The cross is considered as an emblem of self-denial, the immolating of selfish wishes upon the altar of universal good.

In a nobler sense it means not so much self-denial as the creation of nobler desires, so that the individual wants only those things which he rightfully should have; he is not obliged to deny himself, because he asks nothing but that which is noble and pure. In this sense the cross is not so much the emblem of self-denial as an emblem of self-ennoblement the exaltation of self.

The White Cross typifies the purifying of the life from the desire of mere sense pleasures. It means the noble manhood which claims for itself the privilege of chastity and the rewards of purity.

The White Cross army is composed of men and boys over fourteen years of age who unite to resist vice, to secure safety for the home and for society, to become all that becomes true manhood. In organized co-operation there is strength. It is not only the “long pull” and the “strong pull,” but the “pull altogether,” that is thoroughly successful.

Hundreds of men are living the white life individually, but are not associated together in an effort to influence others. Such association would result in more rapidly spreading the idea of the responsibility of the individual, would create public opinion, would give moral support to those who might find their unaided strength inadequate to meet the temptations of the world, in short, would furnish the conditions favorable to the highest ideals of social and individual life.

The White Cross Society aims to unite men in such an organized effort for the elevation of moral standards. Its members are pledged to the keeping of a fivefold obligation. The first of these appeals to the chivalry latent in the heart of every man, making him a protector of every woman, however lonely or friendless she may be, recognizing her potential value to the race; protecting her against his own selfish desires, against the open and covert assaults of other men, against her own unwisdom, if need be.

The second obligation pledges the White Cross knight to a pure heart expressed not only in conduct but in word. He will think and speak reverently of life in all its phases, and help to cleanse the language written or spoken of all that pollutes the heart or vitiates the imagination. The third obligation claims for the White Cross soldier the glory of living up to the highest moral standards, of being as pure as the noblest woman that lives. The fourth recognizes the power of influence and binds the members to a helpful interest in all humanity.

The fifth covers the whole scope of life in the obligation to use every effort to fulfil the command, “Keep thyself pure.” The heart of the true man must throb a quick response to the appeal made to him by the White Cross.

It means marital fidelity, it implies the sanctity of the home, it creates individual purity, and that insures social purity, it means a nobler manhood, a grander womanhood, a safer childhood.

The appeal is made to you individually. Will you not become a White Cross knight? Will you not, even if you cannot join an organized society, become a standard-bearer of the White Cross, pledging yourself to its five obligations? Soon you will find others willing to unite with you in this great work, and the society will be formed.

Each one who reads this book may become a true and faithful knight of the White Cross, no matter where he may be, in city mart or lonely farm, in busy shop or quiet school, and not only may he be a soldier, but he may be a recruiting officer, inducing others to enlist under the White Cross banner.

THE WHITE CROSS PLEDGE.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

I promise, by the help of god:

1. To treat all women with respect, and endeavor to protect
them from wrong and degradation.

2. To endeavor to put down all indecent language and coarse
jests.

3. To maintain the law of purity as equally binding upon men
and women.

4. To endeavor to spread these principles among my companions,
and try to help my younger brothers.

5. To use all possible means to fulfil the command, “Keep
thyself pure."