CHAPTER XXYII.

KNIGHTS or PYTHIAS.
This Order of Knighthood is a secret society, found- ed in 1864, fit Washington, T), C, by prominent Free- masons. The ceremonial is founded on the story of Damon and Pythias, and the principles are: Friend- ship, Charity and Benevolence, with the motto "Be Generous, Brave and True." The first or initiatory rank is that of Page ; the second, the Armorial rank of Esquire; and the third, the C.'hivalric rank of Knight. The Chaplain in the Order of Knights of Pythias is called Prelate. At the opening of a "Castle," as the meetings are called, he says :
Prelate (standing) : "My station is at the left of the Chancellor Commander, opposite the altar. My du- ties are to administer the obligation, to offer invoca- tions to the Deity and ask His blessing upon our brotherhood; and to perform all other services required of me by the laws of the Order and the by-laws of this Lodge."'^
The Chancellor, explaining his duties, asks : "What is the duty of every member of this Lodge?" All: "To avoid anger and dissension; to work to- gether in the spirit of fraternity; to exemplify the friendship of Damon and Pythias."
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Chancellor Commander: "To aid us in this work, the Prelate will invoke the divine assistance." .
Prelate: ''Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we humbly ask Thy blessing upon the officers and members of this Lodge. Aid us to avoid anger and dissension; help us to work together in the spirit of fraternity; and inspire us to exemplify the friendship of Damon and Pythias. Hear and answer us, we beseech Thee. Amen."
All: ''Amen."
OPEXIXfi ODE.
God bless our knightly band, P'irm may it ever stand. Through ptorm and night.
When the wild tempests rave, Tluler of wind and wave, Do Thou our Order save By Thy great might.
For this our ]u*ayers ascend God bless, protect, defend, God guard our rights; Thou who art ever nigh, Viewing with watchful eve To Thee aloud we cry "God save the Knights."
The Master-at-Arms goes up to the altar, opens the book of laws and places the sword of defense in proper position.
.\t the initiation for the rank of Page the ritual pre- K-ribes:
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*'Oii two trestles, twelve inches high, covered by a black pall reaching to the floor, shall be placed an open coffin, which siiall contain a skeleton. On the coffin shall be two cirossed swords, with the hilts towards the Prelate, and on these the open book of law."
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In above diagram the regular station of each otticer is correctly shown and the illustration correctly thowg the Pre- late standing opposite Candidate but the Master at Arms should stand at the rlgnt of the Candidate.
The candidate is blindfolded and a white sash, ex- tending from the right shoulder to and below the left hip, is put upon him.
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When he is brought before the Prelate this official says:
« * * * Master-at-Arms, require the stranger to kneel upon both knees, place his left hand upon his left breast, and his right hand, palm downward, on the book of law."
The hoodwink is removed and the candidate says: "I, N. N"., solemnly promise tliat I will never reveal the password, grip, signs, or any other secret or mystery of this rank, except in a Lodge of this Order, recognized by and under the control of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of tJie World, or when being examined by the proper officers of a Lodge, or to one whom I know to be a member of this rank. I further promise that I will not become a member of, recognize, or countenance any organization using the name of this Order or any de- rivative thereof, which is not recognized by and under the control of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias •of the World. I further promise that I will obey the laws and, as far as possible, comply with the require- -jnents of the Order. I further promise that I will heed the teachings of this rank, and seek to profit thereby; and, as I meet the members of this Order, I will en- deavor to exemplify, in my conduct and my demeanor toward them, the principles of friendship embodied in the lesson of to-night. To the faithful performance of this obligation I pledge my sacred word of honor. So help me God, and may he Iccep me steadfast.'"
All : Amen. Prelate : Stranger, by this vow you are bound until ^eath.
All : Even unto death.
(A short advice is given, an anthem sung:)
"In the deep hush o'er the earth is stealing,
Father, I come to thee ;
In humbleness of heart I bow, appealing—
Be merciful to me,
Be merciful to me.
Patriarch: You will now arise. My friend, you have pledged your sacred word of honor — man can give no higher pledge. You have called upon the Kuler of the Universe to aid you in keeping the obligation in- violate.
(Between candidate, master-at-arms and vice-chancel- lor a conversation takes place till candidate is brought before the station of vice-chancellor.)
Master-at-Arms : Vice-Chancellor, I present to you a friend who desires to receive further instructions.