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.