_Esther._ Esther was a Jewish damsel, living about five hundred years before the Christian era. The Jews were then held in captivity within the Persian empire. After the divorce of Queen Vashti, the king caused search to be made throughout the empire for the most beautiful woman, to be her successor. The choice fell upon Esther, who, amid national rejoicing and royal magnificence, became the queen of Persia. The knowledge of her descent from the captive race was carefully concealed from the king and his court. In due time the enemies of the Jews, being powerful and numerous, persuaded the king to issue a royal edict commanding that upon a given day the entire Hebrew race should be destroyed. Queen Esther, when informed of the cruel edict, resolved to risk the loss of royal favor and life itself, to save her people from death. It was a law of the palace that no one, not even the queen, should enter the king's presence unsummoned, under penalty of death, unless the king should extend the golden sceptre as a signal of pardon. Esther, attired in her queenly apparel, with heroic purpose, sought the presence of the king. It was the day of the grand council of governors, princes and officers of Persia. The royal guards held all avenues of approach to the council chamber. The king sat upon his throne of gold and ivory, surrounded by the highest officials of his empire. The queen approached. The guards and palace officials were stricken with terror at the unbidden advance of the queen. The king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion. Queen Esther, fixing her eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king, firmly advanced to the foot of the throne, at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise. She secured pardon by laying her hand upon the golden sceptre which he extended to her. Graciously, said the king, "What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." Esther's perilous adventure was successful. The king relented from his cruel purpose, and spared the chosen people. The sign of this degree is given by-- Repeat from secret work. (9.) The pass. (10.) The color appropriate to this degree is white; a symbol of light, purity, and joy, and should teach us that a pure and upright life is above the tongue of reproach. The Crown and Sceptre united is an emblem of royalty and power. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fourth point of the Star for further instruction. The candidate is conducted around Esther's chair, leaving the chair to the right across the Star, leaving the Altar to the left, around Adah's chair to Martha for instruction. During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: