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Vote Eleventh.—The committee on printing the constitution and ritual
is authorized to have a sufficient number of the same printed for the use
of the order; and no State, district, or territorial council shall be al-
lowed to reprint the work.

Vote Twelfth.—The right to establish all subordinate councils in any
of the States, districts, or territories represented in the national council
shall be confined to the State, district, and territorial councils which they
represent.

Vote Thirteenth.—Resolved, That the State councils of eastern and
western Virginia have leave to consolidate themselves into one council,
to be styled the State council of Virginia.

Vote Fourteenth.—Resolved, That as this is but an adjourned session
of the grand council that met at New York, it is within the power of
this body, at its present session, to pass upon all amendments that may
be presented to the constitution, or alterations that may be suggested to
the ritual.

Vote Fifteenth.—Resolved, That the president of this national coun-
cil be requested to take active measures to institute councils according
to the work of this council, and thoroughly organize the State of Lou-
isiana.

Ritual of First Degree.

First Degree Council.
To be admitted in membership in this order, the applicant shall be—

1st. Proposed and found acceptable.

2d. Introduced and examined under the guarantee of secrecy.

3d. Placed under the obligation which the order imposes.

4th. Required to enrol his name and place of residence.

5th. Instructed in the forms, usages and ceremonies of the order.

6th. Solemnly charged as to the object to be attained and his duties.

[A recommendation of a candidate to this order shall be received
only from a brother of approved integrity. It shall be accompanied by
minute particulars as to name, age, calling and residence, and by an
explicit voucher for his qualifications, and a personal pledge for his
fidelity. These particulars shall be recorded by the secretary in a book
kept for the purpose. The recommendation may be referred and the
ballot taken at such time and in such a manner as the State Council
may prescribe; but no communication shall be made to the candidate
until the ballot has been declared in his favor. Candidates shall be re-
ceived in the ante-room by the marshal and Secretary.]

OUTSIDE.

Marshal. Do you believe in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Pre-
server of the Universe ?

Ans. I do.

Marshal. Before proceeding further, we require a solemn obligation
of secrecy and truth. If you will take such an obligation, you will lay
your right hand upon the Holy Bible and Cross.

[When it is known that the applicant is a Protestant, the Cross may
be omitted, or affirmation may be allowed.]

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