Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
America.
divine teachings ancl 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 Alasonrytogether ivith the cross swords . The doctrines contained in this sacred
, volume , create iu us a belief in the existence of the eternal Jehovah , the one ouly true and living God , the Creator and Judge of all things in heaven and on earth : they also confirm ns m a belief in the dispensations of His providence . This belief strengthens our faith , and enables us to ascend the first step of the grand Alasonic ladder . This faith naturally produces in us a hope of becoming partakers in the promises expressed in this inestimable gift of God to man , AA'hich hope enables us to ascend the second step . But the third and the last being charity
, comprehends the former , and Avill continue to exert its influence Avhen faith shall be lost in sight , and hope in complete enjoyment . The cross sAvords , resting upon the Holy Bible , arc to remind us that Ave should be " strong in the Lord , and in the power of His might ; " that Ave should "put on the Ai-hole armour of God , " to be able to Avrestle successfully against principalities and poAvers , and spiritual Avickedness in high places . I also present to you the constitution of the Grand Encampment of the United
States of America ; the rules ancl regulations of the Grand Commandery of this state , and the by-laivs of your ( Commandery . You Avill . frequently consult thom 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 HOAV , Eminent , permit mo to induct you into the chair of your Commandery , and , in behalf of the Sir Knights hevo assembled , to offer you my most sincere congratulations on your accession to the honourable station you HOAV fill . It ivill
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 AA'eary pilgrims travelling from afar ; feed the hungry ; clothe the naked , ancl bind up the wounds of the afflicted . You will inculcate the duties of charity and hospitality , and govern your Commandery AA'ith justice and moderation . Aud , finally , my brother , may the bright example of the illustrious heroes of former ages ,
whose matchless valour has shed undying lustre over the name of Knight Templar , encourage aud animate you to the faithful performance of every duty . Sir Knights , —Behold your Commander . [ The Knights rise , ancl present arms . ] Recollect , Sir Knights , that the prosperity of your Commandery will as much depend on your support , assistance aud obedience , as on the assiduity , fidelity and Avisdom of your Commander . Tho remainder of the officers are then duly qualified , by taking tlie oath of office , in the form and manner before stated . Tho Grand Marshal then presents the Generalissimo .
CIIAHGE TO THE GENERALISSIMO . Sir . —You haA'e been elected Generalissimo of this Commandery . I now invest you Avith the badge of your oflice , ivhich is a Square , surmounted by a Paschal Lamb . AA'hen beholding the lamb , let it stimulate you to have , at all times , a Avatchful eye over your own conduct , and an earnest solicitude for the prosperity of the kingdom of the blessed Immaiiuel , the spotless Lamb of God , ivho was slain from the foundation of the world . The square is to remind you that the institution of Freemasonry ancl the Orders
of Knighthood AA'ere formerly governed by the same Grand Masters , and that the same principles of brotherly love and friendship should for ever govern the members of both Orders . Your station , Sir Knight , is on tho 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
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
America.
divine teachings ancl 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 Alasonrytogether ivith the cross swords . The doctrines contained in this sacred
, volume , create iu us a belief in the existence of the eternal Jehovah , the one ouly true and living God , the Creator and Judge of all things in heaven and on earth : they also confirm ns m a belief in the dispensations of His providence . This belief strengthens our faith , and enables us to ascend the first step of the grand Alasonic ladder . This faith naturally produces in us a hope of becoming partakers in the promises expressed in this inestimable gift of God to man , AA'hich hope enables us to ascend the second step . But the third and the last being charity
, comprehends the former , and Avill continue to exert its influence Avhen faith shall be lost in sight , and hope in complete enjoyment . The cross sAvords , resting upon the Holy Bible , arc to remind us that Ave should be " strong in the Lord , and in the power of His might ; " that Ave should "put on the Ai-hole armour of God , " to be able to Avrestle successfully against principalities and poAvers , and spiritual Avickedness in high places . I also present to you the constitution of the Grand Encampment of the United
States of America ; the rules ancl regulations of the Grand Commandery of this state , and the by-laivs of your ( Commandery . You Avill . frequently consult thom 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 HOAV , Eminent , permit mo to induct you into the chair of your Commandery , and , in behalf of the Sir Knights hevo assembled , to offer you my most sincere congratulations on your accession to the honourable station you HOAV fill . It ivill
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 AA'eary pilgrims travelling from afar ; feed the hungry ; clothe the naked , ancl bind up the wounds of the afflicted . You will inculcate the duties of charity and hospitality , and govern your Commandery AA'ith justice and moderation . Aud , finally , my brother , may the bright example of the illustrious heroes of former ages ,
whose matchless valour has shed undying lustre over the name of Knight Templar , encourage aud animate you to the faithful performance of every duty . Sir Knights , —Behold your Commander . [ The Knights rise , ancl present arms . ] Recollect , Sir Knights , that the prosperity of your Commandery will as much depend on your support , assistance aud obedience , as on the assiduity , fidelity and Avisdom of your Commander . Tho remainder of the officers are then duly qualified , by taking tlie oath of office , in the form and manner before stated . Tho Grand Marshal then presents the Generalissimo .
CIIAHGE TO THE GENERALISSIMO . Sir . —You haA'e been elected Generalissimo of this Commandery . I now invest you Avith the badge of your oflice , ivhich is a Square , surmounted by a Paschal Lamb . AA'hen beholding the lamb , let it stimulate you to have , at all times , a Avatchful eye over your own conduct , and an earnest solicitude for the prosperity of the kingdom of the blessed Immaiiuel , the spotless Lamb of God , ivho was slain from the foundation of the world . The square is to remind you that the institution of Freemasonry ancl the Orders
of Knighthood AA'ere formerly governed by the same Grand Masters , and that the same principles of brotherly love and friendship should for ever govern the members of both Orders . Your station , Sir Knight , is on tho 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