Odd fellows monitor and guide, containing history of the degree of Rebekah, and its teachings, emblems of the Order

Front matter

( I

* j I 1 t J ft t * y

.

Dedication

TO THE

DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH

OF THE

Introduction

The success which my first volume, the “ Brotherhood,” issued about fifteen years ago, has met, and the high encomiums passed upon it by my brethren of high rank in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of America, as well as its extensive circulation, have induced me to send forth this volume, which I entitle the “Monitor and Guide,” and in which I give the emblems of the Order according to the present classification, and a more exten¬ sive presentation of the lessons the emblems are intended to teach to Odd Fellows and their wives.

I present the history of the Degree of Eebekah, giving its origin, with a reference to some of the beauties of this grand adjunct to Odd Fellowship, which does indeed unfold the mys¬ teries of our Order to the wives of its members, and discloses the grand objects of our Fraternity. Since the legislation of the Grand Lodge of the United States in 1868, there has been a sepa¬ rate organization of this branch of the Order under charters by the State Grand bodies. In 1872 there was an enactment of the G. L. of the U. S. requiring reports of Rebekah Lodges to their respect¬ ive State Grand bodies and from the several Grand bodies to the G. L. of the U. S., and although this department of Odd Fellow¬ ship is yet in its infancy it is destined to become a great power in our beloved Order, and hence we conceive the propriety of such a book as the one we are sending out, designed especially for our women.

In this book we give the history of Bible women for the con¬ sideration of the Daughters of Rebekah, that they may observe the virtues they practiced and imitate them. We have also given the biographies of Bible men, which will afford, with the other departments of the book, a subject for thought and examples to follow in the performance of life’s work and meeting its responsi¬ bilities. (5)

Introduction To Revised Edition

Because of the extensive growth of the Order and the large pro¬ portions it has assumed, with the favor the Monitor and Guide has met with since it was issued, I have thought it proper to re¬ vise the book and adapt it to the changes that have occurred in the Fraternity. It is therefore continued as a text-book, and will now be accepted as a Monitor and Guide for Odd Fellowship as it now is.

The Sovereign Grand Lodge has changed the degrees to three in number from five, and named them in accordance with the principles composing our motto, Friendship, Brotherly Love and Truth, and it has also adopted a chart, which is to he a part of the supplies and furniture of a Lodge-room, and with which the emblems and their signification are displayed. The emblems are now to be given to the graduate or the recipient of the mysteries of the Degree of Truth all at the same time. We have in our text-book, as we present it now, the Initiatory Degree, followed by the degrees in regular order, with a presentation of the principles and work of the same ; also, the degrees of the Encampment branch of Odd Fellowship, Patriarchal, Golden Buie and Royal Purple, and we bespeak for our publishers the patronage with which they have been favored during the last four years.

With a sincere desire to do good and benefit the Fraternity of Odd Fellows, with which we have been identified many years, we now commit this feeble barque to the waves. T. g. B.

CHAPTER I. — The Degree of Rebekah

Woman’s Position and Influence — A Practical Illustra¬ tion — Order of Odd Fellows Adapted to Woman — The Motto — The Corner Stone — The Work of Odd Fellows — Origin of the Degree of Rebekah— Author of it — Rit¬ ual of the Degree — An Epitome of Odd Fellowship — Name of Degree — Woman Adapted to Odd Fellowship — Woman’s Proper Sphere — Odd Fellows’ Wives should Attain the Degree — It Benefits Woman — It Invites Hu¬ manity — Woman Responsible for Public Sentiment and Morals of the Community — Woman as a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister — Woman for Benevolence — The Insti¬ tution Needs her Influence and Power . 13

Emblems of Degree of Rebekah.

Beehive . 38

Moon and Stars . 39

The Dove . 40

Contents

INITIATORY DEGREE.

The All-Seeing Eye . 60

The Links . 62

CHAPTER XIX. — Principles of Odd Fellowship. God’s Fatherhood and Man’s Brotherhood . 124

Care for others . 124

Trust in God . . 125

Charity . 125

Mutual Relief . 126

Friendship . 126

Love . 127

Truth . 127

Faith, Hope and Charity . 128

Hospitality . 128

Toleration . 128

Rest . 129

CHAPTER IV.— Rebekah, Wife of Isaac..... . 159

v. CHAPTER V.— Rachel, the Wife of Jacob . 162

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER YI. — Miriam, the Virgin Prophetess/.... 166

CHAPTER VII. — Jochebed, the Mother of Moses . 168

CHAPTER VIII. — Zipporah, the Wife of Moses . 171

CHAPTER IX.— Five Daughters of Zelophehad . 176

CHAPTER X. — Rahab, the Inn Keeper . 178

CPIAPTER XI. — Jael, the Wife of Heber . 181

CHAPTER XII. — Jephthah’s Daughter . 184

CHAPTER XIII.— Wife of Manoah . . . 187

CHAPTER XIV. — Delilah, Wife of Samson . .y . 190

CHAPTER XV. — Naomi, Wife of Elimelech . 192

CHAPTER XVI.— Ruth, Wrife of Boaz . 195

CHAPTER XVII. — Hannah, the Mother of Samuel 202

CHAPTER XVIII.— Miehal, the Wife of David....- . 207

CHAPTER XIX. — Abigail, the Carmelite . 212

CHAPTER XX. — Rizpah, Secondary Wife of Saul 216

CHAPTER XXI. — Bathsheba, Mother of Solomon . 218

CHAPTER XXII. — Queen of Sheba . 223

CHAPTER XXIII.— Wise Woman of Abel . 227

CHAPTER XXIV.— Widow of Tekoah . 229

CHAPTER XXV. — Widow of Zarephath . 234

CHAPTER XXVI.—' Widow of Obadiah . 238

CHAPTER XXVII.— Vasjiti, the Queen . 241

CHAPTER XXVII I.-rQueen Esther . !. . 243

CHAPTER XXIX.— Anna . 255

CHAPTER XXX. — Mary, Mother of Jesus . 258

CHAPTER XXXI. — Mary, Wife of Cleopas . 263

CHAPTER XXXII. — Mary, the Sister of Lazarus . 268

CHAPTER XXXIII. — Mary, Mother of John Mark . 273

CHAPTER XXXIV.— Mary Magdalene . 277

CHAPTER XXXV. — Widow of Nain . 282

CHAPTER XXXVI.— Woman of Samaria . 286

CHAPTER XXXVII. — The Syro-Phenician Woman . 289

CHAPTER XXXVIII.— Dorcas, or Tabitha . 293

CPIAPTER XXXLX. — Lydia of Thyatira . 298

Chapter I. The Degree Of Eebekah

It has long been considered among men that by far the best part of our physically developed humanity are the women, and it is no wonder that a fraternity like Odd Fellowship, recognizing woman’s great mis¬ sion, and the adaptness of the association to her na¬ ture, should provide a degree especially for her.

The Apochryphal Scriptures tell us of a great king, who made a feast to a thousand of his lords and no¬ bles. In the midst of the feast he provided a ban¬ quet of great splendor, and at the banquet he asked the question of his distinguished guests, Which is the strongest, wine, the king, or woman? Three of his princes ventured an answer under the promise from their sovereign that he who should give the best answer, or support his position with the strongest arguments, should drink from a golden cup, wear a silken tiara, and be in great honor. The first answered that wine is the strongest, and supported his position with good argument. The second answered, “The king is the strongest,” and in a flattering manner spake of kingly authority, insomuch that the king acknowledged his

MONITOR AND GUIDE.

obligation to him for maintaining so grandly the honor of the throne. The third said, “Woman is the strong¬ est/’ and in such an ingenious manner did he present his argument in favor of his position, and in addition, gave such a striking maxim, that the king lost no time in deciding in his favor.

The position and influence of woman has always been wonderful; from the time that Adam looked upon the fair form of his helpmeet in the Garden of Eden, until now, woman is the greatest power in the world. I say again it is no wonder that the associa¬ tion of Odd Fellows, engaged in their work of frater¬ nizing mankind, should seek her assistance.

The objects, aims, principles and teachings of the Order are such that, when fully understood, they will captivate woman. Lodges of Odd Fellows are formed, and in them men are banded together to do what it is natural for woman to do. The leading principles of our Order are but the innate principles of woman’s nature.

The acknowledged motto of the Order of Odd Fel¬ lows is u Friendship, Love and Truth.” The first great general principle is “ Care for others.” The Or¬ der teaches that no one has a right to live simply for himself. No one has a right to enjoy the blessings of the common Father alone, or to shut up his bowels of compassion towards the needy and distressed of earth. Selfishness, the great sin of our humanity, should be avoided, and benevolence, the great princi¬ ple of our Fraternity, should be practiced. The soil of human nature needs plowing and cultivating, that all noxious weeds may be destroyed, and plants be nurtured that will yield an abundant harvest of good.

DEGREE OF REBEKAH.

The great corner-stone of Odd Fellowship is Fra¬ ternity, a true fraternity in the family of man. On this corner-stone as a solid basis the whole superstruc¬ ture securely rests, and will continue to rest until time shall be no more.

There has of late years been a grand manifestation of this in the quick and hearty responses given to the calls made from Chicago and Wisconsin cities, when visited by calamitous fires, also from Shreveport and Memphis, when visited by that terrible scourge, yel¬ low fever, and by the Western States and Territories still more recently, when desolated by grasshoppers.

The maxim of Odd Fellowship, “We visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan,” has touched the feelings and stirred up the tender heart of woman and the work of our Order, as set forth in the annual reports of the G. C. S. of the Grand Lodge of the United States, has exhibited to our American women, and to the women of the world,, what our Order is accomplishing.

At the session of the Grand Lodge of the United States, held in September, 1875, in the city of Indian¬ apolis, the G. C. S. reported six hundred and eightyfive thousand nine hundred and sixty-three (685,963) members relieved and ninety-one thousand and nine¬ ty-five (91,095) widowed families relieved, sixty thou¬ sand seven hundred and seventy-six (60,776) members deceased and buried. There had been $160,885.99 paid for widowed families, and $16,786.05 paid for educating orphans, while the amount of $223,545.61 has been paid for burial of the dead, and for special relief of distress $36,145.57. The total relief of Lodges and Encampments paid during the calendar

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year 1874, was $1,529,864. 13. No wonder the women have been led to see the benefit of Odd Fellowship, and to give it their influence and help.

There was an effort made early in the history of our Order by P. G. C. of the G. L. of the U. S., Bro. I. D. Williamson, to institute a ladies’ degree, but ac¬ cording to his own statement in a letter to James L. Ridgely, G. C. and R. S. of the G. L. of the U. S., it was unsuccessful. And in giving the origin of the degree it is proper to state that in the year 1873 sev¬ eral papers of wide circulation attributed this degree, as to its authorship, to Bro. Williamson. His atten¬ tion was called to the matter by the G. C. and R. Sec. , to whom he wrote the following letter :

Cincinnati, Jan. 30, 1874.

Dear Ridgely : — I thank you for calling my attention to the mat¬ ter above noted, and I respond by saying, I did not write the Rit¬ ual of the Degree of Rebekah, neither did I see it, or have any knowledge of it, until it appeared in the Degree Book. The truth is, some years previous to the adoption of this degree, I made an unsuccessful effort in the G. L. of the U. S. to procure the adop¬ tion of a ladies’ degree, but Bro. Colfax succeeded where I had failed, and to him and not to me the credit belongs.

(Signed) I. D. Williamson.

This would have been sufficient to have settled the matter, but the editor of the Heart and Hand, pub¬ lished in New York, addressed a letter of inquiry to Bro. Colfax, who answered, and his letter was pub¬ lished in that excellent paper, as follows :

Ed. Heart and Hand: — In answer to your inquiry I will state that it is impossible that Bro. Williamson should have claimed that he wrote the Degree of Rebekah and submitted it to Bro. Colfax, who accepted it, advocated it, and caused it to be adopted. Any

DEGREE OF KEBEKAH.

such report is a pure invention, without the slightest foundation in fact ; and I am sure that Bro. Williamson, whose services to our Order are too eminent to need any untrue allegations in his behalf, never gave any such rumor the slightest currency or encourage¬ ment.

At the session of the G. L. of U. S. in 1850, I was appointed chairman of a committee to prepare a degree to be conferred on the wives of Odd Fellows, and was instructed to report it at the next session, 1851. I wrote the lectures of the degree in July and August, 1851, exactly as they appear now in the charge-book, and without consultation with any one, or suggestions from any quar¬ ter.

In regard to the working of the degree, I received valuable sug¬ gestions from a P. G. in Maryland, who, I think, has since de¬ ceased. A few of these suggestions I adopted in a modified form, but the most of them were inappropriate, and were not considered. I have often expressed a regret that the degree had not been pre¬ pared by Bro. Ridgely, Bro. Williamson, or some other brother, who would doubtless have performed the work more ably. But the duty was assigned to me by the G. L. of U. S., and I performed it, as I have all other duties, to the best of my ability, and I am glad to state that, despite the fears expressed while its adoption was pending, it is to-day the best-kept secret of Odd Fellowship.

Fraternally yours, Schuyler Colfax.

This degree was adopted at the session of the G. L. in 1851, but for two years it had been mooted and strongly urged upon the attention of the Grand Lodge by State jurisdictions. The G. L. and G. E. of Indi¬ ana through their Representatives urged it very strong¬ ly in accordance with the instructions they had re¬ ceived. The G. L. of the U. S. appointed a select committee to consider the propriety of adopting such a degree, and appointed Representative Colfax one of that committee. The other two were P. G. Sire Ken¬ nedy of New York and Judge Larue of New Orleans. The last two named members of the committee made

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a majority report, unfavorable to the formation of a degree for ladies. They were men of extensive influx ence and power in the G. L. of the U. S. , and their opposition made it look dark for the enterprise to its friends. Representative Colfax was unwilling to sur¬ render his cause, and he presented to the G. L. a mi¬ nority report. There was considerable discussion on these reports, and able advocates joined Bro. Colfax. The vote at length was reached and the majority re¬ port was rejected, while the minority was adopted.

Schuyler Colfax was made the chairman of the committee to prepare the degree, and was required to report it at the next session that it might be acted upon. Consequently, in September, 1851, the degree was reported by Bro. Colfax, who had prepared it, according to his own statement, in the months of July and August. The degree was adopted, as its ritual was given in report, by a vote of 47 to 37. This was highly complimentary to its distinguished author. The author of this degree has been enjoying the honor of producing it for twenty-four years, and as it is becoming more and more popular he will continue for years to come to be honored. With the hold that Odd Fellowship has now upon woman, we are dis¬ posed to think this degree will last to the end of time, hence the name of Schuyler Colfax will descend with it. When making his report at the next session of the Grand Lodge of Indiana he acknowledged his obligations to his distinguished colleagues, as also to other members of the G. L. of the U. S. , for their assistance in securing an acceptance of the degree for ladies.

The Ritual of this degree was pronounced beauti-

DEGREE OF REBEKAH.

fi.il by many distinguished men in the Order, and a grand addition to the literature of Odd Fellowship — an honor to the head and heart of its composer. It is pure and elevating in its sentiments, and eloquent in its style and matter. One of the periodicals of the Order of that day commented on it thus: “No de¬ gree, not even the Royal Purple, excels this excellent production of Bro. Colfax, and we may say with due consideration, that the wTife of an Odd Fellow who fails to obtain it will sacrifice an opportunity to learn the spirit that unites our Fraternity, as well as a lit¬ erary treat of no small magnitude.” And another says : “An Odd Fellow who after hearing the degree refuses to assent to its beauties, and to the grand and just rank it assigns to woman, showrs that he has yet to learn the true value of woman’s affections, the de¬ votion and disinterestedness natural to her.”

It was well said by Pleasant A. Hackelman, a Grand Representative to whose influence in the Grand Lodge Bro. Colfax acknowledges especially his indebtedness for bringing about the adoption of the degree, “ It deserves the encomiums bestowed upon it.”

The Degree of Rebekah is an epitome of Odd Fel¬ lowship in all its parts, and a lady who receives it and appreciates it properly comprehends the institution. Yes, she knows what Odd Fellowship is.

It is likely the author of this degree gave it the name of Rebekah because the practical workings of the Order are so much like the tender and consider¬ ate Rebekah’s action when at the well of Nahor, where she first looked upon Eleazer, the faithful servant of Abraham. Like other young women of that day, she was accustomed to carry water from the well. She

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reached the well in the evening just after Eleazer had arrived, and as she neared it her beautiful eye fell upon the old traveler waiting to quench his thirst and water his wearied camels. He was covered with the dust of travel, and his camels were jaded. She heard him say, “Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher, and water my camels. ” She made no de¬ lay, but hurried to the well and drew water from it, and with her pitcher full she said, “ Drink, my lord, and I also will draw water for thy camels. ” She thus ministered to the wants of the wearied stranger, and after his present wants were relieved, she urged him to tarry all night at her father’s house, as there was plenty of room, and moreover an abundance of prov¬ ender for the camels.

Refined woman is peculiarly adapted to the work of Odd Fellowship. She can enter a room of sickness and approach the couch of a sulferer with love beam¬ ing in her eye, and the sympathy of her heart marked in her every feature. To a sufferer a kind-hearted and gentle woman will always be recognized as an angel of mercy. She can watch, if it is necessary, through the weary hours of a night or a succession of nights. She can- administer faithfully the prescrip¬ tions of the family physician. She can press softly the throbbing pulse. She can calm the troubled soul, even under the delirium of fever. With a soft hand she can soothe the aching brow, and send a thrill of pleasure all through the failing frame. She can kin¬ dle the almost extinguished fire of life, and wTith the sweetness and love of her nature detain for awhile the immortal spirit on the mundane shore of the mystic river. Woman seems to possess the strange ability of

DEGREE OF EEBEKAH.

furnishing oil to the almost empty lamp of life as it flickers in its socket.

It has been said correctly our Order places woman where she properly belongs, in the highest sphere of earthly intelligences. Her nature, her qualities and her effectiveness for doing good among mankind, are recognized and fully appreciated, and no one can read what has been communicated by the authors of our Manuals touching the Degree of Rebekah without re¬ alizing this ; and to all ladies who have assumed the obligations of the degree, and have been instructed in its workings, we appeal.

Does not Odd Fellowship make woman’s destiny a high and holy one ? It declares that she is to stand first in the domestic circle. She has the moulding and training of junior members of that circle in her hands ; ah, more than that ! her influence is unbounded over those advanced in years and in experience.

Woman has the capacity to hunt up and discover the secret springs of human action. She is destined, under the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to govern this world of ours. God has made it her duty, and man acquiesces in the divine fiat, while he recognizes woman’s destiny. To woman we know it is natural, when other duties will admit of it, to obey the “ Com¬ mand of our laws,” “ Visit the sick, relieve the dis¬ tressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan.” And she does it quietly, prompted by the finer feelings and sympathies of her gentle nature. It is asserted by ex¬ tensive tourists of the world, that in all the lands they have visited, woman’s nature and feelings are the same. They are obliging, humane and sympathizing ; there is a tendency to cheerfulness and modesty, and to prac-

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tices of generosity. Woman seems always disposed to benevolence, and ready to meet the wants, if in her power, of those who are in necessity. W e are glad to have her associated with us, and to her we will always look for help in keeping the Order in a flourishing condition ; and we must have her associated with us in our work, and especially the wives of our members.

There are a few wives of advanced Odd Fellows who have not become Daughters of Rebekah for some reason. In some instances it is because the husband has not suggested to his wife the propriety of connect¬ ing herself with us, and learning what Odd Fellowship is. We want the wife of every Odd Fellow to know what we are doing in the Fraternity, and secure their interest in our welfare. It will not be difficult for us to impress the hearts of women who have assumed the obligations of the Degree of Rebekah and have been instructed by its beautiful ritual ; for to them that ritual has unfolded so clearly the aims and work of the Order that they have been led to enter heartily into it. If the wives of Odd Fellows who have not yet taken the degree have prejudices which keep them from associating with us, let them lay aside their ob¬ jections long enough to enter the Order and see what it is. If they do not wish to be active members of a Rebekah Lodge, they can refrain and yet be faithful to their obligations to secresy as it regards the work of the degree, or the means of making themselves known to each other and securing the privileges of the Lodge.

The unfortunate condition of many of the wives of Odd Fellows is this : Their husbands remain initia¬ tory members, never advanced in the degrees, or if

DEGREE OF REREKAH.

they do advance, do not attain the Fifth or Scarlet Degree, and they are not entitled to the Degree of Rebekah. We claim that on the part of any Odd Fellow this is doing injustice to his wife. When any married man is giving his time and attention to our Order, his wife has a right to know what the institu¬ tion is. She knows on the night of the meeting of the Lodge where her husband is, if he is a regular at¬ tendant, and she has seen some of the practical work¬ ings of the Order, in the attendance of its members upon the sick. It may be in her own home, when her husband was sick, she has observed the tender care and solicitude of the brotherhood. She may have had the benefits allowed her husband week after week during his sickness, placed in her hands to meet the family wants, when the usual earnings were cut off, and it is reasonable to suppose that she desires to know something 2nore fully of the character of this institution which has thus blessed her.

It is quite reasonable to suppose that a woman thus blessed by the workings of the Order would be glad to know still more and be engaged herself in such acts of kindness and benevolence. The husband should place himself in a position, by advancing in the Order, that she can become a Daughter of Rebekah. It would become her to walk, as woman is accustomed to walk, with a firm and steady step in this path — to meet the wants of sufferers, and especially those of our own membership — their wives or children — or the widows of fallen brothers and their orphan children. How many women are kept out of our work for want of elegibility, by their husbands failing to reach the top round of our ladder. In this way a great

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many sorrows are not assuaged that might be, and the wounds of many an afflicted one are undressed. Wives of Odd Fellows claim your rights and secure the Degree of Rebekah. Then leave the bowers of pleasure, Avhere all is joyous and happy, and go with us to minister to the suffering. Go from your home of peace and plenty and happiness to the chamber of sickness, and if need be, watch through the long dreary hours of the night by the couch of the sufferer. Go feel that beating pulse by pressing the wrist, and speak words of tenderness that will calm the wild commotion of delirium ; with the tender and affection¬ ate words of a kind friend, give consolation pnd com¬ fort to that dying one ; wipe the cold death sweat from the pale forehead, and as death comes on close the lids over the film-covered eye balls. We all must die, and may need such service for ourselves from some brother or sister of our common humanity taking the place of an absent mother, sister, wife or daughter.

The fraternity of Odd Fellows from its origin has contemplated the benefit of women and their children, and a married man who has become an Odd Fellow has had some reference to the interests of his wife and children, if there are children in his family circle, and I suppose almost every unmarried Odd Fellow has had reference to the daughter of some worthy man, who will become his wife.

The Order proposes, in case of sickness, to furnish a minister from amongst its votaries who will share the labor with the wife of taking care of the invalid. If the sickness is continued and the source of supply or family maintenance is cut off, the Order places

DEGREE OF REBEKAH.

from her treasury, in the hand of that woman, not as a charity, but as a right belonging to her, an amount that will enable her every week during her husband’s sickness to meet the family wants, and if his sickness ends in death, it places in her hands the necessary funds to meet the expense of his funeral. The Order thus fulfills an agreement between herself and her members.

The Order also proposes to watch over and care for the widows of her deceased members ; to look after the orphan children and see that they are clothed and educated. For there is a fund found in every Lodge denominated the “ Orphan Fund,” and it is strictly guarded, so that Lodges are able, when demand is made upon them, to render help in clothing and edu¬ cation of orphans.

Odd Fellowship proposes to the widow to be as an husband to her, and a father to her fatherless children. If the widow is a Daughter of Rebekah, the Noble Grand of the Lodge gives her all the instruction re¬ garding the degree that was formerly given her by her husband. The wives and children of every Odd Fellow have claims upon every member of the Order, and those claims are freely acknowledged.