The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-08-24

piles and policy We are united. and for this
purpose you are now required TO take upon
yourself serious and binding obligation
which assure you does not conflict in any
way with the duties you owe to yourself,
your country or your God. With this assur-
anee on our part are you willing TO com
ply?
The candidates now approach the altar.
while the Chaplain breatbes feryent prayer
in which occnrs-'Saye US. we pray Tee
from foreign foes and domestic traitors"
and let us rejoice only In the noble cause
of Constitutional Liberty, to be transmit
ted to the millions yet unborn"
After which the room Is darkened. and
the NJ. lights the fire of Liberty. to burn
durins; the administration of the obligation.
the members join hands in circle around
the Candidates and the Altar, the p. step
ping within the Circle.
"P.-Now place your left hand on the ma
tional flag, and raise your right toward
heaven, repeating after me the following
OBLIGATION.
Il leach repeating his own nancy with an
uplifted hand, in the presence of God and
these witnesses, do solemnly swear Cor af-
firm. if conscientiously opposed,) without
mental reservation in me of any kind, that
1 Will support. protect and defend the Con-
stitution and Government OF the United
States OF America one and indivisible. and.
and the dag thereof against all enemies
for, and none but those, who advocate and
support the great principles set forth by
this League, TO fill any office OF honor profit
or trust in either the State or General Gov
eminent, and that if ever called TO fill any
Office VIII faithfully carry out the princf-
piles set forth by this League. And further
that l will protect and defend all worthy
mem beers of the Union League OF America;
and that l will never. in any manner or
form, divulge or make known To any person
o.
ganization. any OF the signs, pass words,
grips, proceedings, designs, debates or plans
OF this or any other Council OF this organ
ization, unless when engaged in admitting
new members; and with my right hand on
the Holy Bible, Declaration OF Independ
ence aud the Constitution of the United
states of America | acknowledge myself
firmly bound and pledged TO the faithful
performance of tais my solemn obligation,
so help me God"
"Response by. the members-To This zee
pledge ourselves"
- -Gentlemen. around you is band of
brothers alike sacredly pledged. This cir
Gle is never TO be broken by treachery "
''R's lpnse by the members-NeUer."
"f.-Brothers, will you enlarge your cir
Gle To admit new members?"
Response by the members-Ve toiH"
"P.-Prepart, then, for accessions TO your
ranks"
The circle will be opened and new MEM
bers admitted"
''P.-With clasped and uplifted hands re-
peat after me the Freeman's Pledge:
10 defeRd and peTpetudte Free@OH, p0lui-
cal equally and an t'sdtUisibte Union. / pledge
my tye' my fortune and my sacred honor. So
help me God"
The members seated and the candidates
before the Altar, when the T.. delivers this
CHARGE.
The oath which you have taken of your
own free will and accord, cannot be viola
ted without leaving the stain of perjury on
your soul. You have declared that under
God your first and highest allegiance is 10
the Government of the United States OF
America, one and indivisible. You have
taken solemn oath of allegiance upon the
Holy Bible, Constitution and Declaration of
Independence lying within the folds Of the
flag of the ULion.
These contain the enduring records of
our rights aud privileges. The symbols of
industry which greet you upon the altar are
10 remind you of the great purposes of our
order, and TO represent the foundation upon
which our institutions rest.
To strengthen and elevate this is to add
to the grandeur and durability OF the struc-
ture we uphold.
The Bible contains mans moral code and
the principles of religious faith. The De-
claration of Independence declares as self
evident truths that ALL MEN are created
equal, endowed by their Creator with inalien-
able rights to life, liberty and the pursuit OF
happiness.
The Constitution is an instrument redu-
cling TO practice the precepts of the Declara-
ton. 1t is liberty regulated by law.
The Sword is a weapon OF defence and
protection.
Lastly, the light you beheld burning upon
the Altar is emblematical of the sacred fires
of Liberty which burn forever in the hearts
and breasts of the patriots.
We inculcate the spirit of peace as essen
tial to National happiness and prosperity,
but when foreign foes or traiterOus hands
attempt to rob US of our National inheri-
lance, let our cleaning swords leap from
their rests to guard the temple of our Lib
cries"
The NJ. now instructs the new members in
the signs. grips, etc.
Art. II of Constitution:
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.
All loyal citizens of the age of eighteen
years ard upwards, are eligible Tor mem
bership of this League; also aliens who
have declared their Intention To become cit
liens.
No member of this League shall be alb
solved from the obligation imposed in its
Ritual.