“’Samuel Montgomery, “’Henby
Giffard. ’"Nov. 20, 1798.”
“’We associate, to the utmost of our power,
to support and defend his Majesty King George the
Third, the constitution and laws of this country,
and the succession to the Throne in his Majesty’s
illustrious house, being Protestants; for the defence
of our persons and properties; and to maintain the
peace of the country; and for these purposes to
we will be at all times ready to assist the civil
and, military powers in the just and lawful discharge
of their duty. We also associate in honor
of King William the Third, Prince of Orange, whose
name we bear, as supporters of his glorious memory,
and the true religion by him completely established
in these kingdoms. And in order to prove our
gratitude and affection for his name, we will annually
celebrate the victory over James at the Boyne, on
the first day of July, O.S., in every year, which
day shall be our grand Era for ever.
We further declare that we are exclusively a Protestant
Association; yet, detesting as we do, any intolerant
spirit, we solemnly pledge ourselves to each other,
that we will not persecute, injure, or upbraid
any person on account of his religious opinions, PROVIDED
THE SAME BE NOT HOSTILE TO THE STATE; but that
we will, on the contrary, be aiding and assisting’
to every loyal subject, of every religious description,
in protecting him from violence and oppression.
Qualifications requisite for an Orangeman.
“’He should have a sincere love and veneration
for his Almighty Maker, productive of those lively
and happy fruits, righteousness and obedience to his
commands; a firm and steadfast faith in the Saviour
of the world, convinced that he is the only mediator
between a sinful creature and an offended Creator—without
these he cannot be a Christian; of a humane and compassionate
disposition, and a courteous and affable behavior.
He should be an utter enemy to savage brutality and
unchristian cruelty; a lover of society and improving
company; and have a laudable regard for the Protestant
religion, and a sincere desire to propagate its precepts;
zealous in promoting the honor, happiness, and prosperity
of his king and country; heartily desirous of victory
and success in those pursuits, yet convinced and assured
that God alone can grant them. He should have
a hatred of cursing and swearing, and taking the name
of God in vain (a shameful practice), and he should
use all opportunities of discouraging it among his
brethren. Wisdom and prudence should guide his
actions—honesty and integrity direct his
conduct—and the honor and glory of his
king and country be the motives of his endeavors—lastly,
he should pay the strictest attention to a religious
observance of the Sabbath, and also to temperance
and sobriety.
Obligation of an Orangeman.
