Independent Order of Odd Fellow
Ritual of the Second Degree – Degree of Brotherly Love

 
1989

Instructions
 
The purpose of this degree is to impress upon the mind of the candidate the sublime lesson of brotherly love. It is not to be conf erred f or the amusement of the members. It is a degree that appeals to the intelligence of the brothers conferring and receiving it. Nothing shall be permitted which shall, in any manner, off end or humiliate the candidate. No burlesque performance or rough treatment by the robbers, or others, shall at any time be allowed. The brothers assuming the character of robbers must enter the lodge-room quietly and without elaborate floor movements; introduce no work or by-play not authorized by the ritual; perform the part assigned to them in a proper manner, and immediately thereafter quietly leave the room, not again to enter it in disguise, except and unless to participate in illustrative tableaux.
No representation of any character or person not specifically provided by the ritual is permitted.
In conferring this degree the use of any animal, or representation thereof, or noises indicating the presence of any animal, is strictly prohibited.
Appropriate scenery, costumes, and furniture may be used, within reasonable limits, but shall not conflict with the form or language of the ritual. The inn may be placed in any part of the lodge-room, and the Past Grand may deliver his part of the work from such position.
The Priest, Levite and Samaritan only should come and go as required by the work of the ritual. The Samaritan only is permitted to speak. They should journey as if on a common highway, and not pass at various angles across the lodge-room floor. A common defined path is recommended, and these officers may start from, or proceed to any part of the lodge-room. There shall be no change in any part of the written work.
At no time during the conferring of this degree shall anyone other than the Conductor be substituted for the candidate.
Before the candidate is taken into the lodge-room to participate in the second part of this degree, the Conductor shall advise the candidate that he is to represent the "traveler," although he (the Conductor) will substitute for him in the dramatic part while he (the Candidate) is
seated.
 
 
Preliminary
 
Noble Grand: Brother …, are you ready to receive the second degree?
If the brother answers in the affirmative:
Noble Grand: Brothers, we are about to close the lodge in the initiatory degree, to reopen in the first degree. All brothers who have not attained the first degree will retire in form.
Vice Grand answers the countersign.
Noble Grand calls up the lodge.
Noble Grand: Warden, you will declare the lodge closed in the initiatory degree, after which you will ascertain that all present are qualified to sit in the first degree.
Warden: I declare the lodge closed in the initiatory degree.
The Warden will examine the brothers in the proper password, or otherwise satisfy himself that all present are entitled to remain, and report.
Warden: Noble Grand, I find all qualified to sit in the first degree.
Noble Grand: The brothers will advance the sign of the first degree.
Noble Grand will answer the sign.
Noble Grand: Warden, you will proclaim the lodge open in the first degree.
Warden: I proclaim this lodge open in the first degree.
Noble Grand seats the lodge.
Noble Grand: Inside Guardian, inform the Outside Guardian that the lodge is open in the first degree.
Noble Grand: Conductor, present the brother for examination.
The Conductor and candidate will proceed to the center of the floor, when the Noble Grand shall proceed to examine the candidate as follows:
Noble Grand: My brother, What is the alarm at the inner door?
What is the password of the first degree?
For working purposes, how is it given?
What is the explanation of the password?
Demonstrate the sign of the first degree.
What is the memento?
What does it represent?
What are the teachings of the first degree?
If the examination has been satisfactory, the lodge will proceed to open in the second degree, otherwise it should be lowered to the initiatory degree,
Noble Grand: Brothers, we are about to close the lodge in the first degree, to reopen in the second degree. All brothers who have not attained the second degree will retire in form by advancing to the center of the floor and addressing the Vice Grand with the sign of the first degree.
Those not qualified must retire.
Noble Grand calls up the lodge.
Noble Grand: Warden, declare the lodge closed in the first degree.
Warden: I declare the lodge closed in the first degree.
Noble Grand: We are about to open the lodge in the second degree. Warden, ascertain that all are qualified to sit in the second degree.
Warden: Noble Grand, I find all qualified.
Noble Grand: The brothers will advance the sign of the second degree.
The Noble Grand will give the answer.
Noble Grand: Warden, proclaim the lodge open in the second degree.
Warden: I proclaim the lodge open in the second degree.
Noble Grand seats the lodge.
Noble Grand: Inside Guardian, inform the Outside Guardian that the lodge is open in the second degree.
If the officers retire to robe, the following form may be used:
Noble Grand: The officers will proceed to robe for the second degree. During their absence Brother …, Past Grand, will officiate as Noble Grand; Brother …, Past Grand, as Vice Grand: and Brother … as Inside Guardian. The officers will retire.
The lodge is called up when the officers retire and re-enter.
Officers retire and re-enter in procession, without form.
Noble Grand seats lodge.
Sufficient opportunity should be given brothers in the anteroom to enter the lodge-room in form. The ceremony shall then proceed, and no brother shall be permitted to enter or leave until the degree has been completed, except as provided.
 
 
Part I
 
Noble Grand: Conductor, present the candidate.
The Conductor retires in form, bearing staff.
Conductor will approach the inner door with the candidate, and give alarm.
Inside Guardian, opening wicket: Who comes there?
Conductor, speaks in a low tone, to the Inside Guardian.
Conductor: A brother who seeks the mysteries of the second degree.
Inside Guardian to Conductor: Why does he seek further knowledge?
Conductor: That he may learn how to discharge his obligation.
Inside Guardian advances to center of floor.
Inside Guardian: Noble Grand, a brother, seeks further knowledge of our mysteries, to learn how to discharge his obligation.
Noble Grand: Admit him, that he may be instructed in the divine lesson of humanity.
Inside Guardian returns to his station and opens the door.
Inside Guardian: You have permission to enter, that you may be instructed in the divine lesson of humanity.
Being admitted, the Conductor will proceed with the candidate to the center of the floor.
Conductor: Noble Grand, I present Brother … giving name in full, who seeks to obtain the mysteries of this degree.
Noble Grand to the candidate: Are you willing to submit to the ordeal by which you may become a brother of this degree?
If the candidate answers in the affirmative:
Noble Grand to the Conductor: Let the brother be taken to the anteroom, that he may re-enter and take another step in fraternity.
The Conductor will retire with the candidate, to the anteroom, without form.
 
 
Part II
 
The Conductor will blindfold the candidate, place a short cloak upon him, and conduct him to the inner door, where the Conductor will give the usual alarm.
Inside Guardian, opening the wicket: Who comes there?
Conductor: A brother who is ready to receive the mysteries of this degree.
Inside Guardian to Conductor: Where does he come from?
Conductor: From Jerusalem , and is traveling to Jericho on a mission of humanity.
Inside Guardian advances to center of floor.
Inside Guardian: Noble Grand, a brother traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho on a mission of humanity, is ready to receive the mysteries of this degree.
Noble Grand: Admit him in the name of that humanity which he invokes.
Inside Guardian returns to his station and opens the door.
Inside Guardian: Enter in the name of that humanity which you invoke.
The Conductor enters with the candidate and conducts him around the room.
Vice Grand, as candidate is passing his station: Noble Grand, a traveler is passing this way.
Noble Grand, as candidate approaches chair of Noble Grand: Traveler, where are you going?
Conductor for the candidate: To Jericho .
Noble Grand: Let the traveler go down to Jericho , and may no danger meet him by the way.
The blindfold should be raised during the illustration of the "pines on the mountain-side," "the sea," or "row of green trees." The candidate should be permitted to see dramatic parts, but while marching between scenes the blindfold shall be closed.
The Conductor walks around the room several times with the candidate, and speaks as follows:
Conductor: The day is fine; the way is pleasant, and let us hope that the journey will be safe.
How those pines cluster on the mountainside, and in the distance the sea is calm and beautiful.
That row of green trees marks the course of Jordan , the sacred river of the chosen people.
We have traveled far and safely, but are now approaching a narrow defile of the hills.
Before proceeding on our journey, let us rest beneath these trees, for we are worn and weary.
A member will now take charge of the candidate, remove the blindfold and seat him at some distance from the robbers' attack, but where he can witness the drama being enacted.
Conductor sits upon the floor, or low elevation, and while in a sitting or reclining position, is attacked. Several members, disguised as robbers, surround him and cry out: "Seize him!" "Kill him!" "Off with his cloak!" The robbers shall seize the robe of the Conductor, but they shall not attack the candidate, offer him any indignities, nor place their hands upon him in any manner.
The robbers must confine their attack exclusively to the Conductor, and shall leave that officer lying upon the floor.
No rough usage is permitted or allowed, and the Noble Grand (and the Grand Master of the jurisdiction) is charged with the duty of seeing that this order is strictly enforced.
After the attack, the robbers shall retire from the room, carrying with them the robe of the Conductor. They shall have no further connection with the degree, and may subsequently appear only in illustrative tableaux.
Conductor, speaking slowly and painfully to himself: Alas! Alas! I am stripped—of my raiment—wounded—and left—to die. Calling a little louder: Help! Help! Pause, speaking to himself: Ah! A priest is passing—surely he will help me. Pause. Calling a little louder: Help! Holy servant of the Temple — I am robbed —and wounded!
Right Scene Supporter, as Priest, advances, looks upon him, and continues on.
Conductor, pausing, then speaking to himself: God of Israel , help me! A priest has seen me— wounded and dying— and passed me by! Calling a little louder: Help! Help! Pause. Looks steadily down the room. Speaking to himself: Ah! a Levite—pause—he stops—pause—he comes this way—pause—he is here.
Calling a little louder: Oh, son of Levi, servant of the altar, help me! I am robbed and wounded!
Left Scene Supporter, as Levite, advances, looks upon him, and continues on.
Conductor, pausing, then speaking to himself: But no—he looks upon me—but has no pity. He also passes by—on the other side. Louder: Help! Help! Son of Levi, help me! Pause. T o himself: He also—has forsaken me. Must I linger here— and die?
Pause. Gazing about him, sees Samaritan approaching from the distance: But who comes this way? Pause. A hated Samaritan—an enemy of my people. Samaritan passes.
Conductor, louder: Help! Help! Man of Samaria —I am wounded—and dying!
Conductor falls back as if unconscious. Samaritan halts as he hears cry for help, and returns to Conductor.
Warden, as Samaritan: What have we here? Looks searchingly at Conductor.
An Israelite—wounded and bleeding by the wayside. Poor man! he is about to perish! Pauses, as if in contemplation. Shall I aid him? Pause. Turns and moves away, exclaiming: No! He is hostile to Samaria and to me. Let him die!
Passes by, then halts, and, after meditation, turns back, exclaiming: Is he not, after all, my brother? Advances rapidly to Conductor, kneels beside him, and lays his hands upon him in ministration, raising him to a sitting position.
Samaritan: My friend, you shall not die! I will minister to your relief. Take this garment for protection. Takes off his own cloak and places it upon the Conductor. Let me bind up your wounds and comfort you.
Binds imaginary wounds. Never fear, I am no longer your enemy. Look upon me as a friend. Arise, and lean upon me.
Samaritan assists Conductor to rise and both walk slowly around the room. The Samaritan supporting the Conductor by placing his arm around him.
Come, cheer up! Take heart! We will soon find a place of safety. Lean more upon me—I
will help you. Courage, my friend! Your strength will not fail. Approaching the inn. Here is an inn, a place of refuge.
Speaking louder, as if calling: Ho there! Ho! Open, landlord!
Samaritan raps on floor with his staff, and landlord appears at door of inn.
Past Grand, as host: What have we here? An Israelite and a Samaritan? When had these dealings with each other?
Samaritan: This, is a wounded man, who fell among thieves; give him attention, for he has been robbed and left for dead.
Host: The door is open; enter, travelers.
Samaritan, Conductor, and Host enter inn, After a short delay, Samaritan leaves inn to resume his journey. The Host accompanies him to the door of the inn, and the following dialogue there ensues:
Samaritan: Host, care for the traveler, as if he were our brother.
Host: But who will pay me?
Samaritan: Take this money handing landlord small coins and provide for him.
I am a poor man, but whatever you spend, when I return, I will pay you.
Host: He shall be cared for, good Samaritan; he shall be cared for.
The candidate shall be led to the inn by a brother.
Samaritan proceeds on his journey. Appropriate music may be played or sung. While the Samaritan is passing around the room, the Conductor clothes himself, in the inn, with the robe worn by that officer in the initiatory degree. He shall wear a turban and bear a staff. The Conductor shall show no evidence by his dress or appearance of having been attacked.
The Samaritan again arrives at the inn, raps, and is admitted. After a short delay, he reappears, followed by the Conductor and Candidate. The Conductor addresses the Samaritan as follows:
Conductor, for the candidate: Man of Samaria , for many years there has been no love between our people. A true son of Israel , I was taught to have no dealings with a Samaritan, but when I was wounded and dying by the wayside, you considered not my country nor my creed. When I was naked, you clothed me; when I was hungry, you fed me; when I was thirsty, you gave me a drink. In my need you were my brother and my friend. May the blessing of Israel fall on you man of Samaria !
Samaritan: My brother, I wish you well.
After salutations, the Samaritan proceeds to his station. The Conductor, with candidate, proceeds in the opposite direction to the Chair of the Noble Grand, and as they slowly walk around the room, the Chaplain may recite the following, or solemn and appropriate music may be played or sung:
Chaplain: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: there is no other commandment greater than these.
If you love them who love you, what reward have you? And if you salute your brothers only, what do you more than others?
Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.
That you may be the children of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on the  evil and on the good, and sends the rain on the just and on the unjust.
Therefore, all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you to them: for this is the law of the prophets.
Conductor and candidate arrive at the Chair of the Noble Grand.
Right Supporter of Noble Grand: Noble Grand, the traveler has returned.
Noble Grand to the candidate: Traveler, how did you fare on the journey?
Conductor for the candidate: I was robbed and left for dead. A priest saw me, and a Levite looked upon me. A Samaritan also came that way. The priest and the Levite were my brothers of the seed of Abraham. The Samaritan was an enemy of my people.
Pause. He alone had compassion.
Noble Grand to the candidate: Which of these was your true brother and friend?
Conductor for the candidate: He was my brother and friend who had mercy on me.
Noble Grand to the candidate: Go traveler, and do likewise; and know that the true priest is not alone of the Temple , nor the true Levite of the altar, but he only is the servant of God, and your brother, who delivers the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him that has no helper.
Noble Grand calls up the lodge.
Noble Grand to the lodge: Brothers, what think you of that which you have witnessed?
The Lodge, led by the Vice Grand: He is my brother and friend who has mercy on me.
Noble Grand seats the lodge.
The Conductor proceeds with the candidate to the center of the floor, and both face the Noble Grand.
Noble Grand: My brother, I will instruct you in the mysteries of this degree.
The Noble Grand instructs, according to the unwritten work: In this degree there is an alarm at the inner door, a password, a sign, and an answer to the sign.
Wishing to visit a lodge which is open in the second degree, you will proceed as instructed in the initiatory degree, except that you will give to the Inside Guardian the password of this degree and address the Vice Grand with the sign of this degree.
Wishing to leave the lodge before it is closed in the second degree, you will address the Vice Grand with the sign of the second degree, and that officer will answer you with the proper sign. The Inside Guardian will then permit you to depart.
You will give me the sign of the second degree, and I will respond with the answer.
After a satisfactory rehearsal, the Noble Grand shall proceed with the lecture. During the delivery of this lecture, appropriate illustration may be made by tableaux or projector.
 
 
Lecture of the Degree of Brotherly Love
 
Noble Grand: My brother, in the preceding degree of friendship, you assumed an obligation which changed your relations to a vast number of persons. You can never forget the hour when you were the object of envy and hatred, and were cheered by a spectacle of confidence and devotion. It was a moment of heartfelt enjoyment when your hand was grasped in friendship, and a voice full of sympathy gave you encouragement. It was then that two hearts melted into one in a solemn league and fraternal covenant. By that engagement of friendship, you are bound to perform the offices of brotherly love, which causes the strong to support the weak, the young to reverence the old, the rich to help the poor, the educated to instruct the ignorant, the well to nurse the sick; and thus by noble acts and deeds to reflect the goodness of the Father of all men. Heaven has witnessed your vow, and the Common Father has smiled upon that compact. All Odd Fellows are now your comrades, your advisors and your friends. A solemn duty has been devolved upon you, and you have been taught how it ought to be performed.
The central link in the chain of Odd Fellowship is mutual assistance. Fraternity, unless embodied in acts of humanity, is an empty name. If a brother is naked and destitute of daily food, and you say to him, "Depart in peace! be warmed and filled"— but you do not give him those things which are needful for the body, what does it profile? The answer is obvious: he who witnesses suffering and does not hasten to relieve it, is ignorant of the lesson that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
He is an enemy of his race who does not care for its welfare, but is wedded to selfishness and greed.
My brother, in this degree of brotherly love, you have acted a part in a famous drama, which has received the plaudits of the world for many generations. You were assaulted and robbed, wounded and left upon the highway to perish. A priest of the Temple journeyed that way and saw your condition; his office required that he should have pity, but he passed on, and left you to die by the wayside. A Levite, who swung the golden censer in the holy place, and served at the consecrated altar, also saw you, and approached and looked upon you; but he, like the robbers and the priest, abandoned you to your fate. And then, an enemy, journeying that way, found you bleeding and suffering. He knew that you were not of his religion, nor of his people, and that you were not his friend; he had no fortune and no tithes with which to pay for your nursing and support, yet, wonderful to relate, his compassion was moved; he stopped— he ran to your relief. How tenderly he raised your stricken body and poured balm into your wounds— how gently he brought you to life by words of pity and encouragement! You can never forget that he exposed himself to the keen mountain winds when he took off his cloak and wrapped it around you. How carefully he led you to the inn, and with what liberality he gave the money that assured you of shelter and safety.
Such is the story of the good Samaritan. As Odd Fellows, we seek to imitate this memorable example. Learn from this history that he only is an Odd Fellow who has pity and mercy, and who hastens to the relief of a brother in distress. Membership in a lodge is nothing, the obligation of friendship is nothing, the assertion of our principles less than nothing, unless we have brotherly love, which is the bond of unity.
Such, my brother, is the lesson of this degree.
Noble Grand: Conductor, clothe the candidate in the regalia of this degree, the emblematic color of which is blue.
Conductor advances to Chair of the Noble Grand, receives regalia from that officer, returns to center of floor, and places regalia upon the candidate.
Noble Grand calls up the lodge.
Noble Grand: Brother … giving name in full: I welcome you to the degree of brotherly love, to which, in the name and by the authority of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, I declare you admitted.
Noble Grand seats the lodge.
Conductor escorts candidate to a seat.
If officers retire to disrobe, the following form may be used:
Noble Grand: The officers will retire.
During their absence, Brother …, Past Grand, will officiate as Noble Grand; Brother …, Past Grand, as Vice Grand; and Brother … as Inside Guardian.
The lodge is called up when the officers retire and when they re-enter.
The officers retire and re-enter in procession, without form.
Noble Grand calls up the lodge.
Noble Grand: Warden, declare the lodge closed in the second degree and open in the initiatory degree.
Warden: I declare the lodge closed in the second degree, and proclaim it open in the initiatory degree.
Noble Grand seats the lodge.
Noble Grand: Inside Guardian, inform the Outside Guardian that the lodge is open in the initiatory degree.
Inside Guardian retires and re-enters without form.

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