but it is intended to avoid and provide for a more remote but no less
terrible danger from domestic enemies to our free institutions.

Our object is briefly this: to perfect an organization, modeled after
that of the constitution of the United States, and co-extensive with the
confederacy. Its object and principles, in all matters of national con-
cern, to be uniform and identical, while in all local matters the compo-
nent parts shall remain independent and sovereign within their respective
limits.

The great result to be attained—the only one which can secure a
perfect guarantee as to our future—is UNION—permanent, enduring,
fraternal UNION ! Allow me, then, to impress upon your minds and
memories the touching sentiments of" the Father of his country in his
Farewell Address: "The unity of government which constitutes you
one people," says WASHINGTON, "is justly dear to you; for it is
the main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of
your tranquillity at home, of your peace abroad, of your safety, your
property, even that liberty you so justly prize.

---------"It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate

the immense value of your national Union to your collective and indi-
vidual happiness. You should cherish a cordial, habitual and immova-
ble attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as
the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its
preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may sug-
gest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indig-
nantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any
portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which
now bind together the various parts. "

Let these words of paternal advice and warning from the greatest
man that ever lived sink deep into your hearts. Cherish them, and
teach your children to cherish and reverence them as you cherish and
reverence the memory of Washington himself. The Union of those
States is the great conservator of that liberty so dear to the American
heart. , Without it our greatness as a nation would disappear and our
boasted self-government prove a signal failure. The very name of lib-
erty and the hopes of struggling freedom throughout the world must
perish in the wreck of the Union. Devote yourselves then to its main-
tenance, as our fathers did to the cause of independence,—consecrating
to its support, as you have sworn to do, your lives, your fortunes and
your sacred honors.

Brothers, recalling to your minds the solemn obligations which you
have severally taken in this and the preceding degrees, I now pronounce
you entitled to all the privileges of membership in this organization;
and take pleasure in informing you that you are now members of the
order of---------.

EXPLANATIONS.

Ritual of the first Degree.

Page 12.—At the outer door you will give "a distinct rap," when
the wicket, &c., "what?" The outside sentinel, &c, " You know."
You will then give the term pass-word, which is "Lancaster;" at the

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