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in favor of a dissolution of the Union, or who are endeavoring to pro-
duce that result; and that you will in no case appoint such persons to
any political office or place whatever. All this you promise and swear,
or affirm, upon your honor as American citizens and friends of the
American Union, to sustain and abide by without any hesitation or
mental reservation whatever. You also promise and swear, or affirm,
that this, and all other obligations which you have previously taken in
this order, shall ever be kept sacred and inviolate. To all this you
pledge your lives, your fortunes, and your sacred honors. So help you
God, and keep you steadfast! Each one shall answer, "I do."
President.—Brother Marshal, you will now present the brothers to
the instructor for final instruction in this third degree of the order.
Marshal.—Instructor: By direction of our worthy president, I pre-
sent these brothers before you, that you may instruct them in the se-
crets and mysteries of this third degree of our order.
Instructor.—Brothers: In this degree, as in the second, we have an
entering pass-word and a token of salutation. At the outer door---------.
This will admit you to the inner door. At the inner door you will
make---------distinct---------then announce your name, with the
number, or name, and the location of the council to which you belong,
giving the explanation to the pass-word, which is ---------. If found
correct, you will then be admitted, when you will proceed to the cen-
tre of the room, and, placing the------ give the salutation, which is
---------. You will then quietly take your seat.
The sign of recognition is made by------—, and the response by
---------.
[The instructor will here give the grip of this degree, with explana-
tions, and also the true pass-word of this degree, which is---------.]
CHARGE TO BE GIVEN BY THE PRESIDENT.
Brothers: It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you upon
your advancement to the third degree of our order. The responsibili-
ties you have now assumed are more serious and weighty than those
which preceded, and are committed to such only as have been tried
and found worthy. Our obligations are intended as solemn avowals of
our duty to the land that gave us birth, to the memories of our fathers,
and to the happiness and welfare of our children. Consecrating to your
country a spirit unselfish, and a fidelity like that which distinguished
the patriots of the revolution, you have pledged your aid in cementing
the bonds of a Union which we trust will endure for ever. Your de-
portment since your initiation has attested your devotion to the princi-
ples wo desire to establish, and has inspired a confidence in your pa-
triotism of which wo can give no higher proof than your reception here.
The dangers which threaten American liberty arise from foes without
and from enemies within. The first degree pointed out the source and
nature of our most imminent peril, and indicated the first measure of
safety. The second degree defined the next means by which, in coming
time, such assaults may be rendered harmless. The third degree, which
you have just received, not only reiterates the lessons of the other two,
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