The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-10-14
THE PERRYSBURG JOURNAL.

himself surrounded with stacks of muskets,
faas, &c. After some instructions from the
Adjutant, (Which are not in the book he
takes the following obligation standing:
II, John Smith, do hereby pledge my most
solemn word, that will, as soon as posi-
BILE, learn all the exercises necessary TO make
me competent for the ranks, and that will
hold myself in readiness at all times, to de- |
fend the constitution of the United States,
against all internal foes, and to defend civil
and religious liberty in the land of my birth
at all hazards. Free schools, free press,
and freedom of speech | will ever sustain,
and will hold no mpanonship, unless so
ordered to do, with those who hold to con-
trary doctrines, but will consider them and
treat them as personal enemies, as enemiesI
to the rights of man, and the will of our
Creator. This obligation shall be bindingI
to the end Of my life, and should violate
it, shall expect to be called traitor, per-
jurer and coward by my countrymen, and asI
such be scoffed at by all true American cit
igens.'
Saying which, he kisses the flag, as mark
of his fidelity.
He is again escorted around the room,
while the members sing:
"Hail Columbia, happy land,' &c.
The candidate is taken before the Major,
who insructs him in the secrets of the de-
gree, which of course are not printed in the
ritual. Next he is conducted to the chap
lain, who says:
cit rpjoices my heart to see thee here, my
son. There is that in every step of this
brotherhood, which is calculated to draw
forth all the noble feelings of the heart, and
direct them into the paths of patriotism
and ever living truth. Read carefully the
lessons set before thee, and do not fail to
obey implicitly the duties thou hast volun-
tarily taken upon thyself." The candidate
kneeIs, and the chaplain places his hands on
his head. May the blessing Of heaven
rest upon you, and may He who directs the
storm, keep thee faithful even unto DEATH"
The candidate is next introduced to his
captain when the following occurs
Captain-Are you soldier?
Candidate-I am.
Captain-Of the cross? candidate will
probably falter.l Aye, of the cross, but not
of the Roman one. 'Tis now duty Of
yours to defend this holding up red cross
from all harm. You see what it is. Here
at the top, in letters of gold, is "Pure Chris
tianity;" upon the right arm, "American
bioerty; upon Tie ielt arm, American
Nationality" and at the base, " Freedom for
the World" How unlike that cross which
has pretended to defend Christianity for
years by the most heinous crimes and mer-
ciless despotism. Here in our own beloved
country, the black and the red cross must
meet in deadly warfare-there is nothing
congenal in them, and the one must destroy
the other ere there is peace in this once quiet
land. Soldier of the Red Fate has ap-
pointed me to command you. If you find
that lack either courage or independence
when called to act, point your bayonet at
my breast; and should find you lacking in
either, you may expect a towards fate and
traitors doom. Soldier of the Red well
come you
The brother is then conducted to his prop
er position, when the "Soldiers of the Red"
gather around and congratulate him.
THE BLUE DEGREE.
We will now proceed to give the &c finish
ing touch of the new order, which is no
more nor less than the ceremonies of the
Blue Degree. We take it verbatim from the
ritual commencing after the lodge is opened
in the degree, and after the Orderly Sergeant
has been very POLITICALLY ordered to see if
any candidates are in waiting
The Orderly Sergeant must examine the
candidate thoroughly in the work of the