The Sigma Chi Charge

Part 1.

My brothers, having been found worthy, you have

had the ceremonies of Initiation conferred upon you, a distinction

which few merit, and an honor to which few attain.

Part 2.

By this act of ours you know yourself to be the special object of our

esteem. By this act of ours you know that our implicit confidence

is placed in you.

Part 3.

You are never to engage in anything that would

prove derogatory to your character as a high-minded man and a

gentleman. Let your conduct at all times be an evidence to the

world of the noble purposes and designs of this Fraternity. Let your

motives be pure and honest, and in your intercourse with others let

your deportment be genteel and affable, being ever mindful of what

you speak, to whom, when, and where.

Part 4.

In a word, let your life be

an exemplary one; by so doing you will not only identify yourself

with respectable society, but you will advance the interests of the

Fraternity of which you now have the honor of being a member.

Part 5.

Our brothers, who are found in all parts of the world-North,

South, East, and West-and on whose breasts glitters in its purity,

the emblem or our Fraternity, will always receive you with welcome

hands and warm hearts, and stand ever ready to assist you in

time of need.

Part 6.

Henceforth you are bound to us by the most sacred

ties of friendship and love. In weal or in woe, in sickness or health,

in poverty or wealth, through youth, manhood, and old age, you are

indissolubly linked to us by that firm chain, the links of which can

only be broken by the angel of death.

Part 7.

Your joys, your sorrows, your

afflictions, have all become ours. When the dark clouds of adversity

gather around you and your heart is sore, your faith weak, and

your courage well-nigh gone, forget not that there are strong arms

around you, true hearts upon which to rest, and tender sympathies

from which to draw consolation for the past, comfort for the present,

and hope for the future.

Part 8.

Remember, too, that the bond is reciprocal. To you we have committed

the care of our reputation, and our honor is in your keeping.

The stain of dishonor will blacken not your character alone, but

will also rest upon us.

Part 9.

Think no thought, utter no word, do no deed,

which will, through you, cause the name of Sigma Chi to be dishonored.

Strive ever to conform to that standard of manhood which

is noblest and best.

Part 10.

Cherish within your heart the love of those

principles which control and direct the actions of all truly honorable

men, keeping ever before you the obligations which you have

voluntarily taken upon yourself.

Part 11.

Let your whole life be such that

when you go down to the dark river of death and its chill water

dampens your feet, you may be able to say, looking back over your

past life

Part 12.

I have fought the good fight; I have finished my work; The

White Cross of Sigma Chi has gained new luster by my life

Part 13.

Bidding you Godspeed, my brothers, I greet you forever in the

sacred bonds of Sigma Chi.