The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-08-29
Ia. n. 0atRlS as administered in
BEDFORD County.

n1y-We publish below the Know Nothing intiat-
ing ceremonies as they actually took place in the
several Lodges of BEDFORD COUNTY. The in-
formation comes through a source which leaves no
room for doubt on the subject. Before applicant
could enter the lodge be initiated, be was requr-
ed to take an obligation OF SECRECY, and to make
satisfactory answers TO the eight questions here
with appended
l Are you years Of age?
, Do YOU believe n the existence of Supreme
Being, the Creator and preserver OF the Universe;
and that obligation at this time taken VIII De
binding upon you through iife2
3 Were you born within the limits or under tue
jurisdiction OF the United States of America!
4 In religious belief are YOU Roman Cathohcf
5 Have you or have you not been reared under
Protestant influence?
6 Are or either of your parents Roman Ca
tholics in gouS belief
7 If married, is your wife Roman Catholic!
s Are you willing 10 your influence and rote
only for native born American citizens Tor all oncfs
of honor in the gift of the People 10 the ex
elusion Of ALL FOREIGNERS and Aliens, and of
ROMAN CATHOLICS in particular, and without
regard 10 party predictions!
Having thus answered the above questions, the
oew-born sAmeriean" introduced 10 the Ele-
phant, and took lie following oaths;
FIRST DEGREE. EE.-OBLIGATION.
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 Hofg Bf-
Ute and Cross and your left hand raised towards
Heaven, token Of your sincerity, do solemly pro-
mise and swear that you will not make known 10
any person PERSONS any OF the Signs, secrets mys-
terirs objects OF this organlZation unless IL De 10
those whom after due examination, or lawful lRtoT-
nation, you shall find 10 be members OF this organI-
Zation in good standings hat you will not cut,
carve, prlnt, paint stamp stain, or IN any way, d.
reey indirectly, expose any oi the secrets or oo-
iects Of this order, suffer it be done by others,
If in your power prevent it unless IL be for Official
instruction. That 50 long yon are connected with
this organization. if egulariy dismissed from IT,
you WILL in all things political or socal so far as
this order Is concerned, comply with the VIII OF the
nigjority when expressed in lawful manner, though
ii may conflict with your persoD0t preferences, SO
long it does conflict with the Grand State, or
Subordinate Constitution, the Constitution OF the
United States OF America, that OF the State IN
which you reside, and that You will not, under any
circumstances whatever. knowingly Recommend an
unworthy person for initiation, nor suffer II 10 be
done If IN your power 10 prevent 1t. You iuriheT-
more promise and declare that yon will not Uote, nor
give your influence for any for any attire ~ the
gift OF the People unless he be AerjcaR born eii-
in favor of Ametc7y 60yN ruling Aaertca, nor u
he be Roman CatkoIic, aud that you will not nRder
any circumstances, expose the name OF any member
OF this ordeT reveal the existence oil such an or
ganzation. To all the foregoing yoa bind your
selves, under less penalty than that Of being ex
peed from The order, and OF having your post
ed and circulated throughout he different Councils OF
the United States pnrjHrer, and as a traitor TO
God and your county being unfit TO he employ
ed entrusted countenanced, supported in any bu-
siness transaction; person totally unworthy the
I confidence OF all good men, and one at whom ;he
finger of scQfn should ever be pointed. So help you
/ God.