An Orangeman should have a sincere love and veneration for his Almighty Maker, a firm and steadfast faith in the Saviour of the world, convinced that he is the only Mediator between a sinful creature and an offended Creator. His disposition should be humane and compassionate; his behaviour kind and courteous. He should love rational and improving society, faithfully regard the Protestant religion, and sincerely desire to propagate its doctrine and precepts. He should have a hatred to cursing and swearing, and taking the name of God in vain; and he should use all opportunities of discouraging those shameful practices. Wisdom and prudence should guide his actions; temperance and sobriety, honesty and integrity direct his conduct; and the honour and glory of his King and country, should be the motives of his exertions.

I do declare that I am not, nor never was, a Roman Catholic or Papist; that I was not, am not, or ever will be a member of the society called ‘United Irishmen’, nor any other society or body of men, who are enemies to his Majesty; or the glorious constitution of these realms; and that I never took the oath to that or any other treasonable society.

… that this District LOL No. 48 desires to place on record its unabated attachment to [h]er Majesty the Queen as the lineal descendant of King William the III, of glorious and pious memory, whose name we hear and further, that we desire to express our continued confidence in the principles of the Orange institution; and on this the bi-centary [sic] year of the landing of King William III, Prince of Orange at Torbay, in 1688, for the preservation of these Kingdoms from tyranny and arbitrary power, we hereby pledge ourselves to extend the work of the Orange organisation in the various districts where we reside.

These extracts capture something of the range of sentiments associated with the Orange Order.