Part 3

It was a law of the palace that no one, not even the queen, should enter the king's presence unsummoned, under penalty of death, unless the king should extend the golden sceptre as a signal of pardon.

Esther, attired in her queenly apparel, with heroic purpose, sought the presence of the king. It was the day of the grand council of governors, princes and officers of Persia. The royal guards held all avenues of approach to the council chamber. The king sat upon his throne of gold and ivory, surrounded by the highest officials of his empire. The queen approached. The guards and palace officials were stricken with terror at the unbidden advance of the queen. The king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion. Queen Esther, fixing her eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king, firmly advanced to the foot of the throne, at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise. She secured pardon by laying her hand upon the golden sceptre which he extended to her. Graciously, said the king, "What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." Esther's perilous adventure was successful.

The king relented from his cruel purpose, and spared the chosen people.

The sign of this degree is given by--

Repeat from secret work. (9.)

The pass. (10.)

The color appropriate to this degree is white; a symbol of light, purity, and joy, and should teach us that a pure and upright life is above the tongue of reproach.

The Crown and Sceptre united is an emblem of royalty and power.

Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fourth point of the Star for further instruction.

The candidate is conducted around Esther's chair, leaving the chair to the right across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around Adah's chair to Martha for instruction.

During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following:

_W. P._ "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

"Then said the king unto her, 'What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.'"

_Cond._ Sister Martha.

Martha rises and takes her position at the _left_ of her chair.

_Martha._ Sister Conductress.

_Cond._ I present this sister to be instructed in the sublime virtue of a trustful faith, in the hour of trial, and hope of immortal life, as illustrated in the history of Martha.

_Martha._ The history of Martha is that of a young woman oppressed with grief at the loss of an only brother.

The family, consisting of Martha, and Mary, and their brother Lazarus, were residents of Bethany. They were known among the people of the country as followers of Christ. During the absence of Jesus, Lazarus was taken ill, and in a short time died. At the close of the fourth day, intelligence reached them that Jesus was returning to Bethany. Martha hastened to meet him, raising her hands imploringly towards his face, looking upward with suppressed emotion, cried aloud, "Lord if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."

"Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again."

"Martha saith unto him, 'I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.'"

"Jesus saith unto her, I am the Resurrection and the Life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. Believest thou this?" Here is the record of her unfaltering trust; here the record of her hope, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, that beyond the grave, the loved ones gone before are waiting to welcome us to our eternal home.

In the measureless realm of time, how brief is our earthly life; yet how momentous and eternal its issues! Life's experiences, coming thick and fast, are the soul's appointed means of growth. To-day, we build our castles, to-morrow, fickle fortune snatches from hope the promised joy. To-day, prosperity or the presence of loved ones fills our cup with joy; to-morrow, adversity, or sore bereavement casts us into the valley of sorrow.

My sister, may you have the trustful faith of Martha; it will lighten the burden of sorrow, and incline you to the voice of duty.

The sign of this degree is given by--

Repeat from secret work. (12.)

The pass. (13.)

The color appropriate to this degree is green; an emblem of nature's life and beauty, and a symbol of Martha's trustful faith and hope of immortality.

The Broken Column is an expressive emblem of the uncertainty of human life.

Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fifth point of the Star for further instruction.

The candidate is conducted around Martha's chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across the Star leaving the Altar to the left, around Ruth's chair to Electa for instruction.

During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following:

_W. P._ "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here my brother had not died."

"But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."

"Jesus saith unto her, thy brother shall rise again."

"Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

"Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall ye live."

"And whosoever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die."

_Cond._ Sister Electa.

Electa arises and takes her position at the _left_ of her chair.

_Electa._ Sister Conductress.

_Cond._ I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of heroic endurance of the wrongs of persecution, when demanded in defense of Truth, as illustrated in the lesson of Electa.

_Electa._ The second epistle of John is addressed to "the _elect_ lady and her children." Tradition delineates her as a lady who lived in the days of St. John the Evangelist. Her charity, benevolence, and generous hospitality to the poor entitled her to great distinction.

Having been reared a Pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the Christian religion, she was subjected to severe trials and the most bitter persecution. An edict was issued by the Roman emperor that all followers of the Christ should renounce their faith under penalty of death. She was visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom handed her the cross, with a command to trample it under foot. Electa, looking him steadily in the face, received the cross--precious emblem of her Saviour's blood--pressed it with ardor to her bosom, and cast her eyes upward as a testimony of her love and loyalty to her Christian faith. As Electa I represent this historical heroine, and commend to you the sublime virtue she exemplified through her life, "that we love one another." You may not be called upon to suffer in the same degree from the hand of persecution--but there is always need of loyalty to Truth, and, alas, there is too often persecution.

My sister, be loyal to your convictions of truth, and murmur not at another's loyalty. Let truth be spoken, and let it shine through your life. If persecution comes, bear it with heroic endurance, and despair not of the final triumph of Truth.

The sign of this degree is given by--

Repeat from secret work. (15.)

The pass. (16.)

The color appropriate to this degree is red: a symbol of that fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of Truth.

The cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality, and teaches us to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress.

Sister Conductress, you will present this sister to the Worthy Patron for further instruction.

The candidate is conducted around Electa's chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around Esther's chair, leaving the labyrinth between Adah and Electa, then to the right once around the Altar, outside the Star to the Worthy Patron.

During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following:

_W. P._ "Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father."

"And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another."

"And this is love, that we walk after His commandments."

"By this we know that we walk in the truth. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us."

"That we should be called the children of God. That our joy may be full."

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and every one that loveth and knoweth God, is born of God."

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he first loved us. If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

_Cond._ Worthy Patron, I present to you this sister, who has passed through the labyrinth of our Star, and been instructed in those sublime virtues exemplified by the heroines of our Order.

_W. P._ We hail with pleasure your coming among us. The work of our Order is worthy of our earnest labor; and we shall rejoice to find you excelling in zeal our most devoted members. You will now give attention to the address of the Worthy Matron.

_W. M._ My sister, the Eastern Star is closely related to the Masonic fraternity; and although related to it by the dearest ties, yet it is no part of that ancient institution.

Here the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Masons, may become co-laborers with the great Brotherhood in the service of humanity.

By the laws of that ancient Order, women are not eligible to its degrees. But woman's heart beats responsive to the same inspiration that prompts man to noble deeds.

She hears the cry of the orphan, the call of want, and the piteous wail of sorrow. She honors the Brotherhood for its noble work, and seeks through the Eastern Star, to be a co-worker with the Masonic brother; to pay the tribute of her love and labor at the same shrine, and be able to make herself known, throughout the domain of Masonry, as being entitled to its protection.

Into this field of labor, you have now entered. You have taken the solemn Obligation of the Order, and been instructed in those sublime virtues which should adorn our lives, and make this institution worthy of the protection and support of all good Masons.

We extend to you a fraternal love, and shall rejoice to learn that your devotion to the great moral and social purposes of our Order, is earnest and persistent.

That the blessing of our Heavenly Father may rest upon our labor, let us unite in prayer.

The Chapter is called up and a circle is formed around the Altar in the following manner by the officers joining hands: Secretary between Adah and Ruth--Associate Matron between Ruth and Esther--Associate Conductress between Esther and Martha--Treasurer between Martha and Electa--the Worthy Matron at the left of Electa. If desired the members may join in forming the circle.

The Worthy Patron or Chaplain will take position at the west side of the Altar. The Conductress with the candidate at her right, will advance to the open space at the left of the Worthy Matron; and when the words "golden chain thus lengthened" in the prayer are being pronounced, the Worthy Matron will extend her left hand and take the right hand of candidate and the Conductress will join the circle at her left, thus making it complete. At the words "each link shall fall away in death," the hands will be unclasped. If a Chaplain officiates, the Worthy Patron will remain in his station.

PRAYER.

Source of all wisdom, truth, and love, Grant we beseech Thee, that in the reception of this person into our Order we may add strength to our strength, and grace to our grace. O, may the golden chain thus lengthened become the brighter for this link, and be strengthened for the great work we strive to do. Enlarge our powers to benefit mankind, and to honor Thee our God.

And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the parting be temporary, and the meeting eternal. In the world where death comes not, may we realize the full happiness of loving and serving Thee forever. AMEN.

Response by the Chapter.

So may it ever be.

At the conclusion of the prayer an Ode may be sung while the members are standing around the Altar. After singing the Worthy Patron seats the Chapter. The Conductress leads the candidate to the East, and the Worthy Matron may, at the request of the Worthy Patron, conclude the initiation ceremonies.

_W. P._ In taking upon yourself the solemn Obligation of our Order, you enter upon a new phase of life; henceforth you will be numbered among the members of this Order, who have for their inspiration the Star of Bethlehem, which will guide all the faithful to the New Jerusalem, that city not made with hands. I must remind you, that with privileges come responsibilities. You have been informed that we are in possession of certain secrets, by means of which, we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. You have been conducted to the several points of the Star, and been instructed in the secret work of the Order, which, if properly understood, will enable you to make yourself known as a member. That the signs and passes may be more firmly impressed upon your mind, with the assistance of our Conductress, I will repeat them with explanations.

The Conductress will give the signs as the Worthy Patron explains them.

The first is the Daughter's sign, or the sign of Adah. It is given by (3.) It alludes to the heroic conduct of Jephthah's Daughter.

The Pass is (4.) (5.)

The second is the Widow's sign, or the sign of Ruth. It is given by (6.) It alludes to the humble gleaner Ruth with her handfuls of barley gathered from the fields of Boaz.

The Pass is (7.) (8.)

The third is the Wife's sign, or the sign of Esther. It is given (9.) It alludes to the manner in which Queen Esther saluted the king, reminding him of his promise, by giving a sign which was understood between them.

The Pass is (10.) (11.)

The fourth is the Sister's sign, or the sign of Martha. It is given by (12.) It alludes to Martha's meeting with Jesus.

The Pass is (13.) (14.)

The fifth is the Mother's sign, or the sign of Electa. It is given by (15.) It alludes to heroic submission, under the wrongs of persecution.

The Pass is (16.) being the impressive lesson taught by Electa.

Any member of the Order is at liberty to give any one of these signs when among strangers and desirous of becoming known to a sister or brother. Any member seeing one of these signs given should respond by giving the Pass belonging to the sign given, and asking, (17.)

This is all the examination that is required under such circumstances. It can be followed by such questions as may be necessary. In passing an examination to visit a Chapter, in addition to this, you will be required to give the signs and passes of each degree.

There is one other sign, called the salutation sign, which is given by members on entering or retiring from a Chapter while in session. They shall advance in front of the Associate Matron, and (19.)

The Grip of the Order is given by (20.)

The Conductress will communicate the Grip to the candidate.

The Signet is prepared to assist the memory of those who have received the degrees.

On the outer edge of the central division will be found the (21.)

I will explain the significance of the colors, the emblematic flowers, and the meaning of the several emblems alluding to the distinguished characters portrayed in the degrees.

Blue symbolizes Fidelity. It is represented by the violet.

The open Bible is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, as a symbol of obedience to the word of God.

Yellow symbolizes Constancy. It is represented by the yellow jessamine.

The Lily of the Valley is appropriate to Ruth, as a symbol of loveliness among the lowly.

White symbolizes Light, Purity and Joy. It is represented by the white lily.

The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a symbol of the light and joy she gave to a down-trodden race.

Green symbolizes Hope and Immortality. It is represented by the fern.

The Lamb is appropriate to Martha, as a symbol of innocence and humility.

Red symbolizes Fervency. It is represented by the red rose.

The Lion is appropriate to Electa, as a symbol of the courage and power, that sustained the martyr defenders of Truth.

And, finally, my sister, Jephthah's Daughter, because she freely sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor; Ruth, poor and lowly, was faithful to the demands of honor and justice; Esther, noble queen, was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life, to save her people from destruction; Martha, from her trustful faith and hope of immortal life; and Electa, pre-eminent in charity, and heroic in endurance of the wrongs of persecution; were (18.)

So may it be with you. As you illustrate in your life the virtues of these tried servants of God, so shall be your reward.

You will now be conducted to the Secretary's desk, where you will sign the By-Laws of this Chapter, and become entitled to all the privileges of membership; after which you will be re-conducted to your present position.

While the candidate is signing the By-Laws, there may be vocal or instrumental music. After signing the By-Laws the candidate is conducted to the preparation room, disrobes if robes are used, a badge of the Order put on, and conducted to the East, facing West. When the door opens for the Conductress and candidate to return, the Chapter is called up, and all join in singing a welcome song, after which the Worthy Patron says:

_W. P._ Sisters and Brothers, our sister has passed through the several degrees of our Order, we hope with some pleasure to her, and we know with great satisfaction to us. You will give her a hearty welcome and resume order at the sound of the gavel.

The Chapter takes a recess.

Installation Ceremonies.

These ceremonies may be performed in public. If at a special meeting, the Chapter will be declared open with one blow of the Gavel. If regular, it may be opened in an adjacent room and business postponed, adjourning to the Hall for installation, after which the Worthy Matron will declare the Chapter closed.

The Installing Officer must be a Present or Past Matron or Patron. The first board of officers of a new Chapter must be installed by a Grand Matron or Patron, or a Deputy; who also may install the officers of any Chapter when requested to do so by the Chapter.

The Installing Officer, after assuming the chair, will appoint a Marshal, who will collect the several badges of office, and place them where they will be convenient for use. The Secretary will furnish the Marshal with a list of the officers to be installed. If the installation is a public one, an address may be delivered touching the history and purposes of the Order.

If a Grand officer presides, the Marshal will be Grand Marshal. The officers will be addressed by their titles and such changes made in the language of the following ceremonies as the circumstances require.

Music, vocal or instrumental, may be introduced as may seem best.

After the appointment of the Marshal and the collection of the badges of office, the installing officer will proceed as follows:

_I. O._ Sisters and Brothers, the selection of a new board of officers is an important event in the history of a Chapter. The welfare of this Chapter, and the prosperity of our Order in this place, may be permanently effected by the action of those whom you have chosen to serve as the officers of this Chapter for the ensuing year. Before investing them with official authority we will invoke the blessing of Him from whom cometh all wisdom and strength. Let us unite in prayer.

The Chapter is called up, and the Installing Officer or Chaplain offers at the altar the following

PRAYER.

Our Father, who art in Heaven, whose wisdom and goodness manifest themselves in all the works of creation; with filial love and reverence we invoke Thy blessing upon Thy children here assembled, and grace to consecrate the labors we have met to perform. We commend to Thy especial care and guidance the officers elect, into whose hands we are about to repose the government of this Chapter. Endue them with a just appreciation of the responsibilities they are about to assume, and may they be ever mindful that a Father's care is always over them, and that Thy all-seeing eye is ever upon them.

Bless and prosper our beloved Order; may it be known and honored among the institutions of the land as one whose foundation is laid upon the enduring principle of Truth. Direct our footsteps in ways of pleasantness and paths of peace, and may all our doings reflect honor upon Thy Holy Name. AMEN.

Response by the Chapter:

So may it ever be.

Seats the Chapter.

_I. O._ Sister Marshal.

_M._ Worthy ----

_I. O._ You will call the roll of officers elect, who, as their names are called, will form a semi-circle on the west side of the altar, facing the East, to receive the Obligation.

The W. M. on the extreme South, then followed by the W. P., A. M., etc. If the Warder and Sentinel are both called from their stations, a brother will be appointed to attend at the door until the absent officers return. Old officers not re-elected or appointed, may occupy their stations until their successors are installed. When all are in their places, the Marshal will say:

_M._ Worthy ----, the officers-elect are in order, and await your pleasure.

_I. O._ Sisters and brothers, you behold those who have been selected as officers to serve you for the ensuing year. Do you still desire that they shall fill the positions to which they have been elected or appointed?

_Ans._ We do.

Calls up the Chapter.

_I. O._ You will repeat after me the following

OBLIGATION:

I solemnly and sincerely promise, in the presence of the members of this Chapter, that I will, to the best of my ability, faithfully and impartially perform all the duties belonging to the office for which I have been selected. That I will conform to the By-Laws of this Chapter, and the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Chapter, and do all in my power to promote the welfare and prosperity of our Order.

The Chapter and officers will be seated. The Marshal will present the officers at the altar for installation, approaching the altar between Adah and Ruth and leaving between Martha and Electa.

_I. O._ Sister Marshal, you will present the Worthy Matron elect for installation.

_M._ Worthy ----, it is with pleasure that I present for installation Sister ----, who has been elected Worthy Matron of this Chapter for the ensuing year. Our sister is fully aware of the important responsibility that rests upon her in the acceptance of this trust, yet she is willing to assume it, in the hope that by the aid of her sisters and brothers, and the favor of God, she will not prove altogether unworthy of the high honor that has been conferred upon her.