American Sons of Liberty of 1776
Initiation Ritual in the Initiatory, First, Second and Third Degrees
1926
Primary Obligations and Answers
Q-Do you believe in the Supreme Ruler of the universe?
A-I do.
Q-Do you believe in the Constitution of the United States and separation of
church and state?
A-I do.
Q-Do you believe in the Protestant religion?
A-I do.
Q-If admitted to this Order, will you submit to voluntarily obligations,
oaths and affirmations, binding you to secrecy in this Order, and keep its laws,
rules and regulations involiate, regarding all transactions, meetings and
business of this Order.
A-I will.
Well enough; I shall report to President; you to await his pleasure.
Oath of Allegiance, dedicated to our country and flag
Place your left hand over your heart; raise your right hand and repeat after
me.
I-before God and man here assembled, DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR UPON MY SACRED WORD OF
HONOR that I will well perform the duties as a citizen of these United States of
America, that I take this oath of allegiance, to my country and flag, without
any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion.
I furthermore promise, that I will not serve any foreign KING OR POTENTATE.
Should I voluntarily leave this Order, or be expelled therefrom, I will consider
this oath of allegiance as binding out of it as in it.
That I will forever defend my flag, my country, my home, even so with my own
life.
I do furthermore promise that I will guard and protect each and every member
of this Order. Should I betray or make known any or all parts of secret work of
this Order, that I may be looked upon as a traitor to this country.
I declare this my binding oath of allegiance. So help me God.
OFFICERS - Rank
President - General
Vice-President - Brigadier General
Treasurer - Colonel
Financial Secretary - Lt.-Colonel
Recdg. Secretary - Major
Chaplain - No Rank
Trumpeter
Musician - No Rank
Captain - Degree Staff
BODY GUARDS TO
President:
Right Body Guard - General.
Left Body Guard - Lieutenant General.
Vice-President:
Right Body Guard - 1st Lieutenant.
Left Body Guard - 2nd Lieutenant.
Warden - Sargeant.
Conductor - Corporal.
Members shall be styled patriots. All officers and chairs must be respected.
Captain Degree Staff to remain free to conduct all ceremonies in degree work,
and must be free to act in that capacity, and at all times be in accord with the
officers of the Post. Not eligible for office as long as he remains as Captain
of Degree Staff. must resign as such to run for office. He, also as Captain D.
S., shall place all officers and men, as he sees best fit for the Post, on team.
His orders subject to countermand by president's chair only.
Opening Form of Business
Opening Ode: America.
1 Roll Call of Officers-answered present by Sergeant-Warden.
2 Roll Call of Members-answer by each (here).
3 Bills and Communications read and disposed of.
4 Reading of Enlistments for Patriotship.
5 Report of Investigation Committee.
6 Report of Sick Committee.
7 Balloting on Enlistments-I: 1, 2, 3.
8 Report of Visiting Committee.
9 Report of Foes in Waiting-for advancement.
1 0 Report of Finances.
11 Unfinished Business.
12 New Business.
13 Good of the Order.
14 Closing Ceremony.
Closing Ode: Star Spangled Banner-Retreat to be blown by trumpeter.
President calls Post to order.
President: Officers and Patriots,
take your respective stations. *.
Sergeant-Warden, take up our pass words, that we may know them to be
Patriots.
Sergeant-Warden takes up pass word, assisted by Corporal-Conductor.
Sergeant-Warden and Corporal-Conductor announce all present are Patriots.
Open the Bible.
President: Vice-President, what is
your duty in this Post?
Vice-President: To have charge of the
outer and inner sentries; to admit no Patriot, unless qualified to sit with us
as such, and conduct the Post in keeping order; assist you in the Post in
keeping order; assist you in all your duties, and to fill your office, when in
your absence, and obey your commands.
President: Vice-President, what is
the duties of your Body Guards?
Right Body Guard (1st Lieutenant): See
that all Patriots, who are qualified and admitted, conduct themselves according
to our rules and regulations, and assist you in keeping order; fill your office
during your absence; obey commands of President and Vice-President.
Left Body Guard (2nd Lieutenant): Assist
your 1st Lieutenant; act for him during his absence; obey commands of President
and Vice-President.
Vice-President: Hon. President, my
Body Guards are correct, and all Americans are on guard.
President: Colonel, what are your
duties in this Post?
Colonel: To receive all monies from
Lieutenant-Colonel and bank same, and keep accurate records of all monies
expended.
President: Lieutenant-Colonel, what
are your duties in this Post?
Lieutenant-Colonel: To receive all
monies, dues and fines of this Post; remit to ·Colonel and take his receipt
therefor at close of each session of this Post.
President: Major, what are your
duties in this Post?
Major: Hon. President, to have charge
of membership; assist Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel; keep accurate records of
sessions of this Post and attendance of its members, and note absentees.
President: General, what is your duty
to this Post?
General: Open and close lodge due
form; by Trumpter, obey your commands.
President: Brigadier General, what
are your duties in this Post?
Brigadier General: Hon. President,
assist General; obey your commands.
President: Sergeant-Warden, what are
your duties in this Post?
Sergeant-Warden: Hon. President, to
take up passwords, assisted by Corporal Conductor; place and replace regalia; in
careful way, assist Captain Degree Staff; obey your commands.
President: Sargeant Inside Sentry
Post No. 1, request Sergeant Outside Sentry Post No. 2 report this chair.
President: Sergeant, Outside Sentry,
what are your duties in this Post?
Sergeant Outside Sentry: Hon.
President, to guard Post No. 2 from all foes; permit none to pass our lines,
unless Patriots in good standing and qualified in pass-words and Tokens of all
degrees of this Post.
President: Be serious, in discharge
of your duties; resume your Post, but before you go, give us the Token.
President: Sergeant Inside Sentry
Post No. 1, what are your duties?
Sergeant Inside Sentry Post No. 1: Hon.
President, to see that all Patriots, passing from Post No. 2, are in possession
of passwords and tokens in degree which Post is working; permit none to enter
unless qualified and in good standing.
President: Trumpeter, what are your
duties?
Trumpeter: Hon. President, blow bugle
calls according to our rules and regulations; take orders from Degree Captain or
President of this Post; obey your commands.
President: Captain Degree Staff, I
will signal you for orders to Trumpeter.
President: Patriots, we are now about
to open this Post, and I trust that each Patriot will discharge his duties well,
that it may be said of him that he is a loyal and true Patriot to his country
and flag. To act with prudence and caution, that we may enjoy the liberties of
free men, and keep our country for Americans. Let no Patriot stand aside and not
discharge his duties to his country and flag. I charge each and every officer
and patriot to see that all Americans are placed on guard, fitfully discharge
his duties thereof.
We will now sing our opening ode, America:
My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing. Sweet freedom's song.
Land where my fathers died,
Land of thy pilgrims pride;
From every mountain side
Let freedom ring.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break-
The sound prolong.
My native country thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills
Like that above.
Our Father's God to thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King.
President: Let us bow our heads in
prayer with our Chaplain.
Opening Prayer
(Robe must be white.)
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father and Creator, we meet tonight for our common
cause of freemen, so that liberty, truth and justice may prevail; to uphold the
laws of the United States, and reverence our flag that peace and harmony may be
promoted among us. Bless, Oh God, with Thy mercy, that we may carry our flag
forever. With Thy grace we aske it-AH MEN.
All patriots and officers must acknowledge by the words: "AH
MEN."
President: General, proclaim this
Post open.
General: By the authority of
President, I declare this Post open.
E. P. U.: Captain, order Trumpeter to
blow call (A)***
Captain Degree Staff: Trumpeter, by
order of President sound call to arms (A).
Trumpeter sounds call (A)--Time-* (Token).
Officers and brothers advance sign of …Degree.
Initiatory Degree or the Degree of the Eagle
President appoints patriots to fill chairs on retiring of officers and degree
staff to robe for initiation. Captain with degree staff, after robing, seats
officers, beginning with President, Vice-President, Chaplain and Ex-President.
President: Captain Degree Staff, take
heavy guard, and escort the foes through our lines, who seek to join our ranks
and become patriots of the land of freemen, that they may proceed on their way
in the light of liberty, justice and freedom.
The truth shall show the light. Then await my commands.
Captain: I will.
President: Sergeant Warden, retire
and ascertain if any foes are in waiting. Get their names and report to this
chair.
Sergeant-Warden salutes flag; answered by President.
Sergeant-Warden, salutes flag: I find
in waiting a number of foes to be admitted to Pass Guards on duty.
Captain and Heavy Guard await your orders.
President: Major, why do the foes on
Outpost No. 2 demand admittance?
Major: By the election of patriots of
this Post to become Americans in justice to our cause to be freemen.
President, calls up patriots: Are you satisfied that the foes
without will make us true patriots and citizens?
Answer: I do.
President: Inside Sentry (Sergeant),
request Captain Degree Staff to re-enter and report to this chair.
President: Captain, join your guard,
and escort them within our ranks. You notify Guard Posts No. 2 and 1, so they
may report to Vice-President.
Inside Sentry, to Vice-President: Outside
Sentry Post No. 2 reports foes passing through our lines. Outside Sentry awaits
your pleasure.
Vice-President: Hon. President,
Inside Sentry reports from Post No. 2 that foes are passing through our lines.
Outside and Inside Sentries await your pleasure.
President, to Vice-President: By what
right do they break through our lines-is there a traitor on guard?
Vice-President: Hon. President, no
traitors on guard; all Americans, but these foes have been captured and desire
enlistment in our ranks for the soul principals that tend to make man free in
the land of liberty; to abide by the laws as set forth in the Constitution of
the United States of America for Americans; to sponsor our cause when it is
just, and this be our motto: In God is our trust when freemen shall reign over
the land of the free and the home of the brave, and the Star Spangled Banner in
triumph shall wave. I move the captured foes be given due trust and chance, that
they may become good American citizens.
President, calling Post to rise ***: Patriots,
you have heard the plea of our Worthy Vice-President. What have you to say?
Patriots: Enlist them. (E.
P. U. musician plays Star Spangled Banner.)
President: Vice-President, notify Sentries on picket duty, Posts
No. 2 and 1. Allow foes to pass under Heavy Guard to be sworn in and accepted
under the Eagle Degree.
Musician to play Washington Post March. Musician takes whistle signal from
Captain of Degree Staff to proceed and stop only in degree ceremonies.
Vice-President: Inside Sentry, notify Outside Sentry to hold foes
for the arrival of Heavy Guard to escort them within our ranks, to be sworn upon
their sacred word of honor.
Inside Sentry: Outside Sentry, by the
command of Vice-President, I notify you to hold foes for arrival of Heavy Guard
to escort them within our ranks.
Outside Sentry: Inside Sentry, notify
Vice-President that Americans are on guard, and will hold foes for arrival of
Captain and Heavy Guard to pass our lines.
Inside Sentry: Vice-President,
Outside Sentry holds foes and Captain with Heavy Guard, and now awaits your
further orders.
Vice-President: Inside Sentry, admit
foes with Heavy Guard.
Captain at inner door blows whistle for musician to play National Anthem.
President calls up Post, ***. Trumpeter blows Assembly or Call to Arms.
As Captain Degree Staff enters with foes (candidates):
Vice-President: Captain, why are the
foes passing our lines?
Captain: By enlistment in our ranks,
and passed on by worthy patriots.
Vice-President: Place all Americans
on guard.
Captain salutes with sword, and passes on, followed by team. Captain stops at
Chaplain station for question of rights, which shall be answered only by
Captain.
Chaplain: Captain, why seekest thou
this liberty and freedom?
Captain: By the election of brother
patriots, we seeketh this liberty and freedom.
Chaplain: 'Tis well you seek this
liberty and freedom, but before you depart on your way, heed well the cause of
humanity, our country and flag-be thou serious. Place all Americans on guard.
Captain marches foes around hall twice, bringing them in one line in front of
President for instruction of this degree, and final delivery of principals.
Captain brings candidates in line of President's station for views of this
degree.
Guard: Captain, halt. Where goest
thou with these captured foes?
Captain: To the land of liberty and
of the free.
Guard: This is well. Advance,
Captain, with foes and be recognized.
Officer of the Day (any high ranking officer):
Captain, why doth thou seek to bring the captured foes within our ranks,
and how did you pass the guards on picket duty?
Captain: Officer of the Day, by the
election of worthy patriots of this Order. We fared well by the Guard on Duty,
but the road was pretty rough and steep. We had to be on our guard all the time.
Officer of the Day: 'Tis well,
Captain, you fared so, but while on your journey, lest you forget, remember your
oath and comply therewith.
Captain salutes and marches on, until stopped by other guards.
Guard: Halt, halt, halt! Where goest
Captain with foes captured?
Captain: To the land of liberty and
of the free.
Guard: Advance, Captain: be
recognized.
Captain advances with candidates, and answers for them.
Guard: Captain, depart on your way.
Heed well the cause of this degree.
Trumpeter to sound call.
Initiatory Oath
I-before God and man, here assembled, do solemnly swear and affirm upon my
sacred word of honor, that I will never reveal to any person or persons the
signs, secrets, tokens or pass-words belonging to the American Sons of Liberty
of 1776.
I furthermore promise that I will protect and defend a brother of any patriot
organization, and lend my aid and support to the cause of free America; that I
will not directly or indirectly support or aid any church or churches that tend
to use their influence to the detriment of this nation.
All this which I affirm, upon my sacred word of honor.
So help me God.
In the early days of this nation, when our forefathers had fought the battles
with the British and the Indians to have a land of liberty and of the free, they
then set to work to decide upon an emblem, of which to denote happiness,
prosperity and peace. In so doing, they decided upon the Eagle, being the king
of the fowls of the air with ever ready and watchful eye-this emblem with shield
placed in the breast of the eagle, with arrows in one talon (claw) and an olive
branch in the other.
The arrows are to remind us to be ever ready and alert to do battle, when our
cause it is just. The olive branch is to remind us of peace on earth and good
will toward all mankind. The breast of the eagle is to remind us of our
strength, and forever be prepared for war, that our principles laid down by our
forefathers shall forever be America for Americans, the land of the free and the
home of the brave.
Taps to close all degrees. If no Trumpeter words to be used, they shall not
pass.
First Degree or the Degree of the Flag
Oath
I-in the presence of the members here assembled, do solemnly swear, upon my
sacred word of honor, that I will protect and defend, even with my own life, my
flag, my country and my home.
I further promise to abide by the laws, rules and regulations of this Order,
and that I will not directly or indirectly support any church or churches whose
aims and purposes are to undermine the government of the United States of
America, or use their influence against the lofty deals of our nation.
To all of which I pledge my sacred word of honor.
So help me God.
Vice-President: Captain, proceed with
the rookies to our Worthy Chaplain for further questions as to their rights to
unite with us in this Order, and if it is his wish to proceed and advance
candidates to higher degrees of this Order.
Captain with guard marches around hall, once halted by guards.
Guard on picket duty: Halt! Who goes
there?
Captain: Friend with captured foes,
who desire further advancement in our ranks.
Guard: Have these rookies taken their
oath of allegiance, and what do they promise to do in their advancement of
higher degrees?
Captain: To honor, protect and
defend, even with their own lives, their country, their flag and home, and
defend a brother when in distress.
Guard: Captain, very well, indeed.
Give them chance to prove their bonds. Captain, you will now escort the rookies
to our Worthy Chaplain.
Captain: By the direction of
Vice-President and worthy patriots of this Post, I present you these rookies for
your admonition.
Chaplain: How did you prove by the
Guard? Was he a true American?
Captain: I should say so. He had to
prove their metal for them before allowed to pass Guard on Duty.
Chaplain: Very well, then. Captain, I
will now administer the admonition of this Order before you shall be allowed to
pass the Guard on Duty.
Admonition
Comrades: You are now entitled to be called that endearing name until you
have completed all degrees of this Order. Heed well the steps you are now taking
in this fraternity, that you may always be looked upon as an upright and
intelligent citizen of this nation; that we may be proud of you as a worthy
member and brother; that you will regulate your conduct, obey the laws of this
nation and do nothing to defile the Eagle Flag and the Constitution of the
United States of America and The American Sons of Liberty of 1776.
We do not seek to teach or inculcate any religious hatreds or treacherous
acts, nor will we permit any brother of this Order to do so. Any acts of
treacherous nature, or violation of any civil or federal laws, will be just
grounds for expulsion from this Order.
Our ideals and principles are of our forefathers-America for Americans, be he
Jew or Gentile. If a law-abiding citizen, we expect him to have the same rights
and privileges as any other citizen should or could have by obeying the laws of
this nation.
We hope and expect that all of you brothers, who are now uniting with us,
will be made better citizens, and protect and def end this country's flag in the
times of peace, at the ballot box, as well as in war with your life or lives.
By this, we mean to place Americans on guard. The meaning of placing
Americans on guard is that men we elect by the ballot to guard this nation, that
he will not be ruled by any foreign king or potentate, but will, as far as his
abilities go, ENFORCE THE LAWS of the land, that each and every subject be
treated alike to the end of all.
Our country, may she ever be right in her intercourse with foreign nations,
but our country, right or wrong.
By the eternal graces of God, may these lessons so enthuse you, keep you and
protect you under the furls of Old Glory, our flag.
I WILL-WILL YOU?
Trumpeter blows Taps.
Now, the flag of our country embodies a great, pure educational lesson:
First-We take the blue field. This is to remind us of the vast land of this
nation.
Second-The stars which represent each state of the Union, there being
forty-eight.
Third-The red stripes teach us to be prepared for war, and to do battle when
it is just. Motto: In God is our trust.
Fourth-The White Stripes teaches us purity of nation, peace and progress, and
that virtue must be held supreme.
Fifth-The colonial states were thirteen in number, which are represented by
the seven red stripes and six white stripes, that formed the nucleus of this
great nation, of which all true and loyal Americans are justly proud.
Sixth-Let us therefore preserve these principles of this nation, and
reverence our beloved flag, that no disgrace or slander shall befall it.
Again, therefore, let us have peace with honor; for peace, without honor, is
worth nothing at all.
I WILL-NOW, WILL YOU?
Ex-President: I now greet you as a
comrade in the degree of the flag, and hope and expect to see you advance to the
next degree of this Order.
Ex-President: Captain Degree Staff,
proceed with our comrade to President for final instructions in this degree,
well qualified to pass Guard on Picket Duty.
Hon. President: Captain, by the
direction of Ex-President and worthy patriots, I now present you these comrades
for final instructions in this degree.
President: Captain, have the comrades
in advancement of this chair proved themselves worthy?
Captain: Hon. President, they have.
President: Comrades, I will now
instruct you in the secret work of this degree:
In each Post there is an inner door and outer door, called Posts. Outside
door is Post No. 2; inside door is Post No. 1.
There is an officer stationed at each Post, called Inside Sentry and Outside
Sentry. These sentries take from you the passwords from which the Post is
working.
You will make yourself known to Outside Sentry by giving him pass-word to
enter anteroom, which, will be ….
You will then clothe yourself in regalia of our Order, and approach inside
door, there giving your four raps ** **.
He will open the wicket, and obtain from you your name and rank, who will
then close the wicket and report to Vice-President, who will inform him to admit
you if correct. You then give him the token of this rank (which Post is working
in) and pass-word. You will then enter and walk to Vice-President's station.
Turn right, walk to the altar and salute the National colors with sword, replace
sword and salute President with salutation sign. That officer will answer you
with the proper sign. You then turn about face and salute Vice-President with
salutation sign, who will acknowledge you as a brother by answering with proper
answer to the sign. You will then be halted by the Guard or Captain, to whom you
must give before you are seated, the token of the Third Degree, or …, to which
officer will say, "Advance, friend, and be recognized." Then, you may
be seated. (This is for all degrees.)
The sentries and duty guards, as well as the officers, must see that this is
strictly enforced. If in doubt of a patriot, demand his receipt (membership
card), which must be signed and sealed by the Secretary, either financial or
recording.
This must be done.
President: Captain, escort… to …
for lesson in this degree.
Captain marches foes around hall twice in each degree, then bringing to
officer referred to by President.
Captain: Officer, by authority of the
President, I deliver to you these …for lesson in this station and degree.
End of Degree, Captain will signal by whistle to Trumpeter to blow Taps, as
Taps ends all degrees.
Musician must play pieces, accordingly, as prescribed by ritual of Washington
Post March for Initiatory Degree, Representative for First Degree, Dixie for the
Second and Star Spangled Banner for the Third.
Second Degree or Degree of the Constitution
Oath
Place your right hand over your heart, pronounce your name and repeat after
me:
I--in the presence of the comrades, here assembled, do solemnly swear, upon
my sacred word of honor, that I will never reveal to any person or persons the
signs, secrets, passwords, tokens or any secret work of the Order, which is
about to be entrusted to me; nor will I wrong or see any patriot of this Order
wronged, in any shape, form or manner, at any place or at any time, but will, to
the best of my ability and knowing, help, aid and lend him all assistance within
my power so to do.
I further promise that I will protect and defend this country's flag and
Constitution and free public schools, in times of peace as well as in war, and
abide by the laws, rules and regulations set forth governing this Order.
I furthermore promise that I will so conduct myself as to be a Worthy Patriot
of this Order, and meet my brothers in walks of life as I wish them to meet me.
I still furthermore promise that I will never add to or take from any and all
parts of this ritual, belonging to the American Sons of Liberty of 1776.
I vow before God and man that this is my oath of Second Degree, or the Degree
of the Constitution. So help me God.
In the preceding degrees, you were taught the emblematic lessons of the Eagle
and the Flag. Now, we seek to teach you the lesson of the Constitution, of which
this Degree is called. The Constitution of the United States of America is like
unto the Holy Bible, the true and authentic Word of God. The Constitution is the
storehouse of our inexhaustible supply, from whence come all our laws that are
made, and such giving us our rights of liberty, truth and justice; to worship
God as the dictates of our consciousness's may desire; gives us the right of
public assembly, right of free speech and uninterrupted press. It also
guarantees us trial by jury, of fair and impartial men, and that we are innocent
until proven guilty.
Rifle (Scene) This is to signify our strength, to back our Constitution. Wipe
me dry; keep me clean, and man me by Americans. I will throw a shell to Bowling
Green.
Machine Gun (Scene) Is very much like his big brother.
Treat me kind and keep me clean; feed me reguarly. Oh, my, and how I will
make hearts flutter as my shells do sputter into the ranks of the foes.
President: Brother comrades, I now
greet you as a comrade of this Degree.
Trumpeter Taps.
President: All brother comrades, who
have not obtained the Third Degree of Brotherhood, please retire in form, and
address this chair only.
Officers and patriots, we are about to close this Post in the Second Degree.
General, declare accordingly.
General: By the authority of President, we are to close Post in
this Degree, to be opened in Third Degree.
President: Patriots, advance the sign
of the Degree.
Trumpeter, sound call, Assembly.
Assembly to be blown by Trumpeter. If there is no Trumpeter, words to be
used, "They shall not pass."
Third Degree or Degree of Brotherhood of Man
Oath
Place your right hand upon the Holy Bible, pronounce your name and repeat
after me:
I, before God and man, here assembled, do solemnly swear, upon my sacred word
of honor, never to reveal to any person or persons the workings of the American
Sons of Liberty of 1776, or any part heretofore that may be established; that I
will do all in my power to preserve the ideals of our forefathers of the United
States of America, in which I will, to the best of my ability, promise to abide
by the Constitution of the United States of America, of which I am a subject;
that I will use my influence with my friends, both male and female, to the
furtherance of the cause of our country in her intercourse with foreign nations
(May she always be in the right, but our country, right or wrong); that I will
forever bear witness and swear allegiance only to the Stars and Stripes of the
United States of America.
I furthermore promise, that in case I should leave the Order or be expelled
for any just reason or cause, that I will forever withhold and keep secret
locked within my breast, all signs, secrets, tokens, passwords, business meeting
and all transactions of this Order, and never speak in open public, outside of
regular Post or Hall, of this Order. I will consider this oath as binding, out
of it as in it.
I furthermore promise to govern myself accordingly, that I will not recommend
for membership in this Order any person or persons, who are classed as
detriments to this nation; that I will respect and defend the virtues of the
female sex.
I declare this my binding oath. So help me God.
Ex-President to give this oath.
We now come to the importance of our tasks of which, as brothers united in a
great cause of freemen, in liberty, truth and justice, that our cause may
forever reign supreme. We must serve God with all our hearts, soul, spirit and
body, for the days are numbered here on earth. We must meet our brothers in
walks of life, as we expect to meet them within our ranks, of which to protect
and def end this nation in times of peace, as well as our loved ones at home,
who look towards the furls of the American flag for protection.
Our aim and purpose is to aid the cause of free America, and keep her for
Americans; to put upright, honest and trustworthy, dependable men in office, who
will guide and defend this nation to their utmost ability; who will not be ruled
by any foreign king or potentate, but will discharge his duties for all people,
of which this government is founded for the people and by the people.
While we do not seek to teach or inculcate any religious hatreds, we,
nevertheless, must observe the principles of our forefathers, and place
Americans on Guard: as the saying of our first president, George Washington, to
his men after crossing the Delaware: "See that all Americans are on
guard."
Not for once, in our daily intercourse with the commercial world-at-large,
lest we forget the principal prophecy of our beloved and immortal president,
Abraham Lincoln. There is a dark cloud arising on the horizon, that seeks to
grab us by our throats at every turn of the road. Let us not forget that notable
hero, who has made a night ride to awaken the people in time of distress-Paul
Revere.
Let us live and let us die by Old Glory as freemen, and not to forget the
lurking foe in the dark, who preaches hypocrisy, fanaticism and socialism. We
stand for the allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, Constitution, separation of
church and state, free public schools, free press, free speech, and to worship
God as the dictates of one's own consciousness.
Ex-President: Captain, you will now
escort with Guard our worthy brothers to President for instructions of this
Degree.
Captain: Hon. President, by the
direction of Ex-President, I present these brothers for final instructions in
this Degree.
Foot Note-Give three raps, calling patriots to arise, seconded by
Vice-President, thirded by Ex-President. Each officer, so named, must use gavel
in like manner. No deviation from this rule will be permitted.
Uncle Sam (Scene)You have now come into my friendland, and have before you
this scene to impress upon you your sacred vows you have taken upon Old Glory,
our flag.
Now, remember your oaths, that you may forever be a true and loyal patriot.
Brother comrades, you are now about to take into and complete your sacred
vows to your country and flag, while I trust but neither of you become a Judas
nor a traitor to the spirit of which this lesson is to teach.
King (Scene) I am the supreme law of the universe, and no law supreme, while
civil laws, are not approved by me. My laws reign supreme. So, therefore, if you
are not loyal to me, then I must submit to def eat. What do I care for you or
any other, who does not see it our way-all others, bah!
Let not no man raise his finger or voice, otherwise, woe be unto you!
Guard: Captain Degree Staff, by what authority do you stand by and
see patriots, as well as Old Glory, be defiled by this representation?
Captain Degree Staff: By the
authority of the Supreme Commander of this Post, to present this scene to the
candidate, that they may, with a different eye, impress upon their minds their
loyal duties as patriots to defend the flag.
Captain: Trumpeter, as we progress,
you blow Call.
Guards: Captain, this shall not
be-they shall not pass by this character, who has defiled the flag of our
beloved country. We demand all Americans to be placed on guard.
Captain: Team, attention! Right dress
forward! (Pause for about 20 seconds.)
March! Musician plays Stars and Stripes Forever.
Captain marches brothers around the room twice, bringing them to attention in
presence of President.
Captain must stand at the right and First Lieutenant at the left.
Captain: S-Commander, I present
candidate for further duty and principles of rights before you grant advancement
to Patriotship in this Post.
S-Commander: You must voluntarily, of
your own free will and accord, submit to vow, binding you in this Degree.
Brothers, kneel upon your right knee and repeat after me, which is the last
vow of secret work, and binding to Post your membership:
Vow
I, …, vow before God and man, here assembled, that I have this day (or
night) taken upon myself freely, without mental reservation or purpose of
evasion, all degrees and secret work, appertaining to The American Sons of
Liberty of 1776. Therefore, I am not to add to or take from, any part or portion
of the ritualistic work of The American Sons of Liberty of 1776, either by
writing, engraving, printing or shorthand, in any manner, shape or form.
I furthermore vow this is my binding vow. So help me God.
President: Patriots, what do you
think of these brothers?
Are you willing for them to be instructed in this final Degree?
Patriots in Body: We are.
President: Then I shall, by authority
invested in me, duly give the secret work of this Degree: Brothers, there is an
outer guard stationed there, called the Outside Sentry, to whom you must give
password and token before you will be admitted to the anteroom. This Sentry is
called Post No. 2. You will also, after being admitted into the anteroom, so
clothe yourself according to your rank, and advance to the inner door, which is
called Post No. 1.
The guard there is called Inside Sentry, both guards ranking as Sergeants.
There, you will deliver to him the token, your name and rank, of which your
rank will be (Private) Patriot. Password is …. Token to be ….
There are signs of this Degree, which, at all times, must be made properly,
or you will be called down by the Picket Line (Duty Guards).
At all times during lodge (Post) hours there shall be no talking. The Duty
Guards will see to that. Military discipline will be fully enforced by them,
backed by the authority of this chair-this chair being supreme authority under
the jurisdiction of the founder, with Vice-President in second command, backed
by Ex-President of this Order.
The signs of this Degree are: First-Recognition sign made thus-with right
hand. Second-Answer same as sign made with left hand. Third-Sign made
thus-right, and answer made with left hand. Third-Sign made thus-right hand;
answer made with left hand. Distress sign made thus-answer made with left hand.
Distress cry-. Answer-.
These signs are used in each Degree as given to you. The secret work can be
secured from the Recording Secretary. Without signs, tokens and passwords you
will not be admitted. To be entitled to benefits you must be in good standing
and attend all regular and special meetings.
Closing Ceremonies
Retreat by Trumpeter.
President: Officers and Patriots,
time has arrived to close this session of the Post.
We will now sing our closing ode (Star Spangled Banner).
President: Let us bow our heads in
prayer.
Chaplain, Form of prayer: Almighty
God, our Creator and Preserver, bless us this day that we may be better patriots
in thy eyesight and true loyal, American citizens; that our principals of our
forefathers may reign supreme over this great land of ours; that freemen shall
stand between their loved ones and war's desolation.
We earnestly seek Thy blessings in Thy grace and mercy that the heaven
rescued lands shall forever be America for Americans. Lift us up, Oh God, and
give us Thy strength, and we will give Thy glory unto Thee. Amen.
All patriots must say: Amen.
President: Vice-President, I thank
you to perform your duty closing this Post.
Vice-President: Patriots, I thank one
and all for this, your duty call, and hope and expect that you will bear with us
our next meeting night. We insist upon regular attendance; to be entitled to
receive benefits, must meet regularly.
President: Sergeant Inside Sentry,
soon as Post is closed, allow patriots to retreat.
Sergeant Inside Sentry: Hon.
President, I will.
President: Sergeant Warden, collect
the rituals and replace the colors.
President: Sergeant Warden, what are
your last duties in this Post?
Sergeant Warden: Collect the rituals
and replace the colors.
President: General, proclaim this
Post closed until next lodge night, to be reopened for all lawful business Epu.
F. H.&C.
President: Captain, you may have
Trumpeter sound retreat.
After last rap of gavel.
President, one rap gavel; Ex-President, one rap gavel; Vice-President, one
rap gavel.