_Cond._ You have doubtless well considered the step you have taken in seeking admission to this Order, dedicated to Charity, Truth, and Loving-kindness. You came here of your own free choice. Complain not, therefore, at any trial. A seal is here set upon your lips. Let it warn you to be ever silent and secret, as to all that may be made known to you here. Be not weary in well-doing. Woe unto those who seek to take upon themselves burdens which they cannot bear. Woe unto the faithless and insincere, who assume obligations lightly and forthwith forget them. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths." Conductress offers her right arm to the candidate. If there are two the Associate Conductress offers her left arm to the candidate and in like manner follows with the second. The Associate Conductress assists only when necessary to form couples. The candidate is conducted once around the room to the Associate Matron. Officers and members always observe square corners. During the march, vocal or instrumental music is furnished, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: _W. P._ "Though I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." "Charity suffereth long, and is kind: charity envieth not." "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." "And now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity." Having arrived at the West, the candidate is introduced to the Associate Matron. _Cond._ Sister Associate Matron. _A. M._ Sister Conductress. _Cond._ I have the honor of introducing -- -- who is to be presented by you to the Worthy Matron. _A. M._ My friend, you are heartily welcome. Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to face the East. Conductress and candidate face the East. _A. M._ Worthy Matron, I have the honor to present -- --whose petition has been approved by this Chapter, and who is now ready to assume our Obligation. The Worthy Matron rises and addresses the candidate. _W. M._ It is with pleasure that I welcome you into this Chapter. Your relation to the Masonic fraternity, and the recommendations presented in your behalf, assure us that you merit the honor we confer, and are worthy of the important trust with which we are about to invest you. The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters of Master Masons. Here they may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.