him out
to the world as an unworthy vagabond; by opposing his interest, by
deranging his business, by transferring his character after him
wherever he may go, and by exposing him to the contempt of the
whole fraternity and the world, but of our illustrious order more
especially, during his whole natural life: nothing herein going to
prevent yourself, or any other, when elected to the dignity of
Thrice Illustrious, from retaining the ritual of the order, if
prudence and caution appear to be the governing principle in so
retaining it, such dignity authorizing the elected to be governed
by no rule but the dictates of his own judgment, in regard to what
will best conduce to the interest of the order; but that he be
responsible for the character of those whom he may induct, and for
the concealment of the said ritual.

3.--Should any Thrice Illustrious Knight or acting officer of any
council which may have them in hand, ever require your aid in any
emergency in defence of the recovery of his said charge, you swear
cheerfully to exercise all assistance in his favor, which the
nature of the time and place will admit, even to the sacrifice of
life, liberty, and property. To all, and every part thereof, we
then bind you, and by ancient usage you bind yourself, under the
no less infamous penalty than dying the death of a traitor, by
having a spear, or other sharp instrument, like as our divine
Master, thrust in your left side, bearing testimony, even in
death, of the power and justice of the mark of the holy cross.

SECOND OBLIGATION.--Mr. ----, before you can be admitted to the
light and benefit of this Thrice Illustrious order, it becomes my
duty, by ancient usage, to propose to you certain questions, not a
thing vainly ceremonial; but the companions will expect true
answers: they will concern your past life, and resolutions for the
future. Have you given me without evasion or addition, your
baptismal and family names, and those of your parents, your true
age as far as within your knowledge; where you were educated;
where you were born, and also where was your last place of
residence? or have you not? "I have." It is well.

2d.--Were your parents free and not slaves? had they right and
title in the soil of the earth? were they devoted to the religion
of the cross, and did they so educate their family? have you
searched the spiritual claims of that