The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-08-08
Know Nothing oaths.

Nothing fraternity to sneer at anything pur-
porting to be an exposition of their ritual.
They disavow everything of the kind, and fat
ter themselves that however true the expos-
tions may be, outsiders cannot know their
truth. This might seem to be very plausible
reasoning, and doubtless affords them good
deal Of relief when they see their unholy work
brought to light. 1t could not be expected that
secret order, having no moral test for eligibil-
ity to membership, but on the contrary, having
men of every grade of morals, would admit
none but such as would stick to the institution
right or wrong. More especially is this the
case when the organization is in violation of
the principles of our Government, and danger
ous to her institutions. That correct exposi-
tions have been made, is evident from the fact
that they are compelled to change their work
frequently, and from the further fact that out
siders, by means Of these expositions, have
gained admission into the councils.
The following oaths we have from reliable
source; one which would not be disputed by any
reasonable man. That the oaths are not ad-
ministered in all cases, we are well aware; but
they seldom omit to swear those who belong to
what they sometimes call the "suspicious,"
!" barefoot" or " wool hat" class. Poverty and
obscurity are generally considered good grounds
for quitting 'em through regularly" A hyp-
ocritical attempt is being made in this county
to induce foreigners to believe that they are
not prescribed by the order. If any of them
ell l..
they will learn their error, to their cost, when
it is too late.
The following oaths conform to the Know
Nothing platform, and contain the sentiments
of the order:
OBL1aAToN-Fsrst Degree. and
each of you of your own free will and ac-
cord, in the presence of Almighty God
and these witnesses, your right hand rest
ing on this Holy Bible and Cross, and
your left hand raised towards Heaven, in
token of your sincerity, do solemnly prom
Use and swear, that you will not make
known to any person or persons, any of
the signs, secrets, mysteries, or objects of
this organization, unless it be to those
whom, after due examination, or lawful in
formation, you shall find to be members of
this organization in good standing; that
you will not cut, carve, print, paint, 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 to prevent it, unless it be
for official instruction; that so long as you
are connected with this organization if
not regularly dismissed from it, you will
in all things, political or social, comply
with the will of the majority, when expe!-
led in lawful manner, though it may con-
flict with your personal preference, so long
as it does not conflict with the Grand,
State or Subordinate Constitutions, the
Constitution of the United States of Amer
lea, or that of the State in which you re-
side; and that you will not under any cir
cumstances whatever, knowingly recon-
mend an unworthy person for initiation,
nor suffer. it to be done, if in your power
to prevent it. You further promise and
declare that you will not vote nor give
your influence for any man for any office
in the gift Of the people, unless he be an
American born citizen, in favor of Amer
leans ruling America, nor if he be Ro-
man Catholic, and that you will not, un-
der any circumstances, expose the name of
any member of this order, nor reveal the
existence of such an organization. To
all the foregoing you bind yourselves, un-
DER the no less penalty of being expelled
from this Order and having your name
posted and circulated through all the diff
ferent Councils of the United States, as a
peuurer, and as traitor to your God and
country, as being unfit to be employed
and trusted, countenanced or supported in
any business transaction, as being totally
unworthy the confidence of all good men,
and as one at whom the finger of scorn
should ever be pointed. So help you
God. Each answers, ~ do."1
New Second Degree. degree is
only to be given to those who have taken
the first and second of the old work.
You will have in your council large
cross, mitre and crown, all made of paper,
laid on the floor in the center of the room.
The candidates will each put their right
foot on these emblems and face to the
President, the right hand on the breast,
left hand index finger will point down to
the emblems of Rome under their feet.
Then obligate them.
OBLIGATION. II, before Al
mighty God and all here present, with
these emblems of Catholicism and super
stition under my feet, of my own free will
and accord, do solemnly promise, declare
and swear, that will never communicate
any of the secrets of this degree to any
person or persons in the known world,
except within a free and lawful council,
working in this degree, or a kn0wn broth
er-and not unto him or them until after
strict trial or examination, l fad them en-
titled to the same. also swear, that
will due obedience pay to the Grand Couh-
Gil of the State of Ohio, and to the laws
and edicts of the National Council ot
North America, they being communicated
to me by thiaoGs amy other Council Of this
II L