ans, and the Christian religion. Furthermore do I promise and
swear, that I will support and maintain the by-laws of the
Encampment, of which I may hereafter become a member, the edicts
and regulations of the Grand Encampment, under which the same may
be holden, together with the laws and constitution of the General
Grand Encampment of the United States of America, so far as the
same shall come to my knowledge. To all this I most solemnly and
sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steady resolution to
perform and keep the same, without any hesitation, equivocation,
mental reservation, or self-evasion of mind in me whatever,
binding myself under no less penalty than to have my head struck
off and placed on the highest spire in Christendom, should I
knowingly or wilfully violate any part of this my solemn
obligation of a Knight Templar; so help me God, and keep me
steadfast to perform and keep the same."

Q. What followed? A. The Most Excellent Prelate directed me to arise,
and thus addressed me: "Pilgrim, thou hast craved permission to pass
through our solemn ceremonies, and enter the asylum of our Encampment;
by thy sandals, scrip, and staff, I judge thee to be a child of
humility; charity and hospitality are the grand characteristics of
this magnanimous Order; in the characters of Knight Templars, you are
bound to give alms to poor and weary pilgrims, traveling from afar; to
succor the needy, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and bind up the
wounds of the afflicted. We here wage war against the enemies of
innocent virgins, destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the
Christian religion. If thou art desirous of enlisting in this noble
and glorious warfare, lay aside thy staff and take up the sword,
fighting manfully thy way, and with valor running thy course; and may
the Almighty, who is a strong tower and defence to all those who put
their trust and confidence in him, be now and ever thy defence and thy
salvation."

Q. What followed? A. Having laid aside my staff and taken up the
sword, the Most Excellent Prelate continued: "Having now taken up the
sword, we expect you will make a public declaration of the cause in
which you will wield it."

Q. Your answer? A. I wield my sword in defence of innocent virgins,
destitute widows, helpless orphans, and the Christian religion.

Q. What was the Prelate's reply? A. With confidence in this
profession, our Senior Warden will invest you with