4.  We have already adverted to the fact that concealment is resorted to in order to take advantage of “a weakness in human nature,” and to recommend things which, if known generally, would be disregarded.  Is it right to use the name and oath of God for the accomplishment of such purposes?  Is it right to use the name and oath of God in order to take advantage of “a weakness in human nature,” and to invest with fictitious charms things which, if seen in the clear light of day, would be regarded with indifference or contempt?  The taking of oaths for such purposes, and under such circumstances will generally be avoided by those who give good heed to the command, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”

5.  While we do not claim that there is any passage of Scripture which expressly declares the initiatory oaths under consideration to be profane and sinful, at the same time there are many passages which require us to beware how and when we swear: 

“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation.” (James v:  12.) Does not this command condemn those who swear to keep secret they know not what, and to fulfill obligations which devolve upon them as members of an association, before they know fully what that association is, or what those obligations are?  Should not every one consider himself admonished not to swear such an oath lest he fall into condemnation?  Again:  Our Savior says, “Swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king.  Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black; but let your communication be yea, yea, nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil.”  These words were spoken in condemnation of those who employed oaths frequently and on improper occasions.  They should make every one hesitate in regard to swearing, in any form, on his initiation into an order the obligations and operations of which have not yet been revealed to him.  Once more:  “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God, for God is in heaven and thou upon earth; therefore, let thy words be few.” (Eccl. v:  2.) Is it not a rash thing to bind one’s self by the oath of God to keep secret things as yet unknown, or to bind one’s self to conform to unknown regulations and usages?  In view of these declarations of the Word of God, it certainly would be well to avoid taking such oaths as generally are required of the members of secret associations at their initiation.