of his courage and
constancy."

Q. What followed? A. The Senior Warden then detached a party of
Knights to escort me to the altar, where, in due form, I took upon me
the obligation of a Knight Templar.

Q. What was that due form? A. Kneeling on both knees upon two cross
swords, my body erect, my naked hands covering the Holy Bible, Square,
and Compass, with two cross swords lying thereon, in which due form I
received the solemn obligation of Knight Templar.

Q. Repeat the obligation.

"I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of
Almighty God and this Encampment of Knight Templars, do hereby and
hereon most solemnly promise and swear, that I will always hail,
forever conceal, and never reveal, any of the secret arts, parts,
or points appertaining to the mysteries of this Order of Knight
Templars, unless it be to a true and lawful companion Knight
Templar, or within the body of a just and lawful Encampment of
such; and not unto him or them, until by due trial, strict
examination, or lawful information, I find him or them lawfully
entitled to receive the same. Furthermore do I promise and swear,
that I will answer and obey all due signs and regular summons,
which shall be given or sent to me from regular Encampments of
Knight Templars, if within the distance of forty miles, natural
infirmities and unavoidable accidents only excusing me.
Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will help, aid, and
assist with my council, my purse, and my sword, all poor and
indigent Knight Templars, their widows and orphans, they making
application to me as such, and I finding them worthy, so far as I
can do it without material injury to myself, and so far as truth,
honor, and justice may warrant. Furthermore do I promise and
swear, that I will not assist or be present at the forming and
opening of an Encampment of Knight Templars, unless there be
present seven Knights of the Order, or the representatives of
three different Encampments, acting under the sanction of a legal
warrant. Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will go the
distance of forty miles, even barefoot and on frosty ground, to
save the life and relieve the distresses of a worthy Knight,
should I know that his distresses required it, and my abilities
permit. Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will wield my
sword in defence of innocent virgins, destitute widows, helpless
orph