Knights of Jericho
Initiation Ritual

1874

Opening

The time having arrived, the Chief will take the Chair, and call to order by giving one loud rap with the gavel.
Herald, standing: Officers, Sir Knights, and Sisters, Attention! The Chief is now about to open … Lodge Knights of Jericho, by authority of the Grand Lodge of …. If there be any present not justly entitled to remain, they will please retire. The officers will repair to their posts, and hold themselves in readiness for further orders. Let there be silence during the examination.
The Secretary will call the roll of officers, and note absentees. The Chief fills vacancies, and says: Sir Knight Guard, you have been detailed as an officer for this Lodge. What are the duties implied by your commission?
Guard: To guard the inner gate, permit none to enter during the opening or closing ceremonies, nor at any time, unless proper signals and countersigns are given, except by order of the Chief; permit no one to pass out unless they have first given the sign, and obtained permission from the Chief to retire; and to faithfully discharge such other duties as the Constitution and By-Laws may require.
Chief: You have said well, Sir Knight Guard. Yours is an important post and duty. Guard well the one, and discharge promptly and faithfully the other, that you may merit the promotion by which the brave and vigilant soldier is rewarded by his comrades. You will advance and satisfy me that you are correct in the countersigns. Done. Correct, Sir Knight. Return to your post, and remember that if yours is the post of danger, it is also the post of honor.
The Guard will give one rap and raise the wicket, when the Sentinel will present himself, and satisfy the Guard that he is correct in the Nazarite, or permanent countersign.
Guard: Sir Knight Chief, the Sentinel is on duty, properly armed and correctly instructed.
Chief: Sir Knights Marshal and Herald, the Guard and Sentinel being at their posts well armed and with proper instructions, you will now proceed to examine all present in the semiannual and permanent countersigns, and report to me all who cannot satisfy you of their right to remain.
The Marshal beginning on the right of the Vice Chief and ending on the left of the Chief, and the Herald beginning on the left of the Vice Chief and ending on the right of the Chief, will examine all present, advance to the altar, salute the Chief and report.
Marshal, gives sign: Sir Knight Chief, all's well on your left.
Herald, gives sign: All's well on your right, Sir Knight Chief.
Chief, calls up: Officers, Sir Knights and Sisters, we have assembled for the transaction of all such business appertaining to this Order as shall legally and properly come before us. In our deliberations, let our language and deportment be in harmony with our high and noble motto — Humanity, Temperance and Charity — that we may work in harmony, live in peace, and practice those great cardinal principles inculcated by our Order.
Members: So may we ever work and live.
Chief: We will sing the Ode.
 
1st Opening Ode—Air "Sweet Home"
Almighty Jehovah,
Descend now ana fill
This Lodge with Thy glory
Our hearts with good will.
Preside at our meetings,
Assist us to find
True pleasure in teaching
Good will to mankind.
Chorus:
Home, home, sweet, sweet home
Prepare us, dear Saviour,
For glory, our home.
2nd Ode Air "Coronation" Melbourne
How good and how pleasant 'tis for all
In unity to live;
On such the dew of Heav'n shall fall,
And holy love shall thrive.
Then let one object fill each heart,
One cause each spirit move
Thus shall we nobly act our parr,
And smiling Heav'n approve.
The Chaplain will lead in prayer, after the 1st or 2d Ode shall have been sung.
Chief: By authority of the Grand Lodge of …, and by virtue of my office, I now declare this Lodge open and ready to transact any business that may lawfully come before it. Calls down.
 

Initiation

As soon as the balloting for candidates is over, the Chief will call to order, and say: Sir Knight Herald, you will retire to the ante-room and see if any one is in waiting to become a member of this Lodge "Knights of Jericho."
The Herald will retire, and, on his return, give the usual salutations, and report as he finds. If any, he will say: Sir Knight Chief, I find … in waiting.
Chief: Sir Knight Herald, you will again retire, prepare the candidate, and bring in for examination. Sir Knight Guard, you will let them pass and repass.
The Herald hoodwinks and brings in the candidate, and proceeds directly to the Vice Chief's stand, and says: Sir Knight Vice Chief, I have in charge …, who wishes to enlist as a volunteer in the grand army of moral reform, and now most respectfully requests that you will make the necessary examination.
V.C.: Respected …; you are welcome to the threshold of our Lodge, the sanctuary of Honor and Justice. But before you proceed further, justice to you demands that we should make known our Principles, and to us, that they receive your cordial assent; otherwise, it will be impossible for you to advance a step beyond this examination.
Our Order was instituted for the purpose of associating men and women together as brothers and sisters, and enabling them to live as such; encouraging each other to walk in the paths of Virtue and Honor, and to afford material aid in the hours of adversity. To secure ourselves from the intrusion of those who are unworthy, the forms and ceremonies which you will this night witness have been adopted.
Do you acknowledge the existence of an Almighty God, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to whom we are all accountable here and hereafter, and the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Candidate: I do.
V.C.: In the presence of that great and good Being, are you willing to enter into a solemn covenant with the brothers and sisters of this Order, to abstain from, and discourage the use, as a beverage, of all intoxicating liquors during your connection with the Order, and so conduct yourself through life as to retain your good name, and not bring the Order into disrepute and that you will conform to the Constitution, Laws and Regulations of the Order, and do all that within you lies to sustain and carry out the same?
Candidate: I am.
V.C.: You will now retire with the Herald, and wait the pleasure of the Chief.
The Herald and candidate withdraw directly to the ante-room, where the hoodwink is removed from his or her eyes. As soon as the door is closed after them, the Vice Chief will rise and say: Sir Knight Chief, I have examined the candidate, and find … worthy to enter the gates of our Order, and … is ready and willing to proceed.
Chief, calls up: Officers, Brothers and Sisters: We are now about to proceed with the important service of Initiation. All will observe strict decorum, under penalty of the By-Laws, or prompt and severe reprimand. Calls down. Prepare for the reception of the candidate.
Place a tent from six to ten feet square (according to the capacity of the hall), made of some thick, dark-colored cloth, so that the light cannot be seen through it, in the corner of the hall, on the left of the Chief; let there be a small table with glasses and a bottle on it; also, a stuffed figure representing a man, leaning on the table or counter, and two members slightly disguised—one representing a liquor-seller, and the other his customer—sitting within as though engaged in a carousal. Remove the altar, if it be in the way, from the centre of the hall, and extinguish all the lights, except that in the tent, the door of which must be kept closed until the Marshal and candidate have gone once round the hall, when it must be partially opened, so as to emit a little light. Pace the bridge and balls of wood on the floor, near the Chaplain's stand. Let it be some twelve feet long, and so constructed that the front legs will give way and cause the rear end to tilt up when on top, and thereby cast off the rollers and balls—made to rise in the middle some two feet, and in two parts; one end of each part rests on the floor, the other ends come together, and make the rise something like a ladder cut in two pieces, only that the rollers are dropped in notches cut on the top, so that it will tumble to pieces. The rear end should be some two feet the longest, so that the front legs will give way.
Let the balls be large, and the rollers some two feet long and two inches in diameter. When everything is ready, the Vice Chief will say: Sir Knight Chief, everything is now in readiness for the Initiation.
Chief: Sir Knight Guard, you will give the alarm; if answered without by the Herald, throw open the gate and let them enter.
The Guard gives one loud rap on the door. The Herald, in the ante-room, answers by giving two raps, when the Guard will raise the wicket, and say: Who comes there?
H.: The Herald, with a stranger, who is traveling eastward as far as Jericho.
G.: Is he true and trusty?
H.: He has been tried and found worthy.
G.: Enter j and bear in mind that you are surrounded on every hand by difficulties and dangers.
The Herald and candidate having entered, and the door closed, the Marshal will take the candidate by both shoulders and say, "Hold!" etc. The Marshal will retain one very dim light near the door until he and the candidate commence their journey, when it must be extinguished.
M.: Hold! presumptuous mortal! What brings you here upon this sacred ground? Who are you?—and what is your business here? (Not violently.)
H.: Sir Knight Marshal, you will not treat my friend unkindly; his business this way is most praiseworthy. Although not yet a member of our Order, he is on his way to Jericho to be enrolled as a volunteer in the grand army of moral reform; and as I can go no further, into your charge I commit my worthy friend. He has already been informed of the great danger in traveling, but he is bold and courageous. (Takes by the hand.) Good-bye; look sharp for the Star of Hope and Promise, and remember that Prayer is the bridge that spans from earth to Heaven. Farewell!
M.: Stranger, I understand that your object is to reach Jericho in the shortest time possible. I will accompany you with pleasure, and render you all the assistance in my power. You see everything before you looks dark and gloomy. It requires stout hearts to travel this path. Now, let us put on our packs containing clothing and provision for this long and tiresome journey.
The Marshal adjusts the knapsack on the candidate's shoulders, takes him or her by the arm and moves slowly round the hall, saying, as they proceed: Stranger, we will now move on. We have a long and somewhat difficult travel before us; but
The gloomy mantle of the night,
Which on our sinking spirits steals,
Will vanish at the morning light,
Which God, our All, our Sun, reveals.
The Marshal will so time the delivery of the foregoing as to finish the sentence just as he has made the circuit of the hall. As he reaches the Vice Chief's stand, the noise within the tent becomes boisterous. The customer will half-open the door, and commence: "I say, Mr. Tapster, I want another drink, I will." Tapster—"Well, have you got the money?" Customer—"I am good for a drink—say, ain't I?" Tapster—"Not another drop without the money." "What! after I have spent all my money with you? Well, now, that do settle it."
The Marshal stops suddenly, and addresses the candidate in a low, quick, earnest manner: Stranger, be brave—fear not. The noise you hear emanates from that miserable grogshop, the like of which, alas! are too frequently to be met with in our cities, villages, and even in our quiet rural districts. That den is kept by a notorious vagabond, who is known to the people around by the name of the rum fiend. Several murders have been committed on and about his premises, and many hearths made desolate. Brothers and sisters, parents and children, husbands and wives, neighbors, lovers, and friends mourn over his numerous victims. Hearts have been crushed and made to bleed; honest laborers stripped of their last hard-earned dollar; widows and orphans turned out penniless and shelterless upon the cold charities of the world, and the virtuous and respectable despoiled of a stainless reputation, and covered with a cloud of infamy, through his infernal agency!
Still, he goes unwhipped of Justice—no legal proof having yet been obtained against him. Our path leads directly past his den. We will push on cautiously, so as to avoid observation (they go forward), and trust to Divine Providence for the result.
As the Marshal and candidate arrive near the Past Chiefs stand, the noise within the tent is increased—the parties quarrel, something after this manner: Customer—"I say, Mr. Tapster, I will have another drink, I will." Tapster—"Not another drop until you have paid for what you have got." Customer—"I will have another drink! you old rascal—villain, that you are!" Tapster—"Don't you call me a villain, you good-for-nothing vagabond; get out of my shop, or I will put you out!" etc. The door is thrown open, and the figure is thrown outside, and falls heavily on the floor, at which moment a deep groan is uttered by the brother who throws it out. The Marshal and candidate stop. The lights inside the tent are quickly extinguished, and the two who were inside go up to the corpse. One will say in a whisper, "he is dead—I didn't mean to kill him—help me drag him near the public road, along which some of those Knights of Jericho must pass to-night on their way home. They then drag the figure across the room, and leave it in the front of the Chiefs stand, and run quickly across the hall to the left of the Vice Chief, where they quietly take seats. During the whole of this scene the Marshal and candidate remain standing, as if lost in bewilderment. When the two who were with the figure are seated, the Marshal, with some signs of agitation, says: They have no doubt killed that poor fellow, and intend concealing his body, so as to hide all traces of their guild. Oh, Intemperance! what a prolific source of crime and misery thou art!
Let us pursue the villains, and endeavor to bring them to justice.
The Marshal and candidate push on quickly, and the latter is made to stumble against the figure. They stop, and the Marshal stoops down and discovers it, when he exclaims, "It is the poor wretch who was doubtless murdered by those villains a short distance back. Help, o, bring me help!" At this moment the Herald approaches from the corner of the hall with a small lantern, which, until then, has been concealed. When he gets near them, affecting not to see any one—he says: I thought I heard the cry of someone in deep distress. Could I have been mistaken?
M.: No, my friend, you are not mistaken. It was I who called for help. Here lies the lifeless body of a poor victim of (I dare say) that old villain, rum fiend. As I passed his den, in company with my friend here, we heard high and angry words. We saw someone thrust from the groggery, and thought we heard something said by one of the party like a confession of murder.
You will please take charge of the corpse, and permit myself and friend to pass on. We are on our way to Jericho, and fear we shall not reach there before the gates are closed.
H.: You can proceed on your way. You have no time to lose. Good-bye.
M.: Good-bye—God bless you. To the Candidate: My friend, there can be no doubt that the inanimate form we have just seen is that of the poor fellow who was so rudely expelled from the groggery we passed a short distance back. I beseech you, be warned by his sad fate. Remember for what purpose you were created, and through the whole of your future life, look at its end, and consider, when that comes, in what you will put your trust. Not in the bubbles of worldly vanity—they will be broken; not in worldly pleasures—they will be gone; not in wealth—you cannot carry it with you; not in rank—in the grave there is no distinction; not in the recollection of a life spent in a giddy conformity to the silly fashions and customs of a thoughtless and wicked world; but in that of a life spent soberly, righteously and Godly in this present world.
The members will say: Cave! Cave! (pronounced KV.)
M.: Stranger, be brave; fear not—ours is a righteous cause. We will push on, and trust to Divine Providence for the result. This darkness will only serve to make the light more glorious.
The Marshal will so time the delivery of the foregoing as to finish before reaching the bridge, and having crossed, the Marshal and candidate face towards the Chief's stand and discover the star. The Marshal says: "Hold! Hold!" etc.
The members clap their hands.
The Marshal continues: "Heaven be praised!" etc, when the third Ode will be sung. (The hall must be perfectly dark.) As soon as the singing is over, the Marshall conducts the candidate near the transparency, or seats him in front of the Vice Chief's stand, until all the candidates are taken through the preceding scene, and then bring all before it, and then withdraw to the ante-room and return.
M.: Hold! Hold! Thank Heaven that we are permitted to behold the Star of Hope and Promise. (Hall to the Brightness) Heaven be praised! we are saved, and soon shall be delivered from darkness.
Nothing short of Divine Providence can prevent our reaching Jericho.
3d ODE—Star of Bethlehem.
When marshalled on the mighty plain,
The glittering host bestud the sky;
One Star alone, of all the train,
Can fix the sinner's wandering eye.
Hark! Hark! to God the chorous breaks,
From every host, from every gem;
But one alone the Saviour speaks,
It is the Star of Bethlehem?
If there are more candidates than one to be initiated, they must each be taken through the preceding scene separately, and seated in front of the Vice Chief's stand, until they are all advanced, and then proceed on. The Marshal and candidate walk very slowly once round the hall, stopping directly before the transparency—which must be suspended in an upright case, or over a skeleton coffin, with strong lights under or behind it. During the whole of this scene, let all the lights in the hall, except those necessary to give effect to the transparency, be extinguished. As soon as the Marshal and candidate leave the Vice Chiefs stand—while going to the transparency—the Vice Chief will commence slowly and solemnly, twelve times, to imitate the tolling of a large bell (which can be counterfeited by holding up a new weeding hoe, suspended by a string, and striking it with his gavel). When the tolling ceases, the Marshal will sing or repeat:
4th ODE—Air, "Bethel."
Hark! from -the tombs a doleful sound,
My ears attend the cry.
Ye living men, come view the ground
Where you must shortly lie.
Princes, this elay must be your bed,
In spite of all your towers;
The tall, the wise, the reverend head,
Must lie as low as ours.
The 4th Ode having been concluded, the Chaplain will proceed, speaking in a low and distinct manner, so as to give the utmost solemnity to his lecture:
Chap.: You behold before you, in this haggard skeleton, a striking lesson of Man's mortality; remember that this is the unalterable fate of mortal man! We are all fast hastening to that fearful state. Let this be a warning to you to be prepared for that dreadful moment when you shall be called upon to make that awful change; for we know not when the day or hour cometh!
M.: My friend, this has been to us a very eventful night. I am sure the remembrance of it will not soon be obliterated from my mind. But we now come to Gilgal, and as our provisions are getting short, perhaps we had better stop at the inn and refresh ourselves, and again push on remove the pack. But stay; I had better give you the password, as it will be required of you at every station you pass. Gives: "I have seen the star."
Stranger, we have been very much rested; we now move on, determined to reach Jericho.
Our greatest troubles are over; we will put our trust in God and fear no danger; but while we are traveling through this dark valley, why not contemplate and consider our destiny here and hereafter? It is a subject I delight to dwell upon. Stranger, I have seen a flower open it leaves to the rising sun; it looked gay—it was beautiful to behold—its fragrance was delightful; I sought it again, and lo! it had withered on the stem that supported it. I have seen man in his youth; he looked gay and was sprightly, and rejoiced that he had more life than the flower. I have sought him again, and lo! he had gone the way of all the earth; for all that is born must die, and that is created must come to an end. Thus it is with mankind—today in full health and vigor—their eyes sparkling with animation, and expecting to have many years allotted to them here in this world, both of joy and sorrow; but to-morrow comes, and those who were so gay but yesterday are now clothed in the habiliments of the grave.
They go once round the hall, nearly to the stand of the Past Chief, while the Marshal says:
M.: Stop. The Herald will give a faint whistle again. I hear a whistle. This country is infested by thieves and ruffians. Remain quiet. I will beat them off. I am well armed.
H., approaching the Marshal: Your money or your life!
M., draws his sword: Away, you villains! A fight ensues. Villains, I will shoot you!
H.: Hold! don't shoot!
The P.C. throws three or four large torpedoes over, so as to fall on the floor and burst. The H. brings one loud scream, drops his sword and runs off.
After the engagement, the Marshal goes to the candidate, takes his or her arm, and says:
M., apparently excited: I have given those villains a lesson which I hope will teach them better manners hereafter.
Here we come to the first station.
They stop before the stand of the Past Chief, who says::
P.C.: Who comes there?
M.: A friend, who is on way to Jericho.
P.C.: I demand the password.
The candidate gives it.
P.C.: Have you met with any difficulty on your way?
M.: We were attacked by some ruffians a short distance back, but soon put them to flight.
P.C.: I am glad you gave those villains, who thus lay in wait to disturb our friends, a proper chastisement. You may proceed on your way; you will not again be disturbed. The distance is very short. You have only one more station to pass, at which you will find a worthy clergyman, who has always some pleasant word for the traveler. Good-bye!
M., approaching the Chaplain's stand: Here we come to the second station.
Chap.: Stop a moment, my friends. It is my duty to demand the password. The candidate gives it. You are traveling to Jericho, I presume? Have you had a pleasant journey thus far?
M.: Except a little interruption before we reached the first station, by a set of ruffians.
Chap.: You will always find more or less trouble in passing through life.
The path of sorrow, and that path alone.
Leads to the land where sorrow is unknown;
No traveler ever reached that blessed abode,
Who found not thorns and briars in his road.
Receive this bible. Gives a small bible. It shall be a lamp unto thy feet and a light unto thy path.
Good-bye. God bless you!
M.: We thank you, sir. Moves forward. That man of God has wisely admonished us; and our highest appreciation of the gift will be a strict observance of all its rules.
The Herald will strike nine times on a small bell or triangle; at which time the Marshal will stop and say: One two three four five six seven eight nine.
M.: Hold! we now come to the extreme outer gate. It is 9 o'clock. The Sentinels and their families are assembling for their evening devotions, and will not molest us. We will pass on quietly to the city, which is not far off. The gates will not be closed until 10 o'clock. In a, low tone of voice: Hark! what do we hear? It is heavenly music.
5th ODE Air, " Peterborough." Zerah.
Oh! praise the Lord with hymns of joy.
And celebrate his fame;
For pleasant, good and comely 'tis
To praise his holy name.
Chap.: The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the the maker of them all. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: "the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."
M.: My friend, let the impressive lessons you have just heard ever remain fresh in your memory. Endeavor to emulate the example of these good people, and let your light so shine before men, that they, seeing your good works, may be induced to emulate you. But we are now in the presence of the Chief.
The Marshal and candidate are suddenly arrested in their progress, near the Chief's stand, by the Herald, who says:
H.: Hold! What is your business here?
M.: Do not delay us. I have important business with the Chief.
C.: Who are you, and what is your business with me at this late hour?
M.: Sir Knight Chief, I am the Marshal of this Lodge, and have in charge a friend who has been found worthy to enter within these walls, for the purpose of becoming a member of the noble Order of Knights of Jericho.
C.: Stranger! you have gained admittance within these sacred walls for the purpose of becoming a … among brothers and sisters. We are endowed with the privilege emanating from the sovereignty of this Order, to perform all initiations coming before us, and are happy in performing this pleasing duty in the presence of Almighty God, and with feelings of the greatest kindness towards you.
I have a few questions to propound, and upon your answers will depend your further progress. Have you the recruiting password?
Can.: I have.
C.: I demand it.
The candidate gives it.
C.: Is it your fixed purpose to labor in the cause of Humanity, Temperance and Charity?
Can.: It is.
C.: Brother Marshal, what further evidence have I that your friend is worthy?
M.: He has this passport. [The bible]
C.: 'Tis enough. You will repair with the applicant to the altar. Calls up the officers.
The Marshal conducts the candidate once around the hall, to the altar, facing the Chiefs stand, during which time the members sing the 6th Ode; after which he reports.
6th ODE—Air. " Old Granite State."
Knights of Jericho are coming.
Knights of Jericho are coming,
Knights of Jericho are coming,
With the cold water pledge;
Here's a band of brothers,
Here's a band of sisters,
Here's a band of brothers,
In union sweet combined.
M.: Sir Knight Chief, the candidate awaits your pleasure.
C., calls the officers around the altar: The officers will gather around the altar, and assist me in administering the obligation.
Pre.: My friend, I entreat you to consider well the step you are now about to take. The obligation you are required to enter into at this time is one of serious import, and cannot be violated without disgrace. It is one which we have all taken, and intend, with the help of God, to keep inviolate.
C.: I appreciate your kindness, my sister. My friend, are you willing to proceed?
Can.: I am.
7th ODE, Air, "Old Hundred" [very low].
Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone
He can create, and He destroy.
C.: My friend, you will place your right hand upon the bible, and repeat, after me, the following oath, first pronouncing your name:
I, …, of my own desire, in this Lodge, Knights of Jericho, do most solemnly and sincerely promise, that I will obey the Constitution, Laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge, the By-Laws of this, or that of any other Lodge with which I may hereafter be in any manner connected; that I will abstain from and discourage the use, as a beverage, of all intoxicating liquors, during my connection with the Order, and so conduct myself through life as to retain my good name, and not bring the Order into disrepute; that I will never, in any manner, countenance, or consent to, the introduction of any person or persons of color as members of this Order; that I will cheerfully aid a worthy brother or sister, when in trouble or in need, if in my power so to do; and that I will net intentionally wrong or defraud this Order, or any member thereof. I do further promise that I will discourage vice and immorality, and cultivate a spirit of Humanity, Temperance and Charity in all the relations of life—especially with the brothers and sisters of this Order.
May God, in His infinite love and mercy, bless and enable me to keep and perform this, my solemn vow.
The Chief will give the applicant a blow with his sword and say: Rise sir, you are under the protection of brothers and sisters.
C.: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and God said let there be light and there was light.
As the last word above is uttered, the bandage must be removed from the eyes of the candidate.
C.: My …, on being brought to light, your attention was first directed to the sword and bible, which are placed upon the altar. You are doubtless anxious to know why they are placed here. I will explain to you their use.
The sword is an implement of grim-visaged war; but we, as Knights of Jericho—the sworn foes of Intemperance, Immorality and Vice—have adopted it as an emblem of our Order. It will, likewise, serve to remind you of the vengeance of an offended God, which will certainly be visited upon you should you violate the solemn obligation you have this night voluntarily taken.
As Knights of Jericho, we are taught to take this Book as our rule, guide and faith through life. "Would you know its name? It is the "Book of Books:" its author, God: its theme, Heaven—Eternity! The Bible! Read it—search it, my …. Let it be first upon the shelves of your library, and first in the affections of your heart. Search it; for if there be sublimity in the contemplation of God—if there be grandeur in the displays of Eternity—if there be anything ennobling and purifying in the revelation of Man's salvation—oh! search the Scriptures, for they are they which testify of these things.
The dark scene through which you were required to pass, and the obstructions encountered on your way, were intended to remind you of the great uncertainty of human life, and your utter dependence on other than your own aid; for had not our worthy Marshal generously directed your steps, you might have found yourself in a sad predicament indeed!
Sir Knight Marshal, you will now introduce to the Preceptress, after which you will return to me for further instructions.
The Chief will resume his seat, and the Marshal will conduct the candidates to the Preceptress, and after introducing him or her, the Preceptress will say:
Pre., rises: Hail, Knight or Lady of Jericho!
And be that name thy glory and thy shield.
High now is thy position
Among the sons and daughters of men—
Responsible and great
The duties it involves.
The foes of Temperance, and the friend alike,
Will look to your example,
And judge the cause by you:
Be faithful to the cause—the cause of all mankind—
Be faithful to yourself;
For all our laws require,
Tends to your lasting good.
"Onward—a righteous cause is yours,
And victory shall be won!
Such zeal complete success insures,
Go on, go on, go on.
Onward—a thousand hearths shall smile,
A thousand voices bless
Your labor and your ceaseless toil,
To save from wretchedness.
Onward—a voice from Heaven cries,
How melting is the tone:
Methinks each sturdy heart replies,
We will, we will go on!"
The Marshal and candidate go directly to the stand of the Chief, who, as soon as they reach there, rises and addresses the candidate as follows:
C.: My …; You have now taken an elevated position in the scale of honor, and are fully entitled to be made acquainted with the Grip, Test, Signs, Countersigns and other secrets of this Degree, with which you have not already been made acquainted. Remember that you have solemnly promised, in the presence of Almighty God, and the members here assembled, to keep sacred to the end of life all the secrets of this Order.
In order to obtain admittance into a Lodge, you will make any ordinary noise at the outer gate, so as to attract the attention of the Sentinel, who is stationed in the ante-room. To him you will give, in a whisper, the permanent Countersign, when he will admit you. At the second or inner gate you will give three distinct raps, when the Guard will raise the wicket, and you will give him the permanent and semi-annual password current within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this, and he will admit you. [Give the word.] Should you desire to visit any Lodge of this Order, located in, and working under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of any other State, you will report that fact to the Guard, who will report the same to the Chief, who will direct the Herald, or Marshal, to retire and make the necessary examination, and introduce you to the Lodge when fully satisfied.
On entering the Lodge, you will proceed to the centre of the hall near the altar and salute the Chief by giving him the second recognition sign, which is given in this manner: Place your open left hand on your right breast, and at the same time raise the right hand as high as the top of the ear and point the index finger upward; then bring both hands to your side again, when you will quietly take your seat. This sign signifies your consciousness that the all-seeing eye of God is constantly watching your every action. The Chief will answer by returning the sign, with his left hand, in the same manner.
The Grip is given by clasping the hand in the usual manner of shaking hands, then press the ball of the thumb against the first joint of the individual's thumb. The answer is given by returning the pressure in the same manner. It may be that you will give this Grip to someone who will return it without being, in fact, aware of its meaning.
You are not at liberty to take for granted that he or she is a member, however, without first testing them, which must be done by asking the one whom you wish to test. "Have you traveled much?" If they answer "yes," or "I have" then ask "how far have you been?" The answer must be "To Jericho" otherwise, let the examination cease.
The third, or true recognition sign is given by placing the ball of the thumb on the nail of the little finger of the right hand, and then raise the hand quickly, so as to let the ends of the three fingers touch the top of the right shoulder casting the hand off quickly, palm in front and quickly returning the hand to the side again—similar to that of a military salute. The answer is given with the left hand in the same manner.
The caution sign is given by closing the thumb over the first, second and third fingers of the right hand. Then draw the end of the little finger across directly under the right eye, say three times in a careless manner. The Latin words to be used in lieu of, or as a substitute for the sign, are "cave cave," pronounced "kv kv." This sign or substitute is to be used to caution a brother or sister when they are about to go astray, and to guard them against imposition. Should either ever be given to you, it will be your duty to desist until you can have an interview with such a one.
These signs, etc., are never to be used outside of the Lodge room, except when you have some good object to accomplish. They must never be used frivolously, or for mere pastime.
It is also necessary that you should be instructed in the use of the gavel, which being the emblem of his authority, is used by the Chief to govern his Lodge. One rap of it will call the members to order, or seat them when standing; two raps will call up the officers only ; three raps will call up all the members; and four raps will call up all the members around the altar.
The Marshal will accompany you to the Secretary's desk, where you will sign our Constitution—after which he will instruct you how to work your way out and in the Lodge.
The Marshal takes the candidate first to the Secretary's desk, and after he or she has signed the Constitution, then to the ante-room, where he will teach him or her as directed. The Marshal will return to the Lodge in advance of the initiate, and accompany him or her to the VC, and altar. When they have given the salutations, the Chief will call up the members around the altar, and go down.
C.: My …, you have now been fully instructed in the signs, etc., of this Degree. I now proclaim you a worthy member.
Brothers and sisters, you will now extend to … the hand of fellowship, and treat … as a ….
The members then pass slowly around the altar, shaking the hand of the new member as they proceed, while they sing the 8th Ode:
8th ODE—Air, "Sparkling and Bright."
Sparkling and bright with its liquid light
Is the water in our glasses.
'Twill give you health, 'twill give you wealth,
Ye lads and rosy lasses.
Oh, then resign your ruby wine,
Each smiling son and daughter;
There's nothing so good for the youthful blood,
Or sweet as the sparkling water!
Having made the circuit, the Chief calls down and proceeds with the regular business of the Lodge.


Closing

Chief: Sir Knight Treasurer, you will please report the receipts of the evening.
The Treasurer reports the total amount received since last meeting.
C.: Sir Knight Secretary, you will make a minute of the amount reported by the Treasurer.
Sec.: I have made the record, Sir Knight Chief.
C., calls up: We will sing the Ode.
9th ODE—Air, "Ripley."
Now, Farewell! our banquet's over;
Heavenly blessings on us fall;
Farewell, sister—farewell, brother,
Farewell, loved ones—farewell, all!
Gracious Father! hear our pleading!
Gratitude our bosoms swell;
Guard us with Thy holy keeping;
Bless our parting word, farewell!
10th ODE—Air, "Temperance."
Heavenly Father! give Thy blessing,
While we now this meeting end;
On our minds each truth impressing
That may to Thy glory tend.
Save from all intoxication,
From its fountain may we flee;
When assailed by strong temptation,
Put our trust alone in Thee!
Chap. Give benediction.
C.: Officers, Sir Knights, and Sisters: Sincerely hoping that, after a pleasant and useful sojourn at Jericho, we may finally meet and be accepted in the Grand Lodge above, I now declare this Lodge closed until our next regular communication, unless called together by special emergency; in which case due notice will be given. Sir Knights and Sisters, farewell.