1839-40. THE EOSEATE BAND. 227 



of creation, and to act for the good of their fellow-men, strong 

 within them, unite together in a bond of fellowship, each brother 

 devoting his time and his energies to the department for which 

 he feels and proves himself best fitted, communicating his 

 knowledge to all, so that all may benefit thereby, casting away 

 selfishness and enforcing precepts of love. By such means glory 

 shall accrue to his Order, so that it may wax powerful in intel- 

 lectual strength, and become a mental and a moral safeguard to 

 the world, and a bond of union among all nations. Such is our 

 Brotherhood." 



The chief dignitary was entitled Archimagus, or Grand Master; 

 under him were three Grand Masters to aid in directing the 

 affairs of the brotherhood. The " Roseate Band" was a rose- 

 coloured ribbon, three-quarters of an inch in breadth, made 

 expressly for them at St. Etienne, and having woven into its 

 texture the mystic letters, M. E. o. in black, surrounded by a 

 holly wreath in green. A star in black, with red triangle in 

 the centre, and a black shield, with red band crossing it 

 diagonally, were placed alternately between each group of letters. 

 The ribbon is beautiful as a work of art, and was worn by each 

 member of the society. 



As its original founders were men whose talents gave them 

 a high place -in the Edinburgh University, entrance to their 

 circle was eagerly desired by their fellow-students. Great care, 

 however, was exercised in admitting brethren, and the indis- 

 pensable qualifications were not only evidences of mental power 

 and acquirements, but high moral character. 



After all preliminary investigations had been satisfactorily 

 settled, the applicant was admitted to the possession of a ribbon, 

 and the title " Associate." This was a state of probation, longer 

 or shorter, as the case might be, and when proofs of talent, 

 energy, and interest in promoting the designs of the fraternity, 

 united to blameless moral conduct, had been evinced, the title 

 of " Triangle" was reached, constituting the happy recipient of a 

 silver triangle, having the motto engraved on it, with clasp (to 

 be worn pendant from a short red ribbon on the left side of the 

 coat), a lonafide brother, entitled to take part in all proceedings. 

 In April 1838, Edward Forbes counsels the aspirants to the 



