Truth. Be a true member, then, of that ancient order of which it was said, "The priest's lips should keep knowledge," and strive to hasten the period when every man shall be "a king and a priest unto God."

7. The Regalia of this degree is a white collar and a white apron, both trimmed with a scarlet ribbon or fringe. They may be ornamented with any of the emblems of the Subordinate Lodge degrees.

NOTE." All members of a Subordinate Lodge may wear Rosettes, displaying the colors of the degrees they have taken."-By-Laws G. L. U. S., Art. 25.

These are usually worn at the point or joining of the collar.

We would here urge on our brethren everywhere a strict conformity and rigid adherence to the forms, colors, trimmings, and jewels of regalia, &c., as prescribed by the Grand Lodge of the United States. Let no Lodge allow any member, or visitor even, to wear colors or jewels to which he is not entitled, whether in a Lodge-room or a procession. Trifling as these are in themselves, they are important in their use; and awkward and injurious mistakes have occurred by abusing them thus. It is only by general care in this matter that we can hope to avoid former confusion and discordance in the uniform of our Order, and the badges of rank and service established by her authority.

We feel that we cannot close our remarks on the degrees of a Subordinate Lodge with any thing more beautiful and appropriate than the following, from the pen of (then) Miss Malvina Jane Church, (now the wife of Rev. W. E. Manley,) which appeared in the Golden Rule" for August 1st, 1846:

"FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND TRUTH."

Three golden arrows in the quiver,

Fill'd else with darts of strife;

Three sunny islands in the river,

The rapid stream of life—

Three stars in heaven's gem-deck'd attire,

That never fade or dim;

Three harp-notes in the spirit-lyre

Notes angels love to hymn.

Three charms to guard the heart from sorrow,

To keep aloof life's woes;

Three whispers of a brighter morrow,

The morrow of repose

Three links amid the golden fetters,

That heart to heart entwine;

Upon life's scroll three mystic letters,
Placed there by hand divine.

Three watch-lights on the stormy highlands,
Of earth's wave-beaten strand;

Three harbors 'mong the rocky islands,

Begirt with treach'rous sands

Three life-preservers on Time's ocean,

With dangerous reefs below;

Three voices mid the heart's commotion,

To hush its strains of wo.

Three blossoms from the land of flowers,

To cheer the fainting soul;

Three rays of beauty from the bowers,

Beyond life's utmost goal

Three strains of rapturous music swelling,

Around the burial sod;

Three pillars in the holy dwelling—

The temple of our God.

15

§1. Prefatory Remarks.

THIS degree was adopted by the Grand Lodge of the United States, at its session in September, 1851, and went into operation with the year 1852. The Committee previously appointed to prepare it, were Representatives Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana; Wm. T. Martin, of Mississippi; and E. G. Steele, of Tennessee. But it is understood that the Chairman, Br. Colfax, is the author of the degree, as he has been from the beginning the earnest and able advocate for it.

All scarlet degree members of the Order, in good

standing, and their wives, are eligible to this degree; and it is conferred on all such without fee or pecuniary charge of any kind; nor are any pecuniary benefits or dues connected with it. It must be conferred in the Lodge-room, but only at a special meeting for that purpose. And none but those who have received, or are about to receive it, are allowed to be present when it is conferred. The continuance in good standing of the ladies of this degree, depends entirely on the good standing, morally or pecuniarily, of their husbands. It is the interest of every wife of an Odd-Fellow, of every member of his family, in fact, to see that he is "good on the books" of his Lodge; so that, in case of his being sick or disabled, or called away by death, they may not be deprived of the benefits and advantages accruing to them from his connection with the Order. This degree, and the manifest connection of his wife (through him) with the Order by it, will render this interest more manifest to her.

Any member of the fifth degree desiring the degree of Rebekah to be conferred on his wife, will make application accordingly: whereupon the N. G. will appoint a special meeting for that purpose, at a time convenient for the applicant, generally at the close of a regular Lodge meeting. The Ladies being introduced into the anteroom, will there take off their shawls or cloaks and bonnets, for their own comfort and convenience. As there is nothing in the least degree offensive or improper in the degree, and as it must be conferred wholly in the presence of their husbands and each other, none need feel the least hesitancy or timidity about entering the Lodge-room.

§ 2. Of the Degree.

1. As the degree is designed to unite the wives of members more intimately with their husbands in the work of Odd-Fellowship, we address our remarks to the former only.

2. No lady should assume the responsibilities of this degree, who feels not a desire to devote herself for life, when her other duties will permit, to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan." She who feels this desire, and is resolved to follow its dictates, whatever the circumstances, or whatever the opinions of the world around her, is worthy to receive its honors.

3. Not only should such a resolve exist, but a determination to obey it in the true spirit of our Order and of religion itself, quietly and noiselessly, like the droppings of the gentle rain, or the distillations of the silent dew on parched herbage and drooping flower. In Bible language, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth."

4. Can you, will you thus promise to do good to your fellow-beings, as good should always be done by the votaries of our Order? Such is the path we have trodden. The malice of bigotry, the opposition of ignorance, the misrepresentations of prejudice assailed us at every step, but our Order pressed onward, not pausing even for defence; doing good for evil, giving blessing for curses, and even benefiting those who most aided to injure us. Will you walk with us in this path? Can you resolve to labor with us in such works of forbearance and love?

5. Before you answer, consider well.

Our Order