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.