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The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmte d des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reproduit en un seui clich6, ii est fiimd d partir de I'angle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de hauf en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. .^ 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♦// DEGBEE BOOK OP THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS, UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE RIGHT WORTHY GRAND LODGE OF NORTH AMERICA. REVISED 1st dec. 1868. HAMILTON, 0. W.: R. B. DONNBLLBT, BOOK AND JOB PBINTEB, WHITE'S BLOCK, KINO ST. /SJ^ x^4» Committer of ^cHsion. W. A. FERGUSON, Canada.; J. A. SPENCER, Ohio; AMANDA M. WAY, Indiana; AMANDA CLARK, Ohio. ^ a \^ GENEEAL DIRECTIONS FOR LNA.; «femi| t|i ii|«i^ The Degrees should be conferred by the fol- lowing designated Officers, the highest Officer present taking precedence:— G.W. C. Templar, G.W. Counsellor, G. W.Vice Templar, Deputy G. W. C. T. or Degree Templar. The Degrees should never be conferred with less than seven Degree members present, except when a Temple has not been instituted three terms. No one should receive the Degrees until they have been six months a member of the Order; and a candidate should not obtain both the Degrees on the same meeting night, unless 4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. for the reasons specified in the preceding paragraph, or by special dispensation, with good and sufficient cause assigned. Members should apply first for the Degrees in Subordinate Temple Session, and if recom- mended, such certificate shall be presented to the Degree Temple, when the candidate shall be balloted for as per Constitution. In administering the obligation, the candi- date should always place the left hand on the Bible, the right hand on the left breast; and all the members of the Temple should rise to their feet while an obligation is being admin- istered. ^1 »■'♦ H 1 \ 1 |imi| i;i«mii| t^ W. D. 7!— The Officers of this Temple will occupy their respective Stations, and the members will be seated. The Marshal will examine those present in the Explanation of the Term Password, as well as the Password of the Degree of . ' The Marshal performs the required duty^ and reports, j^' must, in all cases, report those who are not in possession of the Quarterly Password and Explanation, and the Degree Password, and they, not being entitled to either, ' must he required hy the Degree Templar to retire."] 6 OPENING. W. D. T. — Brothers and Sisters : We are again assembled to perform the Ceremonies, and to participate in the deliberations of the Degree of . Let our union together, on this occasion, be for the purpose of render- ing these ceremonies impressively, to consult on the highest good of our Order and Cause, and above all things to strive to promote the wel- fare and happiness of mankind. Let brotherly love continue ; temperance and prudence ever be enjoined ; and let harmony and the spirit of toleration be the basis of all our action. Please sing the OPENING DEGREE ODE. Scottish Air — 0! Walt/, Waly. bless the service and the shrine, Almighty Guide and Friend of man j We consecrate to Thee and Thine Our every hope, our every plan. To break old habit's iron chain, To aid the tempted to be free ; may we labor not in vain To bring our hearts and cause to Thee. W, D. T. — The Chaplain will now implore the Divine favor and counsel. I i OPENING. 7 OPENING PRAYER. C. — Our Heavenly Father, we humbly be- seech Thy favor to rest upon the deliberations of this occasion. We are conscious of our many imperfections, and that all the good we do, and the evil we may overcome, can alone be effected through the aid of thy Almighty power. Help us to be the instruments of righteousness and truth, and grant that the cause of Temperance, and the relief of suffer- ing humanity, may be advanced in our land. Bless the unfortunate ; have mercy upon the erring ; turn the hearts of evil-doers ; and make us all more sensible of our dependence upon Thee. Be with us amidst all the duties of life, in all our trials and afflictions ; prosper us in all righteous undertakings, and finally receive us in thy Kingdom, for Christ's sake. Amen. W. D. T. — Our Temple is now opened in the Degree of . t tht Bf %mtm I 1 1 1. Beading of Minutes. 2. Reception of Communications or Petitions 3. Ballotting on Applications. 4. Initiation of Candidates. 5. Reports of Committees. u 6. Miscellaneous Business. II a i t§tu if W. D. T. — The Marshal will retire and ascer- tain the names of those persons in waiting to be obligated in this Degree. He will then return and report the same in full to the Temple. [77tc Marshal rr/trcs, and retiindny rrjwrts. The Dt'xjrcc Templar and Sccretarij of the Temple are to be full}) mtinfied of the eligibility of the pi rwns reported.^ Worthy Marshal : you will now retire to the anto-room, and introduce tJds friend in due form to the Temple, carefully observing the required signals and words of introduction. [77w Marshal retiring, presents himself and the CANDIDATE at the inuer-door of the Temple, and giving * * '•' raps upon the door, eommnnieat.es the Qnarterli/ Password and E.epla nation, and, the Password of the Degree. 'The Inside Onard then annrjnnees as follows :~\ i. un If' •' .1 ^f 10 DEGREE OF CHARITY. / Q, — Worthy Degree Templar : our Mar- shal and accompanying /riewc^ desire admis- sion- to the ceremonies of this Degree. j^\ j9. 7!— Admit them. [ The Marshal conducts the candid/ te slowli/ around the room, while hie Ode is being sung, and at its close will appear directly in front of the chair of the W. F. T.'\ ODE. J^ir — Old Jacobite Air. There's no dearth of kindness In this world of ours; Only in our blindness We gather thorns for flowers 1 As the wild-rose Moweth, As runs the happy river, Charity it floweth In the heart for ever. cherish God's best giving Falling from above ! Life were not worth living Were it not for love. i n A DEGREE OF CHARITY. 11 ar- lis- l the will M. — Worthy Vice Templar : I present to you thisjperscm, duly elected to membership in this Degree, to be informed of the nature of its requirements and obligations. W. V. T, — My friend : You have already, by virtue of your connection with this Order, been obligated to the principles of Total Absti- nence, and to the observance of those duties which alone can ensure self-respect and self- control. At the basis of all good lies the government of the passions and appetites. These have been enjoined upon you, and I trust not without due effect. But there are other duties, which in your relations to society and to your race, are expressly required of you by the highest teachings of religion and morality. " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," is the language of Scripture; and the Apostle declares that " Pure religion and un- defiled is to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction." All nature is replete with charitable injunctions, in the goodness of God to his creatures, and the countless blessings bestowed with paternal care upon his children. It should be to us as an example of the claims 12 DEGREE OF CHARITY. '-'•r which every human being has upon our sym- pathy, our love, and our regard. We are not without influence, either for good or for evil, and the responsibilities resting upon us should be discharged faithfully, and with zeal and earnestness. Are you willing, solemnly and seriously, to take upon ymirselfan obligation to perform the duties of this Degree — one in spirit and substance corresponding with these principles and requirements — and are you will- ing to renew your vow of total abstinence ? [Candidate assents^ and should atiy rcfuscj they are to retire at once.'] You will now be conducted to the chair of the Worthy Degree Templar, who will admin- ister the obligation pertaining to this Degree. M. — Worthy Degree Templar : This friemd is fully prepared to accept the Obligation of the Degree of Charity. W. D. T. — My friend, you will assume the appropriate attitude for receiving the Obliga- tion, and assent to the following i3F of DEGREE OF CHARITY. 13 OBLIGATION. You, -, a member of the Order of Good Templars, in the presence of Almighty God, and these persons, do most solemnly re- new the Obligation of Total Abstinence, enjoined in the initiatory work of this Order. Yoii also promise to use all proper and lawful means in your power to promote the good of this Order, and the advancement of the cause of Temperance. You further covenant, to the extent of your ability, to inculcate the teach- ings of this Degree in your social intercourse, your example, and your daily life ; and that you will keep from disclosure, upon improper occasions, and before those not entitled to know the same, any signs, passwords, or private work of this Degree. You will in no case write, or cause to be written or indited, in part or in whole, any of the signs, passwords or tokens of this Degree, so that the same may be unlawfully obtained. You further promise, in any and all of the relations you may sustain ! i ! i 1 u DEGREE OF CHARITY. to this Temple, to seek the promotion of its best interests, and the preservation of union, order, and harmony in its deliberations. To all of which you pledge your sacred honor. The Chaplain will invoke the Divine bless- sing upon the candidate. CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER. most merciful Father, Creator and Pre- server of the world, we implore Thee to grant us Thy presence and Thy countenance. Be pleased to bestow Thy benediction upon this 'person, who lias taken upon himself the solemn obligation of this Degree, and grant him grace and power to fulfil all its requirements, and to regard all its injunctions. Endow him, Father, with a deep sense of his relations to his neighbor, and with a broad and abiding charity and love. Bless all our efforts to relieve and assist the unfortunate, and to reclaim the inebriate. > Have pity upon the weak, the erring, and the degraded, and hasten the day when human love and forgiveness shall take the place of human wrong and intolerance. And Thine shall be the praise and glory forever and ever. Amen. I DEGREE OF CHARITY. 15 I 4 W. D. T, — You will now affix your signature to the Roll-Book of this Degree, after which I will confer upon you a knowledge of the signs, words, and grip belonging to the same. [ The CANDIDATE signs the Degree Roll-Booh, ichich the Secretary of every Degree Temple should have prepared^ and in Ms jwssession. The prop)er mstructions are then to he given hy the W. D. T.'\ W. Z>. 7! — My frwnd : you have now been solemnly obligated^ to the discharge of the duties enjoined by this Degree. It is sincerely to be hoped that you have not assumed these responsibilities without mature reflection, or without a due conviction that the demands of life require of you something more than mere self-gratification. Our existence, as a part of the human family, and under the favor of the Most High, imperatively demands of us that we heed the just claims and desires of our fellow-men, and that we do all in our power to assuage the want, the misery, and the des- titution of those in suffering about us. From our love of kindred and of family, our hearts should extend to a more expansive circle of human brotherhood, and regard the relief of 16 DEGREE OF CHARITY. Hr r i the necessities of humanity everjrwhere, as a standard of sympathy and of right. It is the object of this Degree to cultivate the affectional and sympathetic nature of man. The whole world has too long encouraged the baser quali- ties. Oppression, war, intolerance, persecu- tion, and intemperance, have been prevalent in man's actions and relations for ages, and despite the sublime truths of Christianity, he has oftener learned to abuse and degrade his fellow-man, than to elevafte and assist him. Human nature demands the triumph of disin- terested love and charity ; the nature of God is warrant that what is promised in man's nature shall be fulfilled in his development. My friend, ever have before you the example of the Good Samaritan, who forgot not his brother by the way-side, but who had compas- sion on his sufferings, and alleviated his dis- tresses. Nor should your sympathies be confined to the mere relief of individual cases of want and misery. They should be so far inclusive of the great wants and requirements of mankind, as to make you do everything your conscience permits, morally, socially, I DEGREE OF CHARITY. 17 religiously, and politically, to rid the world of the curse of Intemperance. The evil effects of this frightful and tyrannical vice have seated themselves so deeply in the community and the state, that no laudable agency or instrument- ality should be spared in our efforts to reform and save the world. And it is yOur duty to be charitable to the infirmities and errors of your fellow-men. To save and reform the wicked and the outcast is a nobler object than to hate, despise, or punish them; and to remove the causes and consequences of crime, and reclaim the criminal, is a part of the great mission of human charity — the lesson for the world to learn and practice, ere is fully accom- plished the regeneration of the race. The color emblematic of this Degree is that of the broad and expansive sky, which in its blue and beautiful mildness is a temple's arch, glorious with the spirit-march of messengers at prayer. Let the observance of this color ever remind you of the beneficence of your Creator, and of the love and regard you should ever entertain for your neighbor and brother. V ( l^ I 18 DEGREE OF CHAEITT. Brother or Sister : [m singular or plural form, and according to sex as the case may be."] You are now hereby declared a member of the Degree op Charity. Let me earnestly entreat you ever to regard its precepts as sacred, not merely as forms and ceremonies to which you have given assent, but because they belong to you to perform as a moral and religious being. Your charities and kindnesses should be the promptings of your nature, advised by reason, and strengthened by the injunctions ofChrist^ ianity. We live not for ourselves merely, but for all mankind. I now welcome you to fel- lowship with us in this work, and our friends present will extend to your their hearty fra- ternal greeting. [ Congratulation.^ i,.Jei, tpu Mi W. D. T, — The Marshal will examine all present in the Password of this Degree, and the Regular Quarterly Password and Explana- tion of the Initiatory Degree. Those present not in possession of them, and not entitled to a knowledge of the same, will please retire. [ The Marshal reportsJl The Marshal will repair to the ante-room. If there is a candidate in waiting, he will ascer- tain the name and report to the Temple. [The Marshal return iny, rejjorts.l W. D. 7!— The Worthy Vice Templar will please retire, and carefully obtain from the candidate in waiting the current Word and Explanation of the present term, the Initiatory 20 DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. h I ¥ k Word, and the Password and Sign of the pre- vious Degree. [27te W. V. T, returuini/ reports OS follows:^ W. V. 7!— Worthy Degree Templar : I find a friend in waiting, who being acquainted with the principles of our institution, as enjoined in former Degrees, now desires to be informed in relation to the lessons and obliga- tions of the Degree of Royal Virtue. W. D, T. — He may be admitted, and the Marshal will now retire and introduce the candidate. [ The Marshal retires^ and having the candidate in readiness, makes * * * * raps upon the inner-door. The I. G., obtaining the Degree Password and Explana- tion to the Quarterly Password , reports ;] I. G. — Worthy Degree Templar : our Mar- shal is in possession of the proper Words and Signals, and seeks admission with a candidate for initiation. W. D. T.— Admit them. ij*' DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. 21 l^Thc Marshal conducts the CANDIDATE slowly around the roomy and at the close of the singinyy presents HIM to the Chaplain of the Temple^ ODE. Air — Logic o* Buchan. Creator ! let thy Spirit shine The darkness of our souls within And lead us by thy j^race divine From the forbidden paths of sin ; And may that voice which bade the earth From chaos and the realms of night. From doubt and darkness call us forth To God's own liberty and light ! M. — Worthy Chaplain : I introduce to you this friend, desirous of a knowledge of the nature and intention of this Degree. C. — My friend: you have been informed, in the instructions pertaining to the former Degree of this Order, of the duties devolving upon you in relation to your neighbor. The object of this Degree is to impress upon your mind a still higher obligation — the love of that #..., 22 DEGREE OP ROYAL VIRTUE. I I':! Infinite Being, your Creator, Preserver, and Protector. This cannot be done more appro- priately than in his own language : " I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, saith the Lord, which is, end which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength." " If ye love me, keep my commandments." " They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." Are you prepared to assent to an Obligation which will require of you an acknowledgment of Divine Authority, and a renewal of your for- mer vows, as a duty pleasing to the Almighty, and as expressly commanded by him in his will and works ? [Candidate assents. Should any re/use they willretire to the ante-room.^ The Marshal will now conduct you to the chair of the Worthy Degree Templar, who will If DEGREE OF ROTAL VIRTUE. 23 confer upon you the Obligation of this Degree, and further instruct you in its peculiar rela- tions. M. — Worthy Degree Templar : This/rtend is desirous of receiving the Obligation of the Degree of Royal Virtue. W. D. T. — You will assume the appropriate attitude, rfnd assent to the following »» OBLIGATION. You, -, a member of the Order of Good Templars, in the presence of Almighty God, and these persons, do most solemnly renew your obligations of Total Abstinence, and your promises of devotion to this cause. You further covenant, to observe faithfully all the injunctions of this Degree, to the extent of your ability, and in your intercourse with the world to regard its teachings as of the highest ?nd greatest importance. And you further promise that you will in no wise com- municate any Password, Sign, Token, or Grip, I 24 DEGREE OP ROYAL VIRTUE. of this, or any previous Degree of this Order, to any person or persons not empowered to receive the same. You will do all in your power to prevail on those with whom you iiiuy be associated, to become temperate, and the friends of temperance, and will execute all commissions or duties entrusted to you by this Order, with a view to its welfare and perpe- tuity. And you finally promise that should you be expelled or voluntarily withdraw from this or any other Temple, you will consider the several obligations of this Order to remain binding. To all of which you pledge your sacred honor. W. D. J!— The Chaplain will address the Almighty Disposer of Events, supplicating his blessing on the candidate. I i CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER. G. — Almighty God, King and Ruler of the Universe, to whom all hearts are open, and from whom no secrets are hid, bless, we be- seech Thee, the promises which have been rendered in Thy presence. Grant that tJm DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. 25 frwnd may be imbued with a portion of Thy Divine favor, and that lie may have strength to perform all those things which may be acceptable in Thy sight, and to avoid all those errors which may be displeasing. Teach us all to reverence thy will and works, and to place our trust and dependence upon Thee. Assist us to be useful while we live, and when finally we shall be called hence, receive us into Thy holy kingdom, for the sake of our Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ. Amen. W. D. T. — You will now attach your ^ignor iure to the Roll-Book of this Degree, after which I will inform you of the Working Sign and Password of this Degree ; also of the Signs and Words of Distress. lAfter signing the roll, the W. D. T. communirMen plainly and explicitly all the private instructions of the Degree.'^ Brothers and Sisters: [using the proper form.] You are now entitled to all the rights and 26 DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. i V.i i % privileges of the Degree of Royal Virtue. The various ceremonies through which you have passed, have been instituted to impress upon your mind the three great relations of life. At your earliest initiation, the government of self was inculcated ; you were subsequently taught the love, aflfection, and charity that should be extended to your neighbor and mankind ; and it is the object of this degree to impress upon you the highest and most solemn obligations which are due from you as rational and intelli- gent beings. Love to God is the Royal Virtue ; it should be first in our thoughts, and supreme in all our actions. We owe Him not merely respect and adoration, in that he is our Creator and Preserver, but because of his infinite love and regard for us. God is partial to no one, foreign to none. His world of truth is ready for your intellect ; his ocean of justice waits to flow in upon your conscience ; and all His heaven of love broods continually by night and by day over each heart and every soul. God is continually giving, and he will not withhold from any of his children. As much ability as He has given; as much as you have DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. 27 enlarged your talent by manly use, so much will he fill with inspiration. He who fills the violet with beauty, and the sun with light > who has given to one the gift of song, another the power of reason, and to another the manly gifts of justice and the womanly grace of love and faith in Him, will not fail to render to all His children, according to the reliance which they place in Him, and the sincerity with which they obey His laws. And mij friend^ you should ever remember that obedience to His laws is of first and para- mount importance. You are not to follow a multitude to do evil, and you are ever to bear a righteous testimony against the iniquities, the wickedness, and the o|)pressions of the wrong doer, and those who violate the laws of the Most High. The d rees of the All-wise and Omnipotent are superior to all the mere institutions of men, that are not based upon His will, and do not partake of the nature and character of His works. The noblest life is not that born in the most famous place, acquiring wealth, and fame, and rank, and power over matter and over men; but that 28 DEGREE OF ROYAL VIRTUE. which, faithful to itself, continually holds communion with the Infinite, and in mortal life displays the truth, the justice, holiness, and love of God. We now welcome you to full membership, and to a knowledge of the whole principles of our beloved Order. The color of this degree is purple. It has always been regarded as appropriate for those chief in place or power ; but how much more appropriate for those who observe the "Royal Law." Its selection is to indicate to you that the virtue of which it is designed to remind you is the highest of all virtues. 1^ I Myfiiend, be faithful to all your vows, and constantly remember all your covenants and responsibilities. The various ceremonies you have witnessed are not wholly meaningless or unprofitable. The ubservance of their sug- gestions and teachings, generally, cannot fail to advance us morally, socially, and religiously. Lose not your confidence in the great Father of us all, who is greater than all temples. DEGREE OP ROYAL VIRTUE. 29 Let your daily work be a daily sacrament, and life itself a psalm of gratitude and a prayer of aspiration. [To the Temple] Brothers and Sisters : You will extend to this new associate your fellowship and regard. Unite with him in advancing the sacred cause of Temperance, in enlarging the sphere of human charity and love, and in a firm and implicit reliance upon Infinite Power and Infinite Mercy. -<••- mmMtui W, D. T, — Brothers and Sisters : We are again to separate, and may the services and obligations of this occasion ever have a deep and abiding impression upon our hearts. It is to be hoped that our assembling together has not been unprofitable ; that though many of our duties may seem as repetitions of forms and ceremonies, yet that they have been rendered and regarded as valuable means to a great and glorious end. Let whatever of unkindness or error that has had a place in our counsels, be banished from our midst, and a mutual resolve be established to come again together, animated by a love of our Order, our cause ax^A our race. We will unite in singing the CLOSING. 31 CLOSING DEGREE ODE. Air — In my vottmje^ near a icooil. Father of all ! look down from Heaven, Warm each heart, impress each vow : Let our thoughts to Thee be given, And our works with good endow. And when time shall be no more, When the feuds of earth are past, May the tribes of every shore Congregate in peace at last. W. D. r.— The Chaplain will perform the closing services of the occasion. C. — Almighty God, King and Ruler of the universe, whose prerogatives are justice and mercy, pardon, we beseech thee, all the faults, the weaknesses, and the imperfections of our several lives. Aid us in all our endeavors to extend thy glory upon earth, and the work of compassion and charity to our fellow-men. Impart to our feebleness, strength; to our counsels, wisdom; to our efforts, patience and forbearance. Be with us in all our social gatherings, and accompany us through all the duties of our existence. Bless the Order I I I 32 CLOSING. to which we belong, and every good instru- mentality, whereby mankind may be bettered, and thy Kingdom be extended, and finally gather us together in that purer realm where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary no longer mourn. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. ^ •■ W, JD. T. — Our Temple is now duly closed. -<••- V nstru- tered, finally where d the is the J, for losed.