by the General Grand Chapter

“ That the obligation of our Order, voluntarily assumed, is perpetual, from the force of which there is no release. The ballot for candidates for the degrees, or membership, must be unanimous, without debate, and kept inviolably secret. The degrees cannot be conferred unless a brother in good standing shall preside. He can call upon the Worthy Matron to assist in conferring the degrees. Every member is amenable to the laws of the Order, and may be tried for offenses, either by the Chapter to which the member belongs, or by the Chapter within whose jurisdiction the member resides. ”

“ The authority of a Subordinate Chapter is prescribed and limited by the Grand Chapter within whose jurisdiction it exists. Five Subordinate Chapters within any State or Territory where no Grand Chapter exists, may organize a Grand Chapter possessing all the lawful powers of such a Chapter within said State or Territory.
LANDMARKS.
A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. In the Order of the Eastern Star there are only five degrees, known as Adah, the daughter; Ruth, the widow; Esther, the wife; Martha, the sister; and Electa, the mother. ”

“ Its obligations are based upon the honor of those who obtain its secrets, and are framed upon the principle that whatever benefits are due by Masons to the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Masons, reciprocal duties are due from them to the Brotherhood. ”