Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-03-04
RITUAL.

OUTSIDE. During this time the candidates are
in the ante-room
Marshal Gentlemen, are you candidates for adj
mission to the organization!
Each answers, 4 am.
Marshal-Before proceeding further, it is neces.
sary that you take an obligation of secrecy.
Marshal-You will now place yourself in posi-
ton to receive It
Postion-Plsce the right hand or the Holy
Bible and cross.
Obligation-Tou do solemniy swear upon this
Holy Bible and Cross, before Almighty God and
these witnesses, that you will not dvulge any
question now proposed TO you, whether you be
come member of this organization or not and
that YOU will never, under any circumstances,
mention the name of any person or persons you
NAV see present, nor that you know such an Or
Plantation 10 be in existence; and that you will
true answers make to every question asked you
to the best of your knowledge and belief, so help
you God. i do
First QUESTIONABLE you twenty-one years OF
sge2 ! am
Second Questiou-Do you believe in the exist.
ence Of Supreme Being, the Creator and Pre-
server of the Universe, and that an obligation at
this time taken will be binding upon you through
ife2 Il do"
Third Ouestion--We you born within the limits
OF under the jurisdiction Of the United States Of
America? Il was
Fourth Qdeston--In religious belief are you a
Roman Catholic? No
Fifth Ouestion-Have you or have you not been
reared under Protestant influences? Yes or No.
Sixth QUESTIONABLE, or were either Of your pa
rents Roman Catholics in religious belief? No.
Seventh Questicu-If married, is your wife a
Roman Catholic? No or Yes'-the answer to be
valued as the Constitution Of the State council pro-
vides
Eighth QUESTIONABLE you willing to use your
A
citizens for all the offices of honor or trust IN the
f of the people to the exclusion Of all foreigners
and aliens, and of Roman Catholics IN particular,
and without regard to party predictions! 4 am
INSIDE fThe candidates are LOW conducted IN
side 8,
Narsbel-Worthy President: l have examined
these candidates, and finding them duly qualified
present them for obligation. If the examination
10 the aute-room gave evidence ofeven partial OBJ
lection TO any candidate, the marshal should state
it to the President before introducing the candi-
date.
President-My Friends: Previous to your uniting
with and becoming members Of this organization,
il will be necessary for you to take upon your
selves solemn oblgation-one which we have all
taken and intend sacredy TO keep through life. 1t
will not conflict with the duties you owe to your
selves your families, your country or your God
with this assurance you willing to proceed?
Esch answers am
Oblgstion--You and each OF you, of your own
free will and accord, in the presence OF Almighty
God and these witnesses, your right hand resting
on this Holy Bible and Cross, and your left hand
raised toward Heaven, or if it be preferred, your
left hand resting on your breast, aud your right
hand raised toward Heaven, in token Of your sim
cerity, do solemnly promise and swear that you
will not make known to any person or persons any
of the signs secrets mysteries or objects Of TINS or
.anization, unless it be to those whom, alter due
examination, or lawful information, you shall hnd
TO be members Of this organization in good stand
ing that you will not cut carve, print, pant
stamp. stain, or in any way, directly or indirectly
expose any Of the secrets or objects of this order
nor suffer it to be done by Others If in your power