They arrived in Bethlehem, destitute, weary and worn, and Ruth was compelled to seek through menial labor the means of support for herself and the aged Naomi. Faithful to the duties which adverse fortune had thrown upon her, she became a gleaner in the fields of Boaz, who said to his servant that was set over his reapers, "Whose damsel is this?" Upon being informed of her history, her devotion to Naomi, and present circumstances, advanced to where she was resting and addressed to her kindly words of encouragement. Ruth raised her hands to show him how small were her gleanings, and that she had not taken from the sheaves; placed them meekly upon her breast as proof of her willingness to submit to whatever lot she might be called upon to endure, casting her eyes upward, as appealing to God. He ordered his reapers to drop handfuls of barley that she might gather a supply, and invited her to eat and drink of the provisions he had supplied. Ruth was encouraged; and at evening, returned laden with the fruits of her toil to gladden the heart of Naomi. My sister, be faithful to the duties of your station; ever teaching that honor and justice which Ruth portrayed in the touching and beautiful incidents of her life. The sign of this degree is given by-- Repeat from secret work. (6.) The pass. (7.) The color appropriate to this degree is yellow, whose golden hue symbolizes constancy, teaching faithful obedience to the demands of honor and justice. The Sheaf is an emblem of plenty, and from its collection of minute parts, teaches that by patient industry, gathering here a little and there a little, we may provide for the infirmities of age. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the third point of the Star for further instruction. The candidate is conducted around Ruth's chair, leaving the chair to the right, then across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around Electa's chair to Esther for instruction. During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: "And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you: and they answered him, The Lord bless thee." "Then said Boaz unto his servant, that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?" "And the servant, that was set over the reapers, answered and said: It is the damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab." _Cond._ Sister Esther. Esther rises and takes her position at the right of her chair. _Esther._ Sister Conductress. _Cond._ I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of fidelity to kindred and friends as exemplified in the history of Esther.