having the best traditions , the most correct a strict explanations and interpretations , if we omit to solve the real task of our Craft , and to be guided by the principles and teachings of Masonic life ? Of what

value can ifc be to call ourselves Brethren in the Lodge , when the quarrel for superiority leads to a total denial of mutual brotherly sentiment ? No , my brethren , let us look upwards , and in abiding by the principles and teachings of Freemasonry , as

designated by its signs and symbols , let us forgefc fche trifles and unessentials , and subordinate them to the main questions and tests . Let us endeavour to have such a unity , that all

Grand Bodies conscious of the same origin , and undertaking the same task , may consider themselves as members of one great union , like provinces of the same empire , each one preserving ifcs peculiarities , but all united by the same ambition

to promote the prosperity of the whole commonwealth . Unity is the chief and most important wish I desire to make to-day to all our brethren ! I address myself specially to that Grand Lodge who celebrates this day , and to whom I am attached

and connected as Grand Master—the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Germany . This Grand Body , up to this period , has been often the object of very odious invectives . Such attacks shall not cause us to misconduct ourselves , inasmuch as those who call in question the origin and h story of this