CHAPTER XXXIV.

ORDER OF THE RED CROSS.
This Order is usually referred to as Knights of the- Red Cross. It was founded in 1879 by members of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Freemasons. Its Titual is based on Biblical incidents. The emblem is a red Greek cross surmounted by a crown, a white five- pointed star in the center, with the motto of the order, *'Omnia pro charitate," on a blue band encircling it. The semi-religions character is evident from the form of prayer and the mode of initiation. The oath is a feature which adds to the marks why a Christian can not join or remain a member of this Order. At the proper time, when the meeting takes place, the Commander says: ^'Brother Prelate, you will invoke the divine blessing.'^
OPEXIXG PRAYER.
Supreme Ruler of the Universe, Maker and Father of all things; who is there in Heaven but Tliee; who upon tarth can stand in competition with Thee ? Thine om- niscient mind brings all things in review, past, present tmd to come. Thine Omnipresent; arm directs the move- ments of the vast Creation. Thine Omnipresent eye per- vades the recesses of every heart. Thy boundless bene- factions supply us with every comfort and enjoyment. Thy unspeakable perfection and glory surpass tlie under- standing of the children of men. We do most humbly invoke Tliy special blessings upon the purpose of our
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assembly. Let this Comrnandery be established in Thy honor and glory; endow the officers with wisdom toi' discern and fidelity to pursue its true interest; may the* members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their superiors, the love they owe to their equals, and the good will they owe to all mankind. Teach us to be charitable to one another, to help each other in time of need, and may the members ever exemplify their love to Thee by their beneficience to their fellow man and eventually en- joy the reward of a well spent life in the heaven of rest on high and Thy name shall have all the glory, Amen.'- ■ (At initiation the candidate is blindfolded, ietc., marched around the hall and stands before the Com-^ ; mander, who says:)
Commander: "Halt! Who are you?" Sergeant : ^One who has come from the outside world to unite with a band of brothers pledged to assist each other to perform acts of kindness, join in the noble work of relieving the distressed, and protecting the widows and orphans of deceased brethren.
Commander : "Such being your desire, you will be conducted to the Altar, there to take upon yourelf an obligation which all of us have taken, and in which you will find nothing that conflicts with any duty you owe to God, your country, your family or yourself." (Sergeant conducts the candidate to the altar.) Commander: "If it is still your wish to become a member of our Order you will -place your hands in a proper position (on the Bible aiid the Square Cross, with the letter C on top; the hands crossed at the wrist), say; I, with 3^our .')wn name, and repeat after me:
"X, , in the presence of the Supreme Ruler of
the universe and the brethren here assembled, do hereby Bolemnly promise and vow not to divulge or make known in any manner whatsoever any of the secrets or mysteries of the Order of the Red Cross, that have been or shall be hereafter communicated to me; that I will acknowledge the Supreme Commandery of this Order, and the Grand Commandery within Avhose jurisdiction I may be, and obey all the laws, rules and regulations governing the same, also the Commandery of which I may hereafter become a member. That I will assist all worthy and distressed brethren of the Order so far as my ability will permit, that I. will give employment to a brother when in my power to do so, in pr thing else being equal; that I Avill not wrong or defraud a brother of this Order, and will give him due and timely notice of impending danger when in my power to do so; that I will assist the widoAvs and orphans of deceased ]nembers and protect them as far as shall lay in my powei". All this I solemnly promise and vow, binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my name stricken from the roll of membership, and to be treated by all good men as one unworthy to hold any honorable.' position in society, so help me the Most High_ the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to keep and perform this, my solemn obligation, as a member of the R(^d Cross/''
Commander: '"'Brother Sergeant, you see before you Ihe Holy Bible, upon which rests the Square Cross and the letter C. Th.e Holy Bible is given us as a rule and guide to our faith. The Square Cross to guide us in the path of rectitude, squaring our action by the square of
Virtue, ever keeping in mind that noblest of virtues, Charity. I will now proceed to make you acquainted with the signs and password of our Order."