moral power, until the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds" changes our theatre of action to one of repose, our labor to reward.

§ 3. Regalia of the Degree of Rebekah.

The regalia of this degree (out of the Lodge) is a pink and green ribbon intertwined and twisted together, which may be worn as a bow, collar, bracelet, or as a trimming on any part of the dress, according to the wearer's taste and fancy.

§ 4. Colors of the Degree.

The colors (for there are two) of this degree are pink and green, whose emblematic significations have already been explained in our remarks on the Covenant Degree and the Degree of Remembrance, to which the reader is respectfully referred.

§ 5. Emblems.

The Grand Lodge of the United States attached no special emblems to this degree. Our lady readers can find, in the symbolical language we have unfolded in the other degrees, not a few which may be chosen as mementos of duty and encouragement. And every

female example of the Old Testament, to whom we have referred them, will furnish an abundance in her eventful history.

CHAPTER IX.

OF THE SUBORDINATE LODGE.

§ 1. Members and Qualifications.

A SUBORDINATE Lodge is constituted of not less than five brethren in good standing, including one qualified to preside over its meetings.* It must be regularly chartered and instituted by the Grand Lodge of the United States, or by some Grand Lodge recognized as legal by our national Grand Lodge. The following directions are deemed proper, for those who desire to get up and organize a Lodge.

§ 2. How Commenced.

If desirous of forming a Lodge in your vicinity, ascertain first how many brethren can be found willing to unite in that object. This may be done by private inquiry, or by calling an informal meeting by public notice. Should a sufficient number of the proper character (for this is an all-important consideration) not be found, ascertain whether any can be induced to draw

*In some States, under particular circumstances, there must be more than five petitioners for a Charter. In others, all the officers must receive, or have received, the five degr which may be conferred on the first officers of a new Lodge by special dispensation Previous service is also dispensed with in the same manner. The Constitution and By-Laws of each Grand Lodge, or any of its officers or active members, will furnish the necessary information.

their cards from neighbouring counties or states to unite temporarily in the object. Or, what is better, find proper individuals willing to proceed to the nearest Lodge, be there initiated, draw their cards, and unite in the petition for a charter.

Much prudence and forecast are necessary in these preliminary operations. Guard against imposition. Scrutinize the moral and social fitness of proposed associates. Calculate carefully the probabilities of being joined, after the Lodge is instituted, by proper persons, and in sufficient numbers, to render the Lodge truly respectable, morally, and to secure it sufficient pecuniary ability. For on first impressions may depend its entire acceptability to those who are worth having; and the expenses of starting a Lodge, furnishing a room, &c. are too great to be made a matter of mere guess-work and risk. Consider well, therefore, every step before it is taken, and make haste very deliberately.

§ 3. The Petition.

Having obtained the number of properly qualified coadjutors, they will draw their cards, (with a certificate of the brother's rank or station in his Lodge, on each,) and unite in signing the petition (see Appendix B) for that purpose. The Charter fee, which varies in different States, (but usually thirty dollars,) must accompany it, and will be returned if the petition is not granted. The withdrawal card must also accompany it, or a certificate from the nearest D. D. G. Sire or D. D. G Master, (as the case may be,) stating that they are in his hands, and are correct as set forth in the petition. If the Lodge is to be located in a State or Territory

where there is no Grand Lodge, the petition, &c. must be addressed to the R. W. G. Lodge of the United States, and forwarded to the Grand Secretary of the same, (at Baltimore, Md.) But if where there is a State Grand Lodge, address it accordingly, and make the Charter fee and other requisites correspond with its require

ments.

The Grand Lodge of the United States requires the expenses of its Grand Officer or Agent who opens the Lodge to be paid by the petitioners. But in most of the States, the Grand Lodge pays this expense. Of course the brethren will provide him and those who assist in opening, with proper quarters and accommodations, and thus honor their visitors and themselves with fraternal hospitality. But great care should be taken to ascertain clearly all the probable expenses, and keep an accurate account thereof, for future settlement.

§ 4. Preparations for Institution.

Having ascertained that a Charter can be had, get applications for admission and initiation from all whom you design receiving, (having first canvassed their characters, and unanimously agreed to elect them,) with the proposition fee of each. Arrange your Lodgeroom, making it and premises secure against eavesdroppers and burglars, and rendering it as convenient and comfortable as your means will allow. Neatness and comfort are secured cheaply, in comparison with mere show and splendor; and the latter without the former are very dear, indeed! Purchase your regalia and jewels, your furniture, wardrobe, &c.; and see that they are substantial, as well as appropriate in appearance and cost. Refresh each other's memories as much

as possible in the ceremonials and work of the Order, that the institution, installation, and initiations may be impressive and correct. Agree on the officers, so as to have the election brief and unanimous, and the appointments promptly made and accepted. All these and kindred matters should be determined and arranged before the arrival of the person who is to open the Lodge. Then when the time arrives for institution, &c., every thing is ready in turn; the petitioners are on hand, the Lodge is opened, the officers are elected and installed without delays and strifes, the applications for membership are referred to the proper Committee, and forthwith reported on in due form; and the initiations follow with all the facility and impressiveness of an old and well-working Lodge. How much more delightful and salutary than where every thing is left to the last moment, and then crowded through with contentions, anxieties, and bungled performances, to be remembered with shame and vexation for years afterward!

§ 5. The First Meeting.

At the first meeting after institution, as there need be no initiation, see that all the new officers and members understand correctly their duties, and are practised in their performance. Have all the bills duly made out, certified to be correct by the proper Committee, and pass a vote providing for their payment out of the first funds in the Treasury. Of course, provision has been previously made for a loan of money or of credit, by one or more of the members, to meet such demands; but this vote by the Lodge is necessary to sanction and adopt such proceedings, and to relieve those brethren. Appoint (or continue) the Committees to procure neces