EDITOR'S TABLE.

AMONG the many evidences of the increasing value of our Order, as well to society at large as to its immediate constituency, its triumph over a jaundiced public disfavor may be regarded as greatly influential in rendering its efforts fully effective. Public opinion in this country, although often in error, is all powerful to aid or to check the efforts of men and the force of principles, and to it as an august tribunal must the claims and merits of measures be subjected. Unworthy projects it is true may sometimes win its favor, and deserving schemes of benefaction may languish under the withering influence of its frown, yet the experience of every observing man we think will attest the truth, that the proper character of men and things will in due time receive its relative just reward. Errors of opinion and prejudices are alike among the infirmities of the public as well as the individual mind; nor is it remarkable that mankind are sometimes in haste to laud ephemeral deeds, or slow to appreciate real merit, when we consider the many foibles to which even the most intelligent and impartial minds are constantly subject. Again, men are apt to be incredulous, when great and extraordinary works are essayed, without apparent commensurate means to carry them out to successful accomplish

ment.

Our fellow-citizens, many of them distrusted the ability of humble men in the early days of Odd-Fellowship to effect more than mere local individual and mutual aid; whilst others, less liberal in their judgment, withheld their countenance from the offices of our Order under entire miscon ceptions of its true character, or from blind prejudices zealously cherished against it as an institution designed to uphold morals at the expense of Christianity. Of the latter class, we regret to say, many still continue amid the almost universal enlightenment in relation to the character and principles of Odd-Fellowship, to pursue our Order with anathema and holy

exorcism.

During a period of six and twenty years we have silently and unobtrusively been engaged as confederated spirits in the work of doing good to our fellow-men. We have formed a system of instruction and counsel well adapted to the elevation and improvement of man in all his relations: we have devised, in connexion with this effort for his moral culture, a plan of individual relief for him when overtaken by disease, calamity and distress we have, as auxiliary to these two cardinal elements of Odd

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Fellowship, provided an avenue to learning and intelligence for the or phan, succour and consolation for the widow, and reputable interment for the dead. The circle within whose limits these benefactions extend, embrace over forty thousand affiliated brethren in North America. The amount therefore of our contribution among the efforts of the philanthropists and benevolent spirits of the age may be more easily imagined than calculated. The true object of Odd-Fellowship is to improve the character of its votaries and to train them by its teachings to the knowledge and practice of the whole duty of man to his fellow-beings. Some there may be who look upon their association with our Order as a mere individual beneficial connexion-we trust the number of such may be small-he who entertains such an idea of Odd-Fellowship is grossly ignorant of its first principles; he has hurried through its gradations from idle curiosity, and has either been heedless of its admonitions, instructions and counsels, or has totally misconceived its great end and aim. Let him learn that our Order has for its design a far higher, nobler purpose; and while it incidentally and first as a matter of local regulation, stops by the way to relieve its immediate children, it teaches and practices universal Love and Charity to all human beings upon the habitable globe, of whatever clime, faith or nation.

We have by a practical exhibition of these doctrines acted out a defence of Odd-Fellowship against all manner of opposition, and every where we are now greeted with the salutations of the good and the virtu ous, who have been won over to a proper appreciation of our works, not by our seeking, but by the force of evidence reflected in streams of light from the Temples of our Order throughout our beloved country. Let none suppose for a moment that this is a mere ideal picture of the position of our Order; its truth is spread before us, while we write, in characters that cannot deceive. Every mail that comes from the north, the south, the east or the west brings us, as it were, in a continuous stream the cheering intelligence-every where Lodges are forming, not one or two, but in numbers, embracing the virtuous and choice citizens of the Republic of every class and every calling, high and low, rich and poor, all mingling, in beautiful illustration of the equality of all good men, upon a common levél, in one indissoluble band of brotherhood, pledged to go forth as the champions of Friendship, Love and Truth, and the ministers of peace and good will to men on earth. What means this vast increase of our Order? what means the acquisition of States within our jurisdiction in which the very name of an Odd Fellow was but a little while ago unheard, or if heard at all, named in terms of reproach? What means the increased intelligence and improvement every where within the Order itself? We present but one, the true answer to all these inquiries-it is the force of public opinion, which has found its way into a healthy channel, enlightened and purified by the beautiful practical benevolence of our beloved Order.

DURING a recent visit to Macon, Georgia, I attended United Brothers' Lodge, No. 5, and was agreeably surprised when introduced to their hall of meeting to find it one which, for good taste and beauty of arrangement has rarely been surpassed in the United States. The room is of moderate dimensions, 45 feet long by 26 wide, but handsomely and appropriately

furnished, and altogether possesses an air of heart-cheering comfort and brotherly union, strongly illustrative of the objects to which it is dedicated. The chair of the N. G. struck me particularly, from its being adorned at the back with a very well imagined painting, representing the "Allseeing Eye" darting rays of light from amid thick clouds, and surmounted by the motto:-"Thou, Lord, seest us." This striking the eye at the moment of entering, (for it directly faces the entrance,) has a most imposing effect-nor does its influence readily subside-for who with that solemn warning before them would indulge illiberal feelings, or refuse that pity to a brother which the Almighty vouchsafes to us all.

The chairs of the other principal officers are in excellent keeping, and the drapery gracefully arranged. Indeed the Lodge furniture seems to have been designed throughout with peculiar taste and care.

the bow-arrows and quiver, the antique battle-axe, &c. are all beautiful in their way, and reflect great credit on the brother who executed them. Connected with this hall is another of much larger size, which has been fitted up by the Lodge for lectures, exhibitions, &c. The members are anxious to place in it a library that shall be accessible to all who will avail themselves of the advantages it will afford for obtaining information. Thus are the United Brothers' intent on promoting the moral and intellectual natures of Odd-Fellows and the community. Success attend them in their exertions for the promotion of the welfare of humanity.

A. CASE.

We present our friends with an admirable story from the pen of Miss E. M. W. and have been favored by the fair authoress with several other interesting tales. We propose to insert one in each number until we shall have completed the publication of them. Meanwhile we expect the favor of other articles from her gifted pen.

We beg to return thanks to brother P. G. Sec'ry Jos. H. HOUGH, of New Jersey, for his prompt response to our appeal to the brotherhood in our last for a copy of the old Covenant. That brother has presented the Grand Lodge of the United States with the work, which will be placed in the archives of the Order.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

Maine-Extract of a letter from brother B. A. G. Fuller, dated Augusta, April 18, 1844.

Our Lodge (Sabattis, No. 6) went into operation the 26th of December last-and we now number about 150 members-taken from among those who, from being good members of society, are well fitted to become good Odd-Fellows. We are in a flourishing condition and hope to continue so situated. The opposition we have had to encounter, though never very extensive or powerful, has gradually weakened, and the rooted prejudices of not a few have been quite eradicated-as we have ever endeavored, in accordance with our principles, to avoid quarrels and hold the faith in

unity of spirit and in the bond of peace. As we are yet in our infancy we need "light" on many points, and it is to obtain this that I write.

New York-Extract of a letter from brother D. S. Curtiss, dated Perry, May 9th, 1844.

Please insert our young "Silver Lake Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F." in your list of Lodges-we were instituted on the 9th of February, 1844, and now have some 30 members.

The Order is flourishing in this region-we have initiated brothers in Silver Lake Lodge to establish Lodges in several other places. But we have here the most unfavorable place in the world to give the Order a footing-it was in this section that the Morgan affair took place, and the old prejudices of the people against Masonry lives in all its vigor; and they will identify those they have associated in their minds-yet we are " onward."

Pennsylvania-Extract of a letter from G. Sec'ry Wm. Curtis, dated Philadelphia, April 25th, 1844.

I send you the result of the election in our Grand Lodge on Monday evening last, viz:

JOHN PERRY,

N. B. LEIDY,

W. W. WEEKS,

WM. CURTIS,

F. KNOX MORTON,

P. G. M. HORN R. KNEASS, R. W. G. Rep. to G. L. of U. S.

P. G. M. JOSEPH BROWNE,

We polled 277 votes, but little or no opposition. The Order is in our State, I assure you, in a flourishing condition. I have just returned home from Lancaster, where I have been assisting to open an Encampment to be called Washington Encampment, No. 11.

I herewith send you the result of the election in our Grand Encamp. ment on Tuesday evening last, viz:—

Ohio-Extract of a letter from P. G. M. Charles Thomas, dated Cincin

nati, April 24th, 1844.

The Order in this State is progressing beyond my most sanguine expec

tation. Being Grand Treasurer I have this day signed five charters for subordinate Lodges, all to be instituted at good points.

In the north of this State there are many very good locations, where Lodges could be sustained; and if I were to judge by the communications I have received, and the interest manifested in them, I must come to the conclusion, that the time is not far distant when we will number fifty good and true subordinates

On the 27th inst in my official capacity I institute an Encampment in Hamilton. Having in December last instituted Capital Encampment, No. 6, in Columbus, this of course will be No 7.

I regret very much that the "Covenant" was not conducted on the same plan that it is at present. On the old system, the credit system, there was some one complaining all the time; but under the present arrangement every one who takes it, so far as I have heard, are well pleased. I am aware that the work does not receive that support it should in this city, but I hope you receive encouragement enough to continue it; believing, as I do, that there is nothing so useful to the Order.

Indiana-Extract of a letter from brother Orlando Lane, dated Madison, April 30th, 1844.

I presume you have been regularly advised from time to time, by the proper officer, of the condition and prospects of the Order in this StateI will, however, take the liberty to state in general terms, that we are as prosperous as under the circumstances of the times could be reasonably expected. We have added four numbers to our list since our last annual report; three of them in the northern part of the State, and one at Lawrenceburg on the Ohio river. The increase for the last two quarters has been much more rapid in the northern part of the State than in this vicinity. This fact is probably owing, in some measure, to its novelty among them;-I am happy to learn, however, that they have exercised great caution in the admission of members.

A quarterly communication of our Grand Lodge was held at this place on the 15th inst. A very full attendance was had from every part of the State. The day following (16th) was devoted to the dedication of the New Hall recently erected in this city by Washington Lodge, No. 11.The ceremonies of the day were commenced by a truly eloquent and appropriate address by bro. A. W. Bruce, at the Wesleyan Chapel; after which, the Order repaired to the New Hall, where the ceremony of dedication was performed; which was closed by a short but fervent address by bro. Tal. P. Shaffner, of Louisville. The services were well arranged and truly imposing, and were witnessed by a numerous and attentive audience. I trust they have left a favourable impression upon the minds of the community; and I speak confidently when I say, they have exerted a beneficial influence upon the Order here. Bro. Shaffner remained with us through the entire week, occupying the evenings with a course of Lectures upon the principles of the Order.

I am happy to inform you that there is a decided improvement in the condition of the Patriarchal branch of the Order in this city, since our