CHAPTER XXXV.

LXITED SOXS OF IXDUSTRY.
The Chaplain defines his duties as: "To coniact the devotional exercises and perform such other duties as the President may direct."
OPEXIXG PRAYER BY CIFAPL VTN.
"Almighty Maker of the Universe, and giver of every good to maiikind, we return our heartiest thanks to Thee, that we are permitted to again assemble here. Be with all connected with our Order, and aid us in extending its benefits in all parts of our land. Be with all Orders and associations having for their object the advancement of education and the moral welfare and happiness of mankind. Amen."
The candidate for initiation in the different degrees of Apprentice, Journeyman and ^Master Mechanic, has to pass through the usual process of examination, cross- questioning, etc., till lie is told to kneel before an open ooffin containing a skeleton, representing a dead traitor to the Order, liis right hand resting on the coffin and left hand on his breast :
President : "Brotlier , if you are still willing
to proceed, you will repeat after me the following ob- ligation:
MASTER MECIIAXIC'S OBLIGATION".
In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses
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assembled in this duly organized Lodge of United Sons of Industry, now working in the Third, or Master Me- chanic's Degree, do most solemnly affirm that I will never reveal any or either of the secrets that may be committed to my care now, or at any other time, to any person or persons, upon any pretence whatsoever, unless to a worthy brother of this degree, and then only when I am duly authorized so to do for the good of the Order. The Grand Hailing Sign of Distress or the words which ac company it, I will never give under any circumstances, unless my life is in. danger or for the purpose of instruc- tion ; and should I see that sigh given by. day or hear the word which accompanies it by night, I will go to the assistance of the brother in distress, and aid or relieve him if in my power. Furthermore, should I at any time see or hear of a worthy brother of this degree about to be despoiled unlawfully of any property, or any undue advantage taken of him, I will warn him of such if within my power. Should I at any time have any place of emolument at my disposal, and a worthy brother of this degree apply for such, I shall give him the prefer- ence, I deeming him capable of fulfilling the duties requisite thereof. Binding myself upon the violation of this oWigation to no less penalty than total expulsion from the Order. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this, my solemn vow and obligation, of this, the Master Mechanic's Degree of the United Sons of In- dustry.''
President : '^Brother, which do you most desire : light or darkness?"
Candidate: "Light."
President: "Give our brother light."
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(At the head and foot of the coffin stand two masked persons in long black robes, and on the right hand side of the coffin stands the Chaplain, in a long white robe, also masked. As the hoodwink is removed from candidate's eyes, they each point with forefinger at the skeleton, when the Chaplain exclaims: "Behold the secret doom.") •
Vice President: "My brother, behold the traitor'3 doom. He whom you first saw surrounded by friends, who would have shielded him from every danger; who would have been his support in every trial, proved recre- ant to the trust confided to him. Those brothers, for Felf-protection, and in strict compliance with their ob- ligation, were forced to turn against him the sword of Justice as a brother. He fell from the high position to which they had exalted him, his shafts of enmity were turned, his babbling tongue was forever silenced: he met a traitor's doom. Behold ! Beware ! Hold sacred your obligation. Let his fate be an example forever be- fore you; let the impression sink deep into your he That you may be guided aright is the prayer of all these Brothers who now surround you."
President: "Guide the brother still further on his way." (Escort hoodwinks the candidate and marches him three times around the hall, halting in front of the^ President, when hoodwink is removed.)
President : "Brother, as you have taken the third and last step, you are now entitled to all the signs, grips and passwords of this lodge."
' ' CHAPTER XXXVI.
ORDER OF MUTUAL PROTECTIOX.
The opening ode having been sung, the Chaplain shall say :
Chaplain: "We thank Thee, Our Heavenly Father, for the happiness we enjoy in our meetings, for the friendship which binds us together as members, and for the mutual protection which this Order affords. We entreat Thee to assist us to govern our hearts by the blessed law of charity, that we may become more perfect and worthy of our membership and of Thy love and protection."
For initiation the ritual prescribes : "The Bible is to be placed on a stand in front of the Chaplain."
The Chaplain directs the candidate : "Place your right h.'nid on the Bible, pronounce your full name and repeat after me:
"I, , do solemnly promise to assist in carrying
out the objects of this Order and bind and obligate my- self to the faithful discharge, to the best of my ability, of the duties of a member, and that I shall never divulge or make known the business or private work of the lodge to any one not entitled to receive it, for the keeping of which 1 pledge my sacred word of honor."