Address By The Crown Prince Of Prussia.

such things , which are yet vital , or able to propagate life . I am only against such things—whether they originate from old or from new times—which are impediments to spiritual action , or in the way of

the happy results of our teachings . It is far from me to dictate demands , or to use a pressure upon your mind and conviction . I only freely and openly express my opinion and conviction , and leave it to you to examine , to outlay plans , and to

introduce what you think necessary for the promotion of the spiritual life in our Lodges . I want to justify myself before a future generation , respecting the celebration of this day , and I wanted to express in right words at the right time what I thought necessary .

After my initiation I became a member of the Grand Lodge , like many of the brethren , without having deeper knowledge of Freemasonry , and of the specialities of our Grand Body . But approved and true men had assured me that in our Craft are

concealed old traditions and eminent moral doctrines , although sometimes shed among dead stone work , and over-burdened with superfluous things . I found these sentences and judgments to be

correct . But I ask you , is it right that this be so ? Shall dead questions and superfluous doings now cover and hide reality , solidity , and vitality ? Let us avoid getting blinded through the influence of a strict adhesion to old and cherished customs against the demands of our age , whilst time proceeds with ponderous step .

I would be glad to receive from officers and members of our jurisdiction , proposals referring to these points , and will do my best as Grand Master , to favour a proper solution and to arrive at the best decision . May we succeed in finding the

right Avays and means . It seems to me that we have especially to look at two points . First , that the teachings and lectures after the first initiation , in the first degree , are sufficient to give knowledge of all that can be

offered . It is far from me to wish a mixing of , or a meddling Avith the teachings and symbolic acts of the several degrees , or a passing and raising before due time . But it seems to me the Entered Apprentice should be enabled from the beginning to get a proper knowledge of all the new and strange things he will and must meet . The

symbolic acts and teachings of Freemasonry must warm the heart , and must touch our feelings , thoughts , and ideas ; otherwise Freemasonry will represent itself as a ruin from old times , which will be looked upon with curiosity , which will be

cherished for its age , but never will serve to enlighten the life of the present time . Let us get rid of the apprehension that we are wrong in taking from the high degrees into the symbolic Masonry all that will be fruitful for the

latter . I consider this the best application and exertion of hi gh degree Masonry . For—and this is the second point I like to call your attention to —the fact that we must earnestly promulgate and more and more propagate in our jurisdiction the

idea that St . John ' s Masonry , as we call the symbolic or blue degrees of Entered Apprentice , Fellow Craft , and Master Mason , is the main point of Freemasonry , and must have the main importance in the whole organisation . Symbolic Masonry

embraces in its Lodges the greater number of all Freemasons dispersed over the globe ; Symbolic Masonry divulges foremost the blessings and effect of our Craft . The hi gh degrees ought to be considered nothing but the commentary of Symbolic

Masonry , only more impregnated with the wisdomacquired by age , and only fit for enlightening the same teachings . I think I need not refute the suspicion of inappropriate and contradicting pr inciples .

I hope and believe that Freemasonry will always nourish the roots of a sound and moral life among mankind by its quiet and steady working . And that makes me love so much our Craft and become so much attached to it .

I have now freely and openly expressed my views on all that needs the attention of our Grand Body for the next century . I know , however , that not all the brethren of this jurisdiction concur in my views , and that many consider these

views detrimental and pernicious . May my words cause those brethren to reconsider their opinions , and to examine closely and without prejudice , the basis and origin of the system of our Grand Body .

I had not felt bound myself to utter such words , did I not know that they will find a good response and approbation not only in the whole M asonic family , but especially in our Grand Body . May the breath of Spring exhilirate and pene-