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: