History Of Freemasonry In Cornwall.

lished constitutions of our Order and the general regulations of the Craft , which have stood the test of ages , are infringed , and our laws trampled -under foot , I must confess that I feel an indignation which I cannot conceal , and in which case

indeed ( to use the words of the Bishop of Landaff , who is , I believe , a member of our Society ) e coolness would be a crime . " ' Before , however , I make my charge , I conceive it will not be improper to state the authorities on which I ground my

proceeding , and which I imagine will amply bear me out . The first I shall refer to , and which is of the highest utility in our excellent 'Book of Constitutions , ' in which are contained ' The old charge of the Free and Accepted Masons , collected from their old records at the command of the Grand

'Master , approved by the Grand Lodge , and ordered to be printed in the first edition of the c Constitutions / in March 25 th , 1722 / The 4 th section of which , under the heading ' Behaviour in presence of Strangers not Masons / I shall beg

"to state— You shall be cautious in your words and carriage , that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover or find out what is

not proper to be intimated , and sometimes you ¦ shall divert a discourse and manage it prudently ¦ for the honour of the worshipful Fraternity . ' I ¦ shall also beg leave to state a part of the 6 th section , viz ., ' Behaviour towards a strange

Brother / ' You are cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence shall direct you , that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant false pretender , who you are to reject with contempt and derision , and beware of giving- him any hints

of knowledge / Thus far our old charges , the spirit of which , and indeed very nearly the words themselves , are transfused into our very worthy learned and indefatigable Bro . Preston ' s Charge

on the behaviour of Masons to be rehearsed at closing the lodge / given in his valuable and scientific ' Illustrations of Masonry / of which I shall make further use . The first passage in this ¦ admirable work I shall refer to is contained in the

¦ charge given on initiation into Masonry , and is as follows : — ' In your outward demeanour you are to avoid censure or reproach , and beware of all who -may artfully endeavour to insinuate themselves into your esteem , with a view to betray your

• virtuous resolutions , or make you swerve from the "principles of the Institution . Let not interest favour or prejudice your integrity , or influence you - &> be guilty of a dishonourable action , but let your

conduct be uniform , and your deportment suitable to the dignity of the profession . " The next passage in the charge given on the initiation into the second degree , in which the newly-admitted Fellow Craft is directed strenuously

to suppoit and maintain the laws and regulations of the Order , and in conclusion he is informed that the duties thereinbefore mentioned he is ' bound

to observe by the most sacred ties . But I now proceed to a much more important passage contained in the charge relating to the third and highest degree of Craft Masonry , authorising a brother in the character of a Master Mason to

correct the errors and irregularities of brethren and fellows , and guard them against a breach of fidelity . To improve the morals and correct the manners of men in society he is told should be his constant care , and with such view he should

always recommend to inferiors obedience and submission ; to equals , courtesy and affability ; to superiors , kindness and condesension ; to inculcate universal benevolence ; and by the regularity of his own behaviour to afford the best example for

the conduct of others . The ancient landmarks of the Order entrusted to his care should be preserved sacred and inviolable , and never suffer an

infringement of our rites , or a deviation from established usage and custom . ' Duty , honour , and gratitude now bind you to be faithful to every trust , to support with becoming dignity your new character , and to enforce by example and precept

the tenets of the system . Let no motive therefore make you swerve from your duty , violate your vows , or betray your trust , but be true and faithful , and imitate the celebrated example of that celebrated artist whom you have represented . By

this exemplary conduct you will convince the world that merit has been the title to our privileges , and that on you our favours have not been undeservedly bestowed . '

" I shall lastly refer to a very ingenious treatise of Bro . Hutchinson ' s , entitled ' The Spirit of Masonry . ' The first quotation I shall make from this treatise is included in a charge delivei'ed by Bro . Hutchinson ( who presided for several

successive years over the Barnard Castle Lodge of Concord ) , to several initiated brethren . " And this leads me to recommend to you a particular care and circumspection , that you betray not our distinguishing marks and characteristics to any stranger , nor to your nearest and dearest relation nor most intimate and confidential friend .