the profoundest erudition. And they are taught, moreover, because they reveal that first great principle-Truth. Truth pervades all nature. The Odd-Fellow looks for it every where-seizes it with avidity-cherishes it with friendship and love, and is ready to die by it-and supported by its power, is conscious of its strength, though its enemies hurl against it the fiery darts of malice and persecution, dipt in the rank poison of slander. Truth is a certain antidote to slander-hence he has inscribed upon the tablet of his heart, as upon the arch of the temple, in golden letters, Friendship, Love and Truth. These are the pillars of the institution. Brothers, would that I could dart a feeling conviction of the truth of this sentiment into your hearts. Can we hope to be a band of brothers without these hallowed principles. A union without them, even if it could exist, would not be desirable. There may be minds which can fancy Odd-Fellowship in existence after these sublime principles shall have been extinguished, but mine cannot. I can see nothing in such a prospect but the darkest gloom, general anarchy and confusion-thoughts and deeds of blackest hue-a grand disruption. If this institution is to stand, let it stand upon these. If upon any other foundation, then may it speedily fall. When it comes to this, then may it be scattered abroad even from the memory of its now devoted members. But thank God they are bound to prevail. We do not, as a society, forbid the use of intoxicating liquors, but only the abuse of them. But intemperance is forbidden, because it may reduce the member's family to want and ignominy, himself to degradation and disgrace, and the society of which he is a member to disrepute. Indeed, the drunkard cannot be an Odd-Fellow; and so soon as a member becomes such so surely is he expelled from these walls, deprived of the privileges of the Order, and considered unworthy to be the associate of Odd-Fellows as such. Brothers, let us wake up on this subject; let us be vigilant against this foe to the human race. Let us be watchful against a vice which steals upon us with syren song. Let us guard the doors of this temple against this arch enemy of man. Conscience, when well directed and properly educated, is man's best guide. The real, genuine Odd-Fellow is consciencious in all his actions in life. In our day men are punished but for few consciencious deeds. For those which his conscience does not approve he is ever punished. There is a lash within himself which is always goading him. Nor will it let him rest day or night. The deed once done there is no escape from it. It follows him into all climates; attends him into all circles; stands a spectre before him in the full blaze of the noon-day's sun, and rises up in his distempered dreams.— "He that commits a sin shall quickly find To relieve the suffering of those who are in distress, and especially the weak and defenceless-in a word, to use all honest and honorable means to ameliorate the condition of the human family, with industry and alacrity, aided by regular and systematic action and concert, with a full view of our high responsibilities to God, and our duties to our fellow-men, becomes a fact of the great work being undertaken. Although Odd-Fellowship has existed in the United States only twenty-five years, it is now in nearly every State in the Union. There are now upwards of 30,000 in full compliance. During the year 1843 there were relieved by the operation of the Lodges 4,564 persons. The number of members buried by the Lodges 194-the amount paid for the relief of members $49,081 16 cts.-amount paid for the relief of widowed families $5,106 69 cts.-amount paid for the education of orphans $4,355 21 cts.-amount paid for burying the dead $7,646 32 cts. The whole amount thus expended during the year 1843 is $66,677 17 cts. The whole revenue of the Order is $182,186 47 cts. In this village Odd-Fellowship has existed but about two years. Al. though its blessings may not appear to have been poured out upon this town, yet, like the blessed dews of heaven, they have been quietly distilled upon it, all pure, and calm, and silent. May its charities be ever thus bestowed-may Odd-Fellowship ever come, like the angel of peace to the dreaming soldier, whispering of home and joy; not like the messenger of war, trumpeting to the world the tidings of desolation. But it is asked, that if such is the good resulting from Odd-Fellowship, why such mystery connected with it? I love the charity that is clad in mystery. 'Tis as the foliage to the green-bay tree. Mystery is the very life and soul of the institution, and without it I would not give one cent for the Order. Strip us of this and we are completely paralyzed. But why not permit it to be veiled in mystery? Sir, mystery is not mysterious. You are more familiar with it than with any thing on earth. It pervades all space; exists throughout the whole universe, and becomes. a part of every particle of matter. All nature teems with it. Your very existence is mysterious. How is it that you live and breathe? How is it that the sprig of grass springs up into life and beauty from the bosom of the earth? How is it that the mind leaves the body, as it seems, in its deep slumbers, and fleeing with the rapidity of lightning afar off to the sunny fields and green hillocks of childhood, calls back in a moment the hours that are gone for ever, those dear friends that sleep in the cold grave, holding sweet converse with the dead? Oh! 'tis a glorious mysterythis that rolls back the tide of time-God, nature, the heavens, the earth, the immortal mind, the complicated body-I admire them, I love them, I revere them none the less, but still the more, because the sable veil of mystery envelopes them all. The duties which Odd-Fellowship imposes upon its members do not contradict those high and important duties which we owe to our God, our country, or our fellow-men. That allegiance which we owe to our God is of the highest and most transcendent character. Being the great Ruler of the Universe, by whom all things were made and are now governedexisting from before the beginning, and being ere time began, from everlasting to everlasting all-powerful, all-wise, and all-just, what in comparison with him and his government are all the powers of man. In the scale how dwindle into insignificance all the kingdoms, and states, and potentates, and societies of earth! The spirit of this institution is highly religious. There are Christians amongst us-Christians whose faith is dearer, far dearer, than the warm blood that courses through their veins-Christians whose tenets link them to the skies, and who will remain firm and steadfast longer than a single pulsation of life shall last.Ask them if their faith is weakened; if their morals are corrupted; if their consciences have been hardened; all, to a man, will answer, "No, no, no." The best Christian makes the best Odd-Fellow. Amidst the long and bright catalogue of virtues which shed beauty and glory upon the humble worshipper at the shrine of mercy, there exists not one with which Odd-Fellowship does not claim close kindred. When the saint shall have been transplanted to the paradise of glory, and seated at the right-hand of his Creator, the chaplet which shall wreath his brow will be all interwoven with the principles of this Order. It cannot but be admitted, even by the most zealous and extravagant admirer, that this institution has many enemies, not only in the north and the east, but also here at home. In other parts of the United States a party has arisen against an institution, at least in one respect, similar to this, who have for a long time waged against it a venomous warfare. And one of the chief objections alleged against that institution they allege against this. It is said that the assembling together of a number of persons with closed doors, in strict secrecy, is anti-republican and prejudicial to the government; and as is the tendency of all disputes of a secular character, this has been ingratiated into the politics of the land. Perhaps men have fallen into no greater error. Every Lodge has published to the world its constitution, containing its rules and regulations. By them it will be perceived that religious or political disputes are never permitted in the Lodge. We will permit the most devoted and acknowledged patriot and republican in the land, if he has the requisite moral qualifications, and will consent to abide the constitution as published to the world, to enter into our midst and be advised of all the mysteries and secrets-and then leave the institution whenever he may please. Shall not the thousands of patriots and philanthropists who are devoted members of the Order, be a pledge for the patriotism of the institution? Shall not the strong and ardent attachment extended by its members for the republican government of which we so much boast, be an earnest of the patriotism? If per possibility the interests of Odd-Fellowship and those of our country should clash and come in conflict the Odd-Fellow would permit it— dearly as he loves it, and fondly as he doats upon it, to sink rather than that his country should suffer. He is for his country right or wrong. When fortune smiles and peace pours its rich store of blessings upon the land, he is found in sweet accordance with it, basking in the benignity of its hallowed influences. But when "the storm is up and all is on the hazzard"—when fierce war rages throughout the land, and the loud roar of its artillery wakes the slumbering energies of his country-then, if I mistake him not- he is first to arms, to the rescue, and to victory-and baring his breast against the storm of conflict, in defence of his liberty, his household gods and his country, he will sink or swim with its fortunes, and to the latest hour cling to the last remnant of the constitution and laws. The Odd-Fellow is the same every where-whether in the cold climates of the north, or upon the burning sands of the south,-or the soft clime and classic land of Italy-or in our own free land of America-always for the truest, best interests of the country. Nor is there aught in Odd-Fellowship which in the least contradicts those great duties which we owe to mankind. If when a stranger, afar off in a strange land, long, long from home, and relations, and friends, and tossed upon the turbulent sea of life, flies when convulsed with the throbs of disease from the cold charities of a heartless world, the Odd-Fellow ministers to his wants and cools his raging fever, he does him an injury, then indeed has he sinned. If to take the weak and tender infant upon whom the winds of life blew roughly, by the hand and learn him to walk, and to support and educate him in morals and science-rearing him up an ornament to his race, to do battle by deeds of chivalry in time of war, and in peace to act the best part of the best citizen-if to become the father to the fatherless be against the best interests of his fellow-man, then has he egregiously erred. If when death wrestles with the strong man— paralyzes the sinewy arm-bleaches the ruddy cheek, and dims the bright eye, the Odd-Fellow wrongs him, when he pours the balm of sacred truth into his soul, watches over his expiring moments at the dark and terrible hour of midnight, wafts his soul upon his fervent prayers to the judgment-seat, and drops his tears of sympathy upon the cold grave, then is he truly unfortunate. Odd-Fellowship is the very acme of society. When men shall have gone on, and on, with improvement after improvement in the social compact, until they act out the principles of Odd-Fellowship then, and not till then, will they have reached its zenith. "IS NOT THIS THE CARPENTER'S SON?" BY MISS E. C. HURLEY, OF NEW YORK. THIS was a question from the awe-struck throng, Though listen'd to with wonder, doubt, and fear. That men were sinful from their very birth; Incliu'd to evil, ever prone to ill, That which is wrong, most pleasant to the will; Blindly pursuing where the passions led, Though the heart quail'd beneath the stubborn head. Oh is it wonderful such men should find, Where peace and gentleness were only shown, ODD-FELLOWSHIP.—No. 2. WE contemplate with profound admiration the wisdom and perseverance of those whose labours have elevated our beloved Order to its present high position. When we take a retrospective view of the past, and see what has been done by individual and collective enterprise, we find much to stimulate us in our labours of love. Our institution is now in the days of its triumph, and the finger of scorn no longer affects us. If we have enemies, we know that they are ignorant of our principles, or they are enemies of a virtuous life. Every revolving year brings with it something to our advantage; and increases our facilities for carrying out the principles of Odd-Fellowship. It also opens to us some new field for exertion, draws around us more firmly the bonds of our union; and calls on us for increased and heart-felt gratulation. Let no one suppose that his work is done until sin and misery are banished from our earth, and all men are enabled to dwell together in unity. Our institution having for its object Benefit and Charity, it may be well to view them separately; by doing so we shall be better able to understand the particular uses we are designed to perform-no man arrives at excellencies from the practice of generalities. That Lodge is capable of being the most useful whose individual members are best acquainted with every part of our system; and we hope in another number to illustrate more fully this important truth. Our fund is a common fund, in which we should all feel an equal interest. When it is appropriated for use, we should all feel a lively desire in having it appropriated to its true end; like a prudent man who provides himself with a comfortable home to shield him from the contending elements of the physical world, so we should first provide ourselves with a suitable regalia and a comfortable room for our meetings. In observing |