M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1863-03-12


| H.-Bro. NJ. by direction of our z.
you will introduce the candidates into
our council Tor further instruction.
1.-The door being then closed, the N. will
approach it in the usual way, when the IL.
will say.
l. Who comes here under the
private signal Of our l..
M.--Candidates, who, having been
duly elected and examined, desire
admission to our loyal band.
H.-The loyal and worthy are al.
ways welcome.
[The door is opened, and the candidates,
preceded by the NJ, enter and passing arc
und the altar, are presented in front of the
P.s chair, the p giving two rapS with his
gayel, calling up the nembers.l
M.--Mr. F., have the pleasure Of
presenting these candidates for mem
bership in our U. l..
P.--Geutlemen, (or sir:)
1t said 'in Union
there is strcugth." In view OF this
truth, we rejoice that you have come
forward to associate with us:
Rising aboveevery sordid considera-
tion, the sole purpose Of our organza.
tion in the defense and preservation
Of the liberties and institutions won
aud established by the blood, wisdom,
and prayers Of our fathers.
Strange ard cad is the necessity
which requires American, citizens to
thus associate.
But that necessity exists. The Gov
ernment under which we live is thre'
atened with destruction the Union
which has ever conferred upon US
prosperity and happiness, is fiercely
assailed. 1t is, threIore, our solemn
duty to defend the one that we may
preserve the other, containing as it
docs, the hallowed memories OF the
past, and unfolding all our hopes OF
the future. This duty is one which,
it is expected, you will remember and
perform, at all times, undor all cir
cumstances, and in all places Neither
domestic traitors, nor foreign foes
must be permitted to destroy this
nation.
Desiring to maintain the purity oil
our organization and to render it as
efficient as possible, we ask no one to
unite with us who have not the noble
sentiments of patriotism deeply i'm
planted in their hearts, for such onl y
are capable of discarding from their
minds the low aims aud selfish spirits
of mere partizans, and Of claiming
and defending the boon OF freedom
for intrinsic value. That your efforts
may be fully joined with ours in the
accomplishment OF our purpose, you
are now requested to take a solemn
obligation, which, | assure sou, does
not in any way conflict with those
sacred duties you owe to your God,
your country, your family, or yourself.
With this assurance, are you willing
to take such obligation
The candidate will answer: III am"
P.--Tho G. will invoke the bless,
ing Of Almighty God on our under
taking.
C.--Let Us prayl
Eternal God Supreme Archi.
tect and Ruler of the Universe ! We
humbly beseech Thee to protect the
people Of these United States, and es
pacially the members OF this organic
alton. Wilt Thou be pleased to direct
aud prosper all our consultations to
the advancement of Thy glory, the
honor and welfare Of Thy people; and
may al things be ordered and settled
by the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches of our Government,
so that peace and happiness, truth
and justice, may be established among
US for all generations.
Save us, we pray Thee, from
foreign ioes and domestic traitors, and
make os faithful to the noble cause OF
Constitutional Liberty which Thou
hast committed to our care.
"Be pleased to guide and direct us
as Thou diJst our fathers inlthe revo,
luton. With the strength Of Thine
Almighty Arm, Thou didst uphold
and sustain them through all their
trials, and at last did crown them with
victory.
"May we be united in love for our
common country, in reverence for Thy
Holy Law, and may Thy good Spirit
guide, strengthen, and comfort us,now
and forever. Amen"
The L. continues as follows:
Now place your. left hand on the
National flag, and raise your right
toward Heaven, repeating after me
following obligation
Here the NJ. lights the Altar of Incense
to burn during the administration Of the
obligation, when the members will be called
up by two raps OF the gavel, and join hands
in the circle around the candidates and tht
Altar.