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