Revised
Degree Ritual,
Grand Fountain,
U. O. of T. R.
Revised by authority of the
Fifth Annual Session of the
Grand Fountain, U. O. T. R.
THE REFORMER PRINT,
RICHMOND, VA., 1910.
Hoping that you may be attended with
FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY,
FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY
and BROTHERLY LOVE,
causing you to have a prosperous journey to
the end.
We remain, yours in the bonds of the
Brotherhood,
in U. T. and C.,
WM. W. BROWNE, G. W. M.
WM. P. BURRELL, G. W. Sec.,
Committee on Revision.
Richmond, Va., Jan. 31, 1887.
Revised Degree Ritual.
OPENING A DEGREE CHAMBER.
Section 1. No Degree Chamber shall be
opened without one or more Passed Officers,
the same to be appointed Degree Master by the
Organizing Deputy, or elected by the Fountains.
The Degree Masters of two or more Fountains
shall have the right to form a Union Degree
Chamber, should they so desire.
Sec. 2. The Officers of a Degree Chamber
shall be elected or appointed as follows: Worthy
Degree Master, Worthy Vice-Degree Master,
Worthy Conductor, Worthy Assistant Conduc¬
tor, Worthy Inside Guard, Worthy Outside
Guard, Worthy Associate Prelate, Worthy As¬
sociate Degree Master, Worthy Secretary,
Worthy Treasurer.
Sec. 3. Each Degree Chamber shall furnish
its Chamber after the following order: The
stands to be trimmed with the three colors of
the Order—red, white, and blue with curtains
to suit the same. The Degree Master shall be
clothed in a purple gown, with a crown and
(iii)
4
helmet on his head : the other officers with
crowns and the regalia of the Order. The
furniture shall be a Bible, two degree rods, two
axes, a cross, a crown, and an anchor. All ex¬
cept the Bible shall be trimmed in the three col¬
ors of the Order.
OPENING CEREMONY.
The Worthy Degree Master, after taking the
chair, will give one rap with the gavel and sayt
" If any of you present are non-degree mem¬
bers, you will please retire to the ante-room.
Members will please clothe themselves in re¬
galia."
W. D. M.—Brother Vice-Master, you will di¬
rect the Conductor to collect the Sixth Degree
Password and report.
W. C.—Worthy Vice-Degree Master, all pres¬
ent are in possession of the Sixth Degree Pass¬
word.
W. D. M.—Brother Vice, for what purpose
are we here assembled ?
W. V. D. M.—For the purpose of holding a
Degree Chamber and strengthening our solemn
covenant with the Brotherhood.
W. D. M.—With whom can we work?
5
W. V. D. M.—With those that have entered
according to all the requirements of the Con¬
stitution of our Brotherhood.
W. D. M.—What is your duty in the Cham¬
ber?
W. V. D. M.—To open and close the Degree
Chamber, and preside in the absence of the
Worthy Degree Master.
W. D. M.—Worthy Associate, your duty?
W. A.—To assist you as you may direct.
W.D.M.--Worthy Secretary what is your duty?
W. S.—To keep the record and financial ac¬
counts.
W. D. M.—Worthy Treasurer what is your
duty?
W. T.—To receive and secure the moneys,
and pay them out by the consent of the Cham¬
ber and your order.
W. D. M.— Worthy Conductor, what is your
duty ?
W. C.—To assist in keeping order, and as¬
sist the pilgrims on their journey.
W. D. M.—Worthy Inside Guard, what is
your duty ?
W. I. G.—To guard the inside entrance of
6
the inside door, and see that none unqualified
enter therein.
W. D. M.—Worthy Outside Guard, what is
your duty ?
W, O. G.—To guard the outside door, ad¬
mit qualified members and pilgrims journeying
to join the fellowship of the Brotherhood.
W. D. M.—Worthy Associate Prelate, you
will pleass lead in prayer.
After prayer the following ode is sung:
Say brothers, will you meet us,
Say brothers, will you meet us,
Say brothers, will you meet us,
On Canaan's happy shore 1
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
By the grace of God we'll meet you,
Where parting is no more
W. D. M.—The members will now assist the
W. V. D. M. by all giving the Hailing Sign of
the Sixth Degree.
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M. I
declare this Chamber opened for business.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened.
The Chamber can now take up any business
that may come before it.
7
FAITH DEGREE.
The W. D. M., directs the Conductor to ex¬
amine all present in Faith Degree and report.
W. Con.—W. D. M., all present are qualified
to remain.
W. D. M.—The members will rise while the
W. V. D. M., opens the Chamber in Faith De¬
gree. ( Three raps).
All give the Countersign.
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M. I
declare this Chamber opened in Faith Degree.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened. (One
rap:)
W. D. M.—The Conductor will retire to the
anteroom and prepare the pilgrims for theii
journey, by asking the following questions:
W. C.—Do you believe in the existence of
Almighty God, who rules and governs all
things?
Pilgrim.—I do.
W. C.—Are you willing to take an obliga¬
tion that will not conflict with your religious or
political opinions?
Pilgrim.—I am.
(The Worthy Conductor, when ready gives
one loud rap on the door.)
8
W. I. G.—Who comes there?
W. C.—Pilgrims, seeking to strengthen their
faith and increase their hope in their journey
with the Brotherhood.
W. V. D. M.—Admit them.
(Before the pilgrim is admitted, the mem¬
bers rush to the door, forming two columns on
either side of the door, facing inward through
which the pilgrim slowly marches, led by the
Conductor, and stops at the altar, while the
Chamber sings.)
Ode Of Welcome.
Courage, Brother, do not stumble,
Though thy path be dark as night,
There's a star to guide the humble.
Trust in God and do the right.
Though the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight,
Foot it bravely! strong or weary,
Trust in God and do the right.
Simple rules and safest guidiijg,
Inward peace and inward might,
Star upon our path abiding,
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight,
9
Cease from man and look above thee,
Trust in God and do the right.
After singing, the members form a circle
around the pilgrims
W. V. D. M.—You are now at the entrance
to Faith Degree. Faith is the -foundation of
this Brotherhood,and is that quality of the mind
called trust and a strict adherance to duty. As
the Lord directed Moses to stretch forth his
rod over the waters of the Re J Sea, when he
was surrounded on either side by insurmount¬
able mountains, with the Egyptain host in the
rear, he stretched forth his rod in faith, and the
waters obeyed him. In like manner, we say
to you when the enemies to our Brotherhood
commence to assail you and your pathway be¬
comes dark, and your courage begins to fail,
may you remember to stretch forth the rod of
faith. Now may faith guide you through life
and land you safe in the haven of rest.
W. Con.—W. D. M., the pilgrims are now
ready to receive the solemn obligations of Faith
Degree.
W. D. M.—You will now receive the Obliga¬
tion:
(The pilgrims kneel around the altar, hands
10
on the Bible, members in a circle, presenting
the Emblems....Pilgrims are here brought to
light.)
Obligation.
I, (each calling his
own name), in the presence of the members
of Faith Degree, do solemnly promise to obey
the obligation of this degree. I will keep
sacred all the secrets: I will not write nor cause
to be written or indited, any of the Signs, Tok¬
ens, Grips or Words, upon anything movable
or immovable. I further promise that I will
adhere to the laws and regulations of theGrand
Fountain. I furthermore declare that I will do
all that I can towards spreading the benefits of
this Brotherhood among people worthy of our
protection; and in violation of any part of this
my obligation, be brought to trial, and, if found
guilty, to be fined or expelled, thereby forfeit¬
ing all claims as a member of this Brotherhood.
(In sincerity you will kiss the Bible and rise.)
(One rap.)
There are in this degree a Hailing Sign, To¬
ken: Grip, and Word.
The HAILING SIGN (or Countersign), is
given thus: By drawing the 17,2, 13, 12 of
the 18, 10, 6, 8, 22—8, 2, 16, 1 across the 7,
14, 18,5, 8, 5, 2, 1, and letting it fall to your
side.
The TOKEN is the word 19, 22, 18, 5, 22, 3,
8.
The GRIP is the grasp of the 13, 10, 22, 22,
13, 5—7, 10, 16, 6, 5,18, and 22, 8, 21, 12, 4,
united in the 17, 2, 13, 12.
The word is .the word 7, 2, 10, 22, 8, and is
used as the Password.
N. B.—The key in the Fountain Ritual will
unlock all the signs.
The symbols of this degree are the Bible and
Cross. Remember, without the Cross we can¬
not obtain the crown; that is the reason why so
many people fail to obtain blessings in this life
and in the life beyond the grave, They are not
willing to bear the Cross to obtain the blessing.
They run well so long as the journey is smooth
but the first stumbling block which they meet
causes them to go back faster than they went
forward. Now, may you keep the cross in view
as well as the crown.
Now, in the name of the Brotherhood, I de-
12
clare you fully instructed in the mysteries of
Faith Degree.
The members will rise while the Vice closes
the Chamber in this degree. (Three raps.)
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W, D. M,. I de¬
clare this Chamber closed in the First Degree.
w. d. k—I declare it so closed.
(The pilgrims need not return to the ante¬
room, but to a place prepared in the hall, and
rest until they are called to pursue their journey
in the Degree of Hope.)
HOPE DEGREE.
W. D. M.—W. Con., you will examine all
present in the Second or Hope Degree and re¬
port
W. Con.—W. D. M., all present are qualified
to remain.
W. D. M.—Members will rise while the W.
V. D. M. opens the Chamber in Hope Degree.
(Three raps.)
All give the Countersign.
W.. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber opened in the Second
or Hope Degree.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened. (One rap.)
13
W. D. M.—W. Con., prepare the pilgrims to
continue their journey. When ready give two
knocks on the floor.
W.D.M.—Who comes there?
W. Con.—Pilgrims, accompanied with Faith,
desiring the Fellowship of Hope Degree.
W. V. D. M.—Admit them. (The Conduc¬
tor stops at the altar.)
W. D. M.—Hope is that virtue which an¬
chors the desires of the mind—that prevents
the desire from wavering and giving up in de¬
spair when in pursuit of an object,
W.V.D.M.—We understand, then, that hope
is the anchor to our faith.
W. D. M.—When Job's friends had all for¬
saken him, and the Lord had hid his face, on
whom did he depend ?
W. V. D. M.—He cried and said, "Where is
my hope ?"
W. D. M.—When we are assailed by our ene¬
mies, and away from the fold of the Brother¬
hood, upon whom shall we depend ?
All respond—Upon our hopes.
W. D. M.—The pilgrim will receive the obli¬
gation.
14
OBLIGATION.
I in the presence of the mem¬
bers of the Degree of Hope here assembled, do
solemnly promise to obey the obligation of this
degree. I will keep sacred all the secrets of this
degree. I will not write or cause to be written or
indicted, any of the Signs, Tokens, Grips or
Word, upon anything movable or immovable. I
furthermore promise that I will adhere to the laws
and regulations of the Brotherhood.I furthermore
promise and declare that I will do all that I can
towards spreading the benefits of this Brother¬
hood among people worthy of our protection;
and in violation of any part of this my obliga¬
tion, be brought to trial, and, if found guilty, to
be expelled, thereby forfeiting all claims to the
Brotherhood. (In sincerity of which you will
kiss the Bible.)
There are in this degree a Hailing Sign, Grip
and Password.
The HAILING SIGN is given by clinching 4,
14, 22, 8—8,2, 16, 1-, 19 together and placing
both 22, 8, 21, 12, 4, 19, perpendicular over the
12, 14, 21, 22, 8, and letting them fall to your
side.
The GRIP is the grasp of the two last 7, 10,
13
16, 6, 5, 18, 19, and 22, 8,21,12, 4.
The PASSWORD is 8, 14, 1 7, 5, and is used
as a countersign.
W. V. D. M.-—Remember, when tossed up¬
on the billows of life's rugged sea, and to pur¬
sue your journey further seems impossible, do
not forget to throw out the anchor Hope and
keep silent.
W. D. M.—Silence is hope, or the essence of
hope. Whenever it is proper to exercise hope, it
is done with a silent tongue, a listening ear, and
a patient, faithful heart. Now may your Hope
sustain your Faith in all that is right in this life,
and until you have obtained the blessing of the
life to come. In the name of the Grand Foun¬
tain and the Brotherhood, I declare you fully in¬
structed in the mysteries of the Degree of Hope.
W. D. M.—The members will rise while the
W. V. D. M., closes the Chamber in the Degree
of Hope.
W. V. D. M.—-By desire of the W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber closed.
W. D. M.—I declare it so closed.
THE DEGREE OF CHARITY.
W. D. M. —W. Con., you will examine the
16
the members and see if they are in possession
af the Third Degree Password, and report.
W. Con.—W. D. M., all the members pres¬
ent are in possession of the Third Degree Pass-
word.
W. D. M.—The members will rise while the
W. V. D. M., opens the Chamber in the Third
Degree. (Three raps.)
All give Countersign.
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber open in the Third Degree.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened. (One
rap.)
W. D. M.—W. Con., you will prepare the
pilgrims to continue their journey. When
ready, give three knocks.
W. V. D. M.—Who comes there ?
W. Con.—Pilgrims who, having jouneyed
through Faith and Hope Degrees, now desire
an entrance to Charity Degree.
W. V. D. M.—Admit them.
(The Conductor circles the pilgrims around
the symbols of Faith and Hope.)
W. D. M.—Charity is that disposition in the
heart that makes men think favorably of iheir
fellowmen, and causes them to do good instead
17
of evil, and brings forth peace instead of con¬
fusion—love instead of hatred.
W. V. D. M.—Charity, then, is the blood that
that flows through the veins of Faith and Hope
and puts them in action.
W. D.M.—The Holy Writer tells us, "Though
we speak with the tongues of men and angels,
and have not charity, we become as a sounding
brass or a tinkling cymbal."
W. D. M.—Charity makes us kind, and keeps
us from being puffed up, causes us to suffer
long for righteousness sake and endure much.
Charity is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil,
and rejoiceth not in the wrong, but rejoices in
in the truth. And now abideth FAITH, HOPE
and CHARITY, these three, but the greatest of
these is CHARITY.
W. D. M.—You will now receive the obliga¬
tion.
OBLIGATION.
I in the presence of the
members of Charity Degree, do solemnly prom¬
ise to obey the obligations of this degree. I will
keep sacred all the secrets; I will not write or
cause to be written or indicted, any of the
18
Signs, Tokens, Grips, or Words, upon anything
movable or immovable. I furthermore promise.
I will adhere to the laws, rules and regulations
of the Brotherhood; and I will do all I can to¬
wards spreading the benefits of this Brother¬
hood among the people worthy of our protec¬
tion; and in violation of any part of this my
obligation, be brought to trial, and, if found
guilty, to be fined or expelled, thereby forfeiting
all claims as a member of this Brotherhood.
(As a seal, kiss this book—the Bible.)
There is to this degree a Hailing Sign, Alarm
Sign, Token, Grip and Word.
The HAILING SIGN is given by placing the
the right hand on your 8, 5, 2, 18, 22, and your
left on the 18, 10, 6, 8, 22,—5, 13, 4, i4, 23,
and letting them fall to your side.
The ALARM SIGN is given by placing the
18, 10, 6, 8, 22—8, 2, 16, 1, upon the right side
of the 7, 14, 18, 5,—8, 5, 2, 1, with the 1 3, 5, 7,
7, 22—2, 11, 10, 12, 4,14, 5, 1.
The token is the word 2, 3, 22, 10, 1 4, 16,
(which means charity in action.)
The GRIP is the grasp of the 22, 8, 18, 5, 5—
7, 10, 16,6, 5, 18, 19, and 22, 8, 21, 12, 4.
19
The WORD is 3,8, 2, 18, 10, 22, 25.
The Alarm Sign is used to call the attention
of a brother when in distress, using these words.
"10,—25, 10,5, 13, 1."
W. V. D. M.—Having been fully instructed
in the mysteries of Charity Degree, may you
ever keep CHARITY IN ACTION until you
are called from labor to reward.
W. D. M.—The members will assist the W.
V. D. M., in closing the Chamber. (Three raps)
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M., I de¬
clare this Chamber in Charity Degree closed.
W. D. M.—I declare it so closed.
FRIENDSHIP DEGREE
W. D. M.—W. Con., will examine the Cham¬
ber in the Fourth Degree and report.
W. Coil.—All present are in possession of
the Fourth Degree Password.
W. D. M.—Members will rise while the W.
V. D. M., opens the Chamber in Friendship De¬
gree.
All Give the Countersign.
W. V. D. M.—By the desire of W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber opened in Friendship De¬
gree.
20
W. Conductor prepares the pilgrims and gives
four loud knocks.
W. V. D. M.—Who comes there?
W. Con.—Pilgrims thrice worthy, seeking an
entrance to Friendship Degree.
W. V. D. M.—Admit them.
W. D. M.—True friendship is the fruit of
Faith, Hope and Charity. It is consolation sent
to homes and hearts of our afflicted brethren; it
cheers and comforts the hearts of the widows
and orphan children; it is bread to the hungry,
clothes to the naked and medicine to the sick; it
is the oil of consolation poured into the wounds
of the broken hearted.
W. V. D. M.—What relation were Jonathan
and David ?
W. D. M.—True friends.
W.V. D. M.—How was their friendship per¬
formed ?
W. D. M.—Secretly and by a sign.
W.V. D. M.—Why was their friendship per¬
formed secretly?
W. D. M.—So that their enemies might not
betray their good work to destroy it.
W. V. D. M.—How does the Bible tell us to
do our alms ?
21
W. D. M.—Not to sound a trumpet to be
seen of men; but let thine alms be in secret and
thy Father, who seeth in secret Himself, shall
reward thee openly.
W. V. D. M.—Let us go then and do like¬
wise whenever the cry of the widow and the
orphan is heard and distress and affliction are
felt, whether we know them personally or not.
Remember by entertaining strangers we may
entertain angels, and the Father will reward us.
Let us send the oil of consolation wherever the
banner of our Brotherhood floats.
W. D. M.—You will receive the Obligation.
OBLIGATION.
I , in the presence of the
members of Friendship Degree; do solemnly
promise to obey the obligation of this Degree.
1 will keep sacred all the secrets; I will not write
or cause to be written, or indicted any of the
Signs, Tokens, Grips or Words upon anything
movable or immovable. I further promise that
I will adhere to the laws, rules and regulations
of the Grand Fountain. I furthermore declare
that I will do all I can towards spreading the
benefits of this Brotherhood among our people
worthy of our protection, and in violation of any
22
part of this, my obligation, be brought to trial,
and,if found guilty, to be fined or expelled,there¬
by forfeiting all claims as a member of this
brotherhood. (As a memorial you will kiss this
Book.)
There are to this degree a Hailing Sign, To¬
ken and Word.
The HAILING SIGN is given by 3, 18, 14,
19, 19, 10, 16,6. both 8, 2, 16, 1, 19 on each 19,
8, 14, 21, 13, 1,5, 18, bringing them down and
13, 14, 3, 11, 10, 16, 6, them in front of you.
The TOKEN is the word 7, 18,21, 10, 22
The PASSWORD is the word 7, 18, 10, 5,
16,1.
In the name of the Brotherhood I declare you
fully instructed in the mysteries of this degree.
You will salute and rest from your labor.
W. D. M.—The members will assist the W.
V. D. ML, in closing the Chamber in the Fourth
Degree.
W. V, D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber closed.
W. D. M.—I declare it so closed.
LOYAL DEGREE.
W. D. M.—W. Conductor, examine the mem¬
bers and report.
23
W. Con—All present are in possession
of the Fifth Degree Password.
W. D. M.—The members will rise while the
W. V. D. M. opens the Chamber in the Fifth
Degree.
W. V. D. M.—-By desire of the W. D. M.
I declare this Chamber opened in Loyal De¬
gree.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened.
W. V. D. M.—The Conductor will now in¬
troduce the pilgrims. (On entering give five
knocks with rod on floor.)
W. V. D. M.—Who comes there ?
W. Con.—Pilgrims desiring to continue their
journey through Loyal Degree. I
W. V. D. M.—Admit them.
(The W. Conductor will march the pilgrims
around the Chamber during the singing.)
Children of the Heavenly King,
As we journey let us sing;
Sing our Father's worthy praise,
Glorious in his works and ways.
Fear not, brethren, joyful stand,
On the borders of our land,
Jesus Christ, our Father's Son,
Bids us undismayed go on.
24
W. D. M.—Dear pilgrims, loyal means a con¬
tinued devotion to the cause we espouse. We
have united ourselves to assist each other in
our pilgrimage through life. Whenever afflic¬
tion shall assail you, if you are loyal, you will
continue until the journey of life shall end,
Christ said we are His disciples if we continue
in His word.
W. V.D.M.—Pilgrims, you have pursued your
journey well, you have passed through Faith,
Hope, Charity and Friendship Degrees. To be
loyal is to hold and maintain a devoted mind
to this Brotherhood by your journey through
these degrees.
W. D. M.—Lot lost his wife when fleeing
from the city of destruction, by her looking back.
She was commanded, together with her whole
family, not to look back, but she looked back
and was lost by not being loyal to the command
given.
W. V. D. M.—But the rest of the family were
saved by being loyal to the command given.
They continued to press forward on their jour¬
ney to the place appointed and never looked
back until they reached the place appointed
by the angel of the Lord.
25
W. D. M .—Like Lot, you are living in a land
surrounded by sorrows—such as sickness, pov¬
erty and death. You have started out for the
purpose of bringing the blessing of consolation
to your assistance and the assistance of your
family, relatives and friends that are near and
dear to you. When these dreaded hours shall
have arrived do not let them find you as Lot's
wife—changed from flesh to a pillow of salt;
and in like manner changed from the blessing
°f the Brotherhood, because you failed to be loy¬
al to the cause you espoused and turned back
to the land of sorrow and affliction to bear them
alone, with none to help, and your family and
children left to the cold charities of the world
with none to pity.
W. D. M.—The pilgrims will now receive the
Obligation.
OBLIGATION.
I ,in the presence of the
members of Loyal Degree here assembled, do
solemnly promise to remain loyal to this Broth¬
erhood and the Grand Fountain and maintain
all my former obligations and keep sacred all
the secrets of this degree. I will not reveal the
secrets of this or any other degree to a member
26
below me in degrees, nor to any person not en¬
titled to the same. I furthermore promise that
neither indolence nor wilful neglect on my par t
shall deprive my family, relatives or friends of
those blessings guaranteed to them by this Broth¬
erhood, in the hour of affliction. I furthermore
promise to be obedient to those in authority
over me, when they are in the discharge of their
sworn duty. In violation of this, my obligation,
I agree to be brought to trial, and if found guil¬
ty, fined or expelled, thereby forfeiting all claim
as a member. (You will seal your obligation
by kissing this Book.)
The HAILING SIGN is given by 3,13,2,19,1 7,
10, 16, 6, both 8, 2, 16, 1, 19, upon the 8, 5, 2,
18, 22, the 18, 10, 6, 8, 22,—8, 2, 16, I, covering
the 13, 5,7, 22.
The TOKEN is the word 19, 2, 13, 22.
The GRIP is a grasp of the 7, 14, 21, 18,—7,
10, 16, 6, 5, 18, 19, and 22, 8,21, 12, 4.
The PASSWORD is the word 17,18,10,26,5.
W. D. M.—Having been fully instructed in the
mysteries of Loyal Degree, you can salute the
chair and retire to the ante-room.
27
BROTBERHOOD DEGREE.
W. D. M.—W. C, examine the members
and report.
W. C.—All present are in possession of the
Sixth Degree Password.
W. D. M.—Members will rise while the W.
V. D. M. opens the Chamber in the Sixth De¬
gree.
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M.,
I declare this Chamber opened in the Sixth or
Brotherhood Degree.
W. D. M.—I declare it so opened.
(The Conductors prepare pilgrims at the
end of the gauntlet, formed by the members in
two columns, facing inward g;iving six knocks on
the floor.)
W. V. D. M.—Who comes there ?
W. C.—Pilgrims bearing their cross, desiring
to enter the home of the Brotherhood to dwell.
W. V. D. M.—Who are their compan¬
ions ?
W. C.—The pilgrims are accompanied by
Faith, Hope, Charity, Friendship and Loyal,
(N. B —Here two Passed Officers step be¬
hind the pilgrims with axes; the Associate De¬
gree Master, or Past Master, with crown; Chap-
28
lain with open Bible, flanked on either side by
the Conductorswith degree rods; pilgrims enter
the gauntlet formed by the members in two
columns,facing inward—the pilgrims, associated
with the officers bearing the symbols of Faith,
Hope, Charity, Friendship and Loyal Degree.
Pilgrims bearing the cross.) While all sing.
HYMN.
Am I a soldier of the Cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name ?
Must I be carried to the skies,
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas ?
Sure I must fight if I would reign,
Increase my courage Lord,
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
W. D. M.—Brotherhood Degree is the sacred
dwelling place of the Brotherhood, bound to¬
gether by the golden chain of love, where they
unite in bearing each other's burdens, sharing
each other's sorrows or afflictions and partaking
29
of each other's joys. This degree is swept by
the broom of PEACE in the hands of OBE¬
DIENCE.
W. V. D. M.—Your name her changes from
pilgrim to brother (or sister) and when coming
to meet the Brotherhood may PEACE and
OBEDIENCE ever accompany you.
W. D. M.—Do not forget the companions, 7,
2, 10, 22, 8,-8, 14, 17, 5,-3, 8, 2, 18, 10, 22,
25,-7, 18, 10, 5, 16, 1, 19, 8, 10, 17, and 13,
14,25,2, 13.
W. P.—Hear the Word of the Lord. "And
surely your blood of your life will I require; at
the hands of every beast will I require it and at
the hand of man; at the hand of every man's
brother will I require the life of man."—Gen. 9:5.
All respond: AMEN.
W. P.—Cursed is he that taketh a reward to
slay an innocent man.
All respond: Amen.
W. P.—Cursed be he that confirmeth not all
the words of this law to them.
All respond: Amen.
OBLIGATION.
I, , do most solemnly
30
promise that I will dwell in love and peace with
the Brotherhood and I will share their burdens,
sorrows and afflictions; and will also share their
joys. I furthermore promise to be obedient to
all the laws, rules, or regulations governing this
or any other degree of this Brotherhood, I fur¬
thermore promise that nothing shall prevent me
from rendering any act of kindness to a poor
and afflicted brother or sister, which their neces¬
sities may require. This and all other obliga¬
tions to this Brothehood. I solemnly promise to
keep, the Lord being my helper. (In testimony,
you will kiss this Bible.)
The HAILING SIGN is given by interlocking 4,
14,22,8,-3,2, 16, 1, 19, on the 4, 18, 5, 2, 19,
22, opposite the 8, 5, 2, i 8, 22.
The TOKEN is the word, 3, 8, 2, 1, 16—test
word.
The GRIP is the grasp of the 23, 8, 1 4, 1 3,
5,-8, 2, 16, 1,-10, 16, 22, 5, 18, 13, 14, 3, 11,
5, 1.
The PASSWOOD is the word 13, 14, 24, 5
used on entering.
THE SYMBOLS.
W. D. M.—The Bible is the sun that shines a
31
light upon the pathway of our Brotherhood.
We cannot travel without the Bible to shed
light upon every step we take.
The RODS are to remind us that it is not safe
to travel without a guide—a guide to our hearts
and tongues.
The AXES remind us that the axe lies at the
root of the tree, and every tree that does not
bring forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast
into the fire. Each one of us should strive to
bring forth good fruit.
The CROSS should remind us, that in our
attempt to do good, evil will oppose us. Cross¬
es and trials are likely to come upon us, but we
must bear the cross to obtain the crown.
The ANCHOR is to remind us, when life's
sea becomes tempestuous and the head-winds
beat hard upon our pathway, and the way be¬
comes dark and gloomy, we must remember to
throw out the anchor Patience, and stand still
until the light of the Bible can light up our
pathway.
The CROWN should remind us of the prize
in view. We should not allow anything to pre¬
vent us from obtaining the object of our prize in
32
this life nor the life to come. We must press
forward toward, the mark of the prize, because
there is nothing gained in this life without trou¬
ble and labor; and without the cross we cannot
obtain the crown.
And now, and may the God of truth guide
you until you shall have'obtained that incorrupt-
able crown, beyond this vale of tears, where
sickness, sorrow, pain and death are felt and
feared no more, where the golden chain of love
that binds our Brotherhood will be broken no
more. AMEN.
W. V. D. M.—By desire of the W. D. M., I
declare this Chamber closed.
W. D. M.—I declare it so closed.