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knights of malta
CHAPTER XV
the masonic manual
robert macoy
THE Knights of St. John, or Hospitallers of St. John, afterward known
as Knights of Rhodes, and finally called Knights of Malta, was a military
religious Order, established at about the commencement of the Crusades. As
early as 1018, some merchants from Amalfi, in Naples, being struck with
the misery to which the pilgrims were exposed on their road to the Holy
Land, obtained permission of the Caliph of Egypt, to erect a church and
build a monastery near the site of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, which
they dedicated to St. John the Baptist. They entertained all pilgrims that
came for devotion, and cure, the diseased among them. They became eminent
for their devotion, charity, and hospitality. St. John the Baptist, being
their patron, they were called Brethren Hospitallers of St.
John the Baptist of Jerusalem, to distinguish them from the Knights of the
Holy Sepulchre. They took the black habit of the Hermits of St. Augustine,
and on the left breast wore a cross of eight points. "In war they wore
crimson, with a white cross, but in their monasteries, and on the day of
their profession, the black garment only." *)
*) The working of this grade is an Americanism, The Order of Malta
should have no place in Templar Masonry. - ED.
The following passages of Scripture are rehearsed in Encampments of
Knights of Malta:
* * * * * * * *
 And when they were
escaped, then they knew that the Island was called Melita. And the
barbarous people showed us no litle kindness; for they kindled a fire, and
received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the
cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the
fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And
when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said
among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath
escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the
beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should
have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly; but after they had looked a
great while, and saw no harm come to him. - ACTS xxviii. 1-6.
* * * * * * * *
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was,
JESUS OF NAZAIETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. - ST. JOHN xix. 19.
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. -
REV. ii. 10.
* * * * * * * *
 But Thomas, one of the
twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other
disciples, therefore, said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said
unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the prints of the nails, and
put my finger into the prints of the nails, and thrust my hand into his
side, I will not believe. And after eight days, again his disciples were
within, and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and
stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you, etc. - ST JOHN xx.
24-28.
SIR KNTGHT: - Having passed through the several degrees and honorary
distinctions of our ancient and honorable institution - in your admission
to the tesselated Masonic ground floor - your ascent into the middle
chamber - your entrance to the unfinished sanctum sanctorum - your
regularly passing the several gates of the temple - induction to the
oriental chair - witnessing the completion and dedication of that superb
model of excellence, the Temple, which has immortalized the names of our
ancient Grand Masters, and the justly celebrated craftsmen: - having
wrought in the ruins of the first Temple, and from its sacred Royal Arch
brought to light incalculable treasures and advantages to the craft: -
having duly studied into the way and manner of their concealment; also
having been engaged in the hazardous enterprise of traversing an enemy's
dominions, and there convincing a foreign prince that truth is great and
will prevail; therefore, you are now admitted to a participation in those
labors which are to effect the erection of a temple more glorious than the
first, even that beauteous temple of holiness and innocence, whose pillars
are Charity, Mercy and Justice, the foundation of which is in the breast
of every one who has tasted that the Lord is gracious: to whom you come as
unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and
precious.
And now, Sir Knight, we bid you welcome to all these rights and
privileges, even to that disinterested friendship and unbounded
hospitality which ever has, and we hope and trust ever will continue to
adorn, distinguish and characterize this noble order
It will henceforth become your duty, and should be your desire, to
assist, protect and befriend the weary way-worn traveler, who finds the
heights of fortune inaccessible, and the thorny paths of life broken,
adverse and forlorn, - to succor, defend and protect the innocent, the
distressed and the helpless, ever standing forth as a champion to espouse
the cause of the Christian religion.
You are to inculcate, enforce and practice virtue; and amidst all the
temptations which surround you, never be drawn aside from the path of
duty, or forgetful of those due guards and pass-words which are necessary
to be had in perpetual remembrance; and while one hand is wielding the
sword for your Companion in danger, let the other grasp the mystic Trowel,
and widely diffuse the genuine cement of Brotherly Love and
Friendship.
Should calumny assail the character of a brother Sir Knight, recollect
that you are to step forth and vindicate his good name, and assist him on
all necessary occasions. Should assailants ever attempt your honor,
interest or happiness, remember, also, at the same time, you have the
counsel and support of your brethren, whose mystic swords, combining the
virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, with Justice, Fortitude, and Mercy will leap from their scabbards in defence of
your just rights, and insure you a glorious triumph over all your
enemies.
On this occasion permit me, Sir Knight, to remind you of our mutual
engagements, our reciprocal ties; whatever may be your situation or rank
in life you will find those, in similar stations, who have dignified
themselves and been useful to mankind. You are therefore called upon to
discharge all your duties with fidelity and patience, whether in the
field, in the senate, on the bench, at the bar, or at the Holy Altar.
Whether you are placed upon the highest pinnacle of worldly grandeur, or
glide more securely in the humble vale of obscurity, unnoticed, save by a
few; it matters not, for a few rolling suns will close the scene, when
naught but holiness will serve as a sure pass-word to gain admission into
that REST prepared from the foundation of the world.
If you see a brother bending under the cross of adversity and
disappointment, look not idly on, neither pass by on the other side, but
fly to his relief. If he be deceived, tell him the Truth; if he be
calumniated, vindicate his cause; for, although in some instances, he may
have erred, still recollect that indiscretion in him should never destroy
humanity in you.
Finally, Sir Knights, as memento mori is deeply engraved on all
sublunary enjoyments, let us ever be found in the habiliments of
righteousness, traversing the straight path of rectitude, virtue and true holiness, so
that having discharged our duty here below, performed the pilgrimage of
life, burst the bands of mortality, passed over the Jordan of death, and
safely landed on the broad shore of eternity, there, in the presence of
myriads of attending angels, we may be greeted as brethren, and received
into the extended arms of the Blessed Immanuel, and forever made to
participate in his Heavenly kingdom.
* * * * * * * *
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might. Put on the whole armor of GOD that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore,
take unto you the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your
loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of
righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. - EPHES.
vi. 10-17
The Sir Knights will assemble in the room where the ceremonies are to
be performed, and open a Commandery. The jewels are then placed on the
altar. An ode is then sung, succeeded by prayer.
The Grand Marshal will then say, "Right Eminent Grand Commander, a
constitutional number of Knights Templar, duily instructed in the sublime
mysteries of our Orders, and being desirous of promoting the honor of the
same by aiding the cause of humanity, knowledge and virtue,
have applied to proper authority for a warrant or charter to constitute
them a regular Commandery of Knights Templar, and the appendant Orders.
The prayer of their petition having been granted, they are now assembled
for the purpose of being legally constituted, and of having their officers
installed in due and ancient form."
The Grand Commander will then direct the Grand Recorder to read the
charter, which being done, he will ask the members if they still approve
of the officers named in the charter; if they assent, the Grand Commander
will declare:
"By virtue of the high power and authority in me vested, I do now form
you, my worthy brother knights, into a just and regular Commandery of Knights Templar. Henceforth you
are authorized and empowered to form and open a Council of Knights of the
Red Cross, a Commnandery of Knights Templar, and Knights of Malta, of the
Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and to perform all such things as may
appertain to the same; conforming in all your doings to the laws and
constitution of the Grand Commandery, under whose authority you act, and
to the constitution and edicts of the Grand Encampment of the United
States. And may the God of your fathers be with you, guide and direct you
in all your undertakings."
The jewels are now uncovered to solemn music, when the Prelate rises
and says:
"From time immemorial, it has been customary for the Masonic fraternity
to dedicate the different departments of our institution to different
patrons. We dedicate our Lodges to St. John the Baptist, and the
Evangelist; our Chapters to Zerubbabel, and our Commanderies to St. John
the Almoner. We do this not in that superstitious sense in which the
brethren employ the term when they set apart their temples for the worship
of their imaginary deities, nor in that high and solemn sense in which
Christians dedicate their churches to the great Jehovah; but we do it
simply to testify our respect and esteem for the character of those who
have been so eminently beneficial to our institution, and that their
examples may stimulate us to imitate their exalted
virtues
"To our most eminent and worthy Patron St. JOHN the ALMONER, I do now
solemnly dedicate this Commandery, by the name and title of -- Commandery;
and may the God of all grace abundantly bless you in your laudable
undertaking, and may each one of its members so redeem his time, that he
may receive the joyful invitation: 'Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards
men."
Response. - "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen."
The Eminent Commander elect is then presented to the Grand Commander by
the Marshal, who says:
RIGHT EMINENT: - I have the honor to present you Eminent Sir, who has
been elected to the office of Eminent Commander of this Commandery. I find
him to be well skilled in our sublime mysteries, and observant of the
noble precepts of our forefathers, and have, therefore, no doubt but he
will discharge the important duties of his office with fidelity."
The Grand Commander then asks, "Eminent, are you ready to subscribe to
the oath of office?" On his answering in the affirmative, the Grand
Commander will draw his sword, and holding it horizontally, the edge
toward the Eminent Commander elect, who will
place his left hand on the same, and his right hand on his left breast, and
repeat as follows:
"I, A. B., do solemnly promise, upon the honor of a Knight Templar,
that I will, to the best of my knowledge and ability, faithfully discharge
the various duties incumbent upon the office to which I have been elected;
that I will support and maintain the By-Laws of this Commandery, and the
laws and constitution of the Grand Commandery, under whose immediate
authority I act; also the constitution and edicts of the Grand Encampment
of the United States of America."
The Grand Commander will then address the Eminent Commander elect, as
follows:
" EMINENT SIR: - Having been elected to the important and honorable
station of Eminent Commander of this (new) Commandery, it is with
unfeigned pleasure that I enter upon the discharge of the pleasing duty of
installing you into your office. As the head of an institution founded
upon the Christian religion, and the practice of the Christian virtues,
you will sensibly realize the great responsibility of the new relation in
which you now stand to your brethren; and, I am fully persuaded, will so
conduct the important interests about to be committed to your hands, as to
reflect honor upon yourself and credit upon your Commandery. It now, Sir
Knight, becomes my duty to propose certain questions to you, relative to
your office, to which I must request unequivecal
answers.
-
Do you solemnly promise, upon the honor of a Knight Templar, that you
will redouble your endeavors to correct the vices, purify the morals,
and promote the happiness of those of your brethren who have attained
this magnanimous Order?
-
That you will never suffer your Commandery to be opened, unless there
be present seven regular Sir Knights of the Order?
-
That you will not confer the Orders upon any one who has not shown a
charitable and humane disposition: or who has not made a considerable
proficiency in the foregoing Degrees?
-
That you will promote the general good of our Order, and on all
proper occasions be ready to give and receive instructions, and
particularly from the General and State Grand Officers?
-
That to the utmost of your power you will preserve the solemnities of
our ceremonies, and behave, in open Commandery, with the most profound
respect and reverence, as an example to your brethren?
-
That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse with any Commandery
that does not work under a constitutional Warrant or Dispensation?
-
That you will not admit any visitor into your Commandery who has not
been Knighted in a Commandery legally constituted, without his being
first formally healed?
- That you will pay due respect and obedience to the instructions of
the general and State Grand officers, particularly relating to the
several lectures and charges, and will resign the Chair to them
severally, when they may visit your Commandery?
-
That you will support and observe the Constitution of the Grand
Encampment, and the General Regulations of the Grand Commandery under
whose authority you act?
-
That you will bind your successor in office to the observance of the
same rules to which you have now assented?
"Do you submit to all these things? and do you promise to observe and
practice them faithfully?"
Assents.
 EMINENT: - You will
now permit me to invest you with this badge of your office; It is a CROSS,
surmounted by Rays of Light. It is an appropriate and beautiful
emblem of the sublime principles of this magnanimous and Christian Order
of Knighthood. The Cross will remind you of Him who offered up his life as
a propitiation for the sins of the world; and the refulgent rays that
emanate from it, of those divine teachings and sublime precepts which
He has left to guide and direct us in the paths of truth and holiness.
 I present you the
CHARTER of your Commandery. You will receive it as a sacred deposit, and
never permit it to be used for any other purpose than those expressed in
it, and safely transmit it to your successor in office.
I also commit to your hands the HOLY BIBLE, the Great Light in every
degree of Masonry, together with the CROSS SWORDS. The doctrines contained
in this sacred volume, create in us a belief in the existence of the
eternal JEHOVAH, the one only true and living God, the Creator and Judge
of all things in heaven and on earth. They also confirm in us a belief in
the dispensations of his Providence. This belief strengthens our FAITH,
and enables us to ascend the first step of the Grand Masonic Ladder. This
FAITH naturally produces in us a HOPE of becoming partakers of the
promises expressed in this inestimable gift of GOD to man, which hope
enables us to ascend the second step. But the third and the last, being
CHARITY, comprehends the former, and will continue to exert its influence
when Faith shall be lost in sight, and Hope in complete enjoyment.
The CROSS SWORDS, resting upon the HOLY BIBLE, are to remind us that we
should be "strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might;" - that we
should "put on the whole armor of GOD," to be able to wrestle successfully
against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high
places.
  I also present to you the
Constitution of the Grand Encampment of the United States of America; the
Rules and iregulations of the Grand Commandery of this State, and the
By-laws of your Commandery. You will frequently consult them yourself, and
cause them to be read for the information of your Commandery, that all,
being informed of their duty, may have no reasonable excuse to offer for
the neglect of it.
And now, Eminent Sir, permit me to induct you into the Chair of your
Commandery, and, in behalf of the Sir Knights here assembled, to offer you
my most sincere congratulations on your accession to the honorable station
you now fill. It will henceforth be your special duty to preserve
inviolate the Laws and Constitutions of the Order, to dispense justice,
reward merit, encourage truth, and diffuse the sublime principles of
universal benevolence. You will distribute alms to poor and weary pilgrims
traveling from afar; feed the hungry; clothe the naked, and bind up the
wounds of the afflicted. You will inculcate the duties of charity and
hospitality, and govern your Commandery with justice and moderation. And
finally, my brother, may the bright example of the illustrious heroes of
former ages, whose matchless valor has shed undying luster over the name
of Knight Templar, encourage and animate you to the faithful performance
of every duty.
Sir Knigts: - Behold your Eminent Commander, [The Knights
rise and present arms]. Recollect,
Sir Knights, that the prosperity of your Commandery, will as much depend on
your support, assistance and obedience, as on the assiduity, fidelity and
wisdom of your Commander.
The remainder of the officers are then duly qualified, by taking the
oath of office, in the form and manner before stated. The Grand Marshal
then presents the Generalissimo.
 SIR: - You have been
elected Generalissimo of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge
of your office, which is a Square, surmounted by a Paschal
Lamb. When beholding the lamb, let it stimulate you to have, at all
times, a watchful eye over your own conduct, and an earnest solicitude for
the prosperity of the kingdom of the blest Emmanuel, the spotless Lamb of
God, who was slain from the foundation of the world.
The square is to remind you that the institution of Freemasonry,
and the Orders of Knighthood were formerly governed by the same Grand
Masters, and that the same principles of brotherly love and friendshlip
should forever govern the members of both orders. Your station, Sir
Knight, is on the right of your Commander; your duty is to receive and
communicate all orders, signs and petitions: to assist your Commander in
his various duties, and in his absence to preside in the Commandery. The
exercise of all your talents and zeal will be necessary in the discharge
of your various duties. I charge you, therefore, to be faithful to the Sir
Knights with whom you are associated; put them often in remembrance of
those things which tend to their everlasting peace. Finally, "preach to
them the word: be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine;" ever remembering the
promise, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of
life."
 SIR: - You are elected
Captain-General of this Conmmandery. I now invest you with the badge of
your office, which is a Level, surmounted by a Cock. As the
undaunted courage and valor of the cock stimulates him to conquer his
competiton or yield himself a victim to the contest, so should you be
stimulated to the discharge of every duty. You should have on "the
breast-plate of righteousness," so that with patience and meekness you may
ever travel on the level of humility, and be so supplied with
divine grace as to prevent you from selling your God or denying your
Master. Your station is on the left of your Commander. Your duty, among
other things, is to see that the proper officers make all due preparation
for the variois meetings of the Commandery; that the
council chamber and asylum are in suitable array for the introduction of
candidates and the dispatch of business. You are also to receive and
commininicate all orders issued by the Eminent Commander, through the
officers of the line. You are to assist in Council and in the absence of
your Comnmander ard Generalissimo, you are to govern the Commandery. The
distressed widow, the helpless orphan, and the innocent of the weaker sex,
you are ever to assist and protect. But, above all, you are to stand
forth, having your loins girt about with TRUTH, in defense of the
Christian religion from all its enemies. And now I exhort you, that with
fidelity you perform every duty; and "Whatsoever ye do, do heartily as to
the Lord, and not unto men: continue in prayer, and watch in the same with
thanksgiving;" ever bearing in mind the promise, "Be not weary in
welldoing, for in due time you shall reap if ye faint not."
 SIR :- You are elected
Prelate of this Commandery. I have the pleasure of investing you with this
Triple Triangle, which is the badge of your office, and a beautiful
emblem of the Eternal Jehovah. Your station is on the right of the
Generalissimo; your duty is to officiate at the altar; to offer up
prayers and oblations to Deity. The duties of your office are very
interesting and highly important, and will require your early and punctual
attendance at every meeting. Your jewel is to remind you of the importance
of the trust reposed in you; and may "He who is able, abundantly furnish
you for every good work, preserve you from falling into error; improve,
strengthen, establish and perfect you," and, finally, greet you with,
"Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy
Lord."
 SIR: - You are
elected Senior Warden of this Cornmandery. I now invest you with the badge
of your office, which is a Hollow Square and Sword of
Justice. It is to remind you that as the children of Israel marched in
a hollow square, in their journey through the wilderness, in order to
guard and protect the Ark of the Covenant, so should you be
vigilant in guarding every avenue from innovation and error. Let the sword
of justice, therefore, be ever drawn to guard the Constitution of the
Order. Your station is at the south-west angle of the triangle, and upon
the right of the first division. You will attend pilgrim warriors
traveling from afar, comfort and support pilgrim penitents, and
recommend them after due trial, to the favor and protection of the Eminent
Commander. You will be assiduous in teaching your division their duties
and exercises. You will, on all occasions, form the
avenues for the approach and departure of your Commander; and prepare the lines
for inspection and review. Let it be your constant care that the
warrior be not deterred from duty, nor the penitent molested
on his journey. Finally, "Let your light so shine before men, that they
seeing your good works may glorify your Father which is in heaven."
 SIR: - You are elected
Junior Warden of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of your
office, which is an Eagle and Flaming Sword. It is to remind
you to perform your various duties with justice and valor,
having an eagle eye on the prosperity of the Order. Your station is at the
north-west angle of the triangle, and on the left of the third division.
Your duty is to attend weary pilgrims, traveling from afar, conduct them
on their journey, plead their cause, and, by permission of the Grand
Commander, introduce them into the asylum. You will be careful that in
addition to the sandals, staff and scrip, their whole
preparation and deportment be such as shall cause them to be recognized as
children of humility. Teach that "Magna est veritas et
praevalebit" is the motto of our orders and although in the course of
their pilgrimage, they will often find the hights of fortune inaccessible,
and the thorny path of life crooked, adverse and
forlorn; yet, by faith and humility, courage, constancy, and perseverance in the
great duties set before them in the gospel, they may gain admission into
the asylum above there to enjoy the honor and rewards that await
the valiant soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, be ye
perfect, always abounding in the works of the Lord that you may be a
shining light in the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be
hid.
 SIR: - You are elected
Treasurer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of your
office. Your station is on the right of the Eminent Commander, in front.
The qualities which should recommend a Treasurer are accuracy and
fidelity: accuracy, in keeping a fair and minute account of
all receipts and disbursements; fidelity, in carefully preserving all the
property and funds of the Commandery, that may he placed in his hands, and
rendering a just account of the same whenever he is called upon for that
purpose. I presume that your respect and attachment to the Commandery, and
your earnest solicitude for a good name, which is better than precious
ointment, will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your
office.
 SIR: - You are elected
Recorder of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of your
office. Your station is on the left of the Eminent Commander, in front.
The qualities which should recommend a Recorder are, promptitude in
issuing the notifications and orders of his superior officers;
punctuality in attending the meetings of the Commandery;
correctness in recording their proceedings; judgment in
discriminating between what is proper and what is improper to be committed
to writing; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass
through his hands, and fidelity in paying the same over into the
hands of the Treasurer. The possession of these good qualities, I presume,
has designated you as a suitable candidate for this important office; and
I cannot entertain a doubt that you will discharge its duties beneficially
to the Commandery and honorably to yourself. And when you shall have
completed the record of your transactions here below, and finished the
term of your probation, may you be admitted into the celestial
asylum of saints and angels, and find your name recorded in
the LAMB's Book of Life.
 SIR: - You are elected
Standard Bearer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of
your office, which is a Plumb surmounted by a Banner, Your
station is in the west, and in the centre of the second division. Your
duty is to display, support and protect the standard of the Order, which I
now with pleasure, confide to your valor. You will remember that it is our
rallying point in time of danger; and when unfurled in a just and virtuous
cause, you will never relinquish it to an enemy but with your life. Let,
therefore, your conduct be such as all the virtuous will delight to
imitate; let the refulgent rays which ever emanate from pure
benevolence and humility, diffuse their luster on all
around, that it may encourage and animate all true and courteous knights,
and, at the same time, confound and dismay all their enemies.
 SIR: - You are elected
Sword Beaer of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of your
office, which is a Trinangle and Cross Swords. Your station
is on the right of the Standard Bearer, and on the right of the second
division, when formed in line. Your duty is to watch all orders and
signals from the Eminent Commander, and see that they are promptly obeyed. You are
also to assist in the protection of the banners of the Order, and with a
heart lively devoted to the principles of Faith, Hope and
Charity; with the mystic sword that is endowed with justice
and fortitude, and tempered by mercy, in your hand, you may
cast your eyes upon the standard, and remember that "In hoc signo
vinces" is an expressive motto of our Order, and consoling to the
heart of every believer.
 SIR:-You are elected
Warder of this Commandery. I now invest you with the badge of your office,
which is a Square Plate, with a Trumpet and Cross
Swords engraved thereon. Your station is upon the left of the Standard
Bearer, and upon the left of the second division, when formed in line.
Your duty is to announce the approach and departure of the Eminent
Commander; to post the sentinels, and see that the asylum is duly
guarded. You will, also, report all petitions from visitors and strangers,
and communicate the orders of your superior officers; and I charge you to
be punctual in your attendance at our meetings, and indefatigable in the
discharge of your important duties; for though yours is among the last
offices in the Commandery, it is by no means the least in
importance.
 SIR KNIGHTS: - You are
appointed Captains of the Guards. I now invest you with your badge of
office, which is a Square Plate, with a Battle Ax engraved
thereon. Your post is that of honor as well as danger. You will therefore
be vigilant, and challenge with spirit, examine with caution,
admonish with candor, relieve cheerfully, protect
with fidelity, and fight valiantly.
SIR KNIGHTS: - To manage and conduct the concerns of a Commandery of
Knights Templar with that promptitude, integrity and skill which the
institution demands, will require the exercise of all the talents, and
perseverance of its officers and members. Are any of you solicitous that
your equals and inferiors should conduct themselves toward you with
deference and respect? you will be sure to let no opportunity pass without
furnishing them an example in your own conduct toward your superiors. The
officers will recollect that those moral and religious duties and precepts
which they, from time to time, so forcibly impress upon the minds of
others, should by no means be neglected by themselves; as the most
effectual way to insure success, is to let precept and example go hand in
hand.
I would therefore exhort one and all of you to look well to the East,
to the West, to the North and to
the South, and see that the entering avenues are strictly guarded,
and that you suffer no one to pass the threshold of your asylum but the
worthy children of humility, and, at the same time, that you
suffer no one to walk among you disorderly without admonition or reproof.
While such is the conduct of the officers and members, you may rest
assured that this valiant magnanimous order will forever flourish like the
green bay tree. And now, my worthy Sir Knights, I would address you
in the language of David to his beloved city, "Peace be within thy walls,
and prosperity within thy palaces." For my brethren and companions' sake,
I will now say, Peace be with thee.
The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new Commandery in the following
manner, viz.:
"In the name of the Most Eminent Grand Commandery of the State of --, I
proclaim this new Commandery, by the name of -- Commandery, to be legally
constituted, consecrated, and the officers duly installed."
After the necessary business is finished the Commandery is closed.
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