The knights of the Middle Ages had their code of chivalry. A doctor takes the Oath of Hypocrites when he starts his profession. Nurses take the Florence Nightingale Pledge. Ministers, priests, and rabbis have their special pledges. Presidents of nations at their inaugurations promise to uphold the laws of the government they represent.
New citizens take a naturalization oath.
Brides and grooms make promises when they marry, as do parents at the baptism of their children. So today's sermon is appropriate not only for the young people gathered here, but for all of us because we are under solemn oath to fulfill the promises we have made in our lives. It is easy to make promises. To keep a promise may be difficult. Now each of the branches of this international movement list a number of things that they expect the boys and girls to practice in daily life.