The regular meetings are on the first and third Saturday in each month, at 7 o'clock, from the 1st of October to the 1st of April; and at 8 o'clock from the 1st of April to the 1st of October. (A regular attendance is required, as it is through the members that the Committee communicate with any and all the Lodges when necessary.)

On the death of a Brother, the Lodge to which he belonged, is required to furnish a list of his Children, with their names, age and residence, certifying that he was a Benefit-Member at the time of his death, signed by the Officers and sealed with the seal of the Lodge.

These Guardians are required to enter the Children as they arrive at a proper age, in the Public School, nearest its residence,-unless they prefer a Private School, in which case they make their own selection. All entrances, payments and receipts to be made and taken in the name of the I. O. O. F.

They are required to visit the Children at the School, (so as to ascertain the regularity of their attendance, the progress which they make, their general appearance and behaviour; a threat from the Teacher that they would inform this Guardian, being frequently sufficient to prevent any thing improper.)

They are required to visit the Children at their homes (if they have neglected School -the cause is ascertained-if it be from a want of necessaries the same is reported to the Committee, and from them to the Lodges, when the same has always been supplied. If from carelessness on the part of the Parent or disinclination on the part of the Child, they are required to use their utmost exertion to remedy the evil, by pointing out the great advantage of Education, &c., to which end they may require the assistance of any of the Committee.)

They are required to report every removal of the Family, every exchange of School, with all other matters worthy attention, (which are regularly entered on the books.) They are required to report when places are wanted for Children, (when the same is communicated to the Lodges, and good situations readily obtained.)

They are required to use all proper influence to procure the Children's attendance on Sabbath Schools, (as the most effectual way of acquiring a knowledge of Sacred History, of keeping them out of bad company, of creating a fondness for the Church, and a laudable pride in their appearance,)-in a word:

They are required to do by them as they would that their own Children should under similar circumstances be done by.

FRIENDSHIP-Is something more than a name. It is a living principle, cherished by man and animals to a great degree. If we look on the world with a discerning eye, we shall find that in the whole order of beings, from the seraph that adores and burns, down to the most inconsiderable insect, all, according to their proportion in the scale of existence, have, more or less, implanted in them by wise nature, the principle of uniting with others of the same species with themselves. We discover even some of the most inconsiderate animals formed into different ranks and societies, for the benefit and protection of each other. We need not name the careful ant, or the busy bee-insects which the wisest of men have recommended, and which our own lectures point out as a pattern of untiring industry and prudent foresight. If we raise our ideas higher, we shall find that this innate principle of friendship arises in proportion as the objects seem to advance nearer to the degree of rational. There can be no better way of judging of the superiority of one part of the animal creation above the other, than by observing what degrees of kindness and seeming good-nature they enjoy.

But to confine ourselves to the rational species, let us think and meditate upon those benevolent dispositions and good-temper of soul, which indulgent nature has so kindly bestowed upon us, and then shall we discover the advantages of association-then see and feel the blessing of friendship. As human nature rises in the scale of things, so do the social affections

rise. We feel in our breasts a strong propensity to friendship! We enjoy a pleasure when it is firmly cemented; and we feel a pain when it deadens or declines. What sweetens life, but friendship? What relieves care, but friendship?-what alleviates pain, or makes sorrow smile, but friendship?―sacred, holy friendship! The progress of this principle is not confined to the narrow circle of private connections, or particular associations. True, its influence is greater here; but the principle is universal, it extends to every branch of the human race, to all of the wide spread humanity. Though its influence is unbounded, yet it exerts itself more or less vehemently as the objects it favors are nearer or more remote. Hence springs true patriotism, which fires the soul with a generous flame, creates the best and most disinterested virtue, and inspires that public spirit and heroic ardor, which enables us to support a good cause, and if need be, risk our lives in its defence. This commendable virtue crowns the lover of his country with unfading laurels, gives a lustre to all his actions, and consecrates his name to latest ages. The warrior's glory may consist in murder, and the rude ravage of the desolating sword; but the blood of thousands will not stain the hands of his country's friend.

His virtues are open, and of a noble kind. Conscious integrity supports him against the arm of power; and should he bleed by a tyrant's hands, he gloriously dies a martyr in the cause of liberty, and leaves to posterity an everlasting monument of the greatness of his soul. Friendship not only appears divine when employed in preserving the liberties of our country, but shines with equal splendor in the more tranquil hours of life. Before it rises into the noble flame of patriotism, aiming destruction at the heads of tyrants, thundering for liberty, and courting dangers in a good cause, we shall see it calm and moderate, burning with an even glow, improving the soft hours of peace, and heightening the relish for virtue. Hence it is, that contracts are formed, societies instituted, and the vacant hours of life are cheerfully employed in agreeable company and social conversation. It is thus we may trace from reason and the nature of things, the wise ends and designs of the Institution of Odd-Fellowship; which not only cultivates and improves a real and undisguised friendship among men, but teaches them the more important duties of society. Vain, then, is each idle surmise against the institution, which our enemies may either meanly cherish in their own bosoms, or fool-like wickedly and ignorantly promulgate to the uninstructed world. By decrying Odd-Fellowship they derogate from human nature itself, and from that good order and wise constitution of things, which the wise author of the world has framed for the government of mankind, and has established as the basis of the moral system, which, by a secret, but attractive force, disposes the human heart to every social virtue. Can friendship or social delights be the object of reproach? Can that wisdom which hoary Time, has sanctified be the object of ridicule? How mean, How mean, how contemptible must those men appear, who vainly pretend to censure or contemn what they dare not investigate, and cannot comprehend! The generous heart will pity ignorance so aspiring and insolent, and it will yet cling to the principle of friendship, and cherish it as that which never "lulls to sleep" the finer and better feelings of humanity, but encourages their growth, and strengthens their strength.

C.

WATCHFULNESS.

We are not now about to exhort the brotherhood to keep a more diligent watch over each other, for that duty is strictly enjoined so often in the Lodge, that it would not seem necessary that they be publicly reminded of it, and it is believed that the injunction is in many instances obeyed, although perhaps, the watch is kept, more to discover the evil, than to see and encourage the good in the brother. But we would speak of that watchfulness which we should preserve over our own selves. Without watchfulness the integrity of the heart is in danger of being violated. passions although in themselves innocent, and positively useful when confined to their appropriate objects, under the restraints of reason and religion, may, by excessive indulgence become so many sources of wretchedness to all associated with us. It is often the case, that the worst enemies we have are those which are lurking about our own hearts. We should therefore endeavor to acquire a competent degree of self-knowledge. We should study ourselves so as to know our own weakness, and the assailable points in our moral citadel, that we can successfully guard them against the intrusion of vicious principles. As we profess a friendship and love for our brethren, we should watch over ourselves, and not allow the passion of anger to reign within us. Man is a frightful spectacle when transported with this passion. The storm which rages in his bosom is manifested in the infuriated eye, the distorted countenance, and in such excessive acts of violence, as usually describe the worst case of insanity. In fact a man while under the dominion of this destructive passion exhibits the characteristics of the most unfortunate maniacs; the government of reason is overthrown-the harmony of his mind is destroyed, and anarchy and confusion reign within his soul.

It is necessary therefore that man should keep a rigid watchfulness over himself, and his various affections, lest he indulge this destructive and corrupting passion. It is particularly needful that he should do so, who has inherited an ardent irritable temperament, because the provocations of life are of so frequent occurrence, arising from conflicting interests and pursuits that unless he is particularly watchful of himself, he will assuredly fall a prey to this enemy of his peace. How much real injury is done among brethren by the indulgence of this passion? How much misery has it occasioned, and how many scalding tears of penitence has it caused to flow? It has rendered him who indulges it, wretched-it has aroused the same spirit in some others, while more have been filled with grief, that he should give loose reign to the hurtful passion. As we would live in the enjoyment of friends and friendship;-as we would be respected by our brethren, respect ourselves and be virtuous and happy, let us institute a rigid watchfulness over our ownselves, that we may successfully resist the uprising of anger.

C.

WE admire the benevolence of those who laid the foundation, and reared the temple of Odd-Fellowship in our own country. We glory in their

perseverence, in their indomitable zeal, and fortitude, which cowered not when obstacles arose, and enemies multiplied. They were few, yet we venerate their names,-we glory in their principles. Their virtues, like the great lights in the constellation above, continue to glow in the breast of every true Odd-Fellow. If we would be true to the principles, and faithful in our duty to the Order, we must not merely declare ourselves Odd-Fellows, and think we have nothing more to do, because so much has been done by the venerable founders of our Order.

In order to be true and faithful we must carry forward the work they so wisely marked out for the accomplishment of the Institution. We have a great work to perform. The salutary principles which they embodied into a system, we are to cultivate and extend;-to clear away the rubbish; -preserve the valuable, the good, the true, and transmit it unsullied, to the hosts, that after us, shall meet in our Lodges. To be true and faithful' we must be influenced by the great principles of our Order-Friendship, Love and Truth. We cannot fail so long as we are moved by these. Let them be imbedded in the deep recesses of our hearts, and their fruits shall be such as shall glorify God, and moralize and bless humanity. The charity or benevolence which we are required to exercise, consists not alone in paying 'benefits.' No, it has a power to improve the moral, as well as to support the animal nature. It involves the doing all we can for our brothers and fellows. Under its influence we shall endeavor to protect the good name of our fellow man, to bear with his failings, and cover his faults, rather than bring before the gaze of a greedy world-to win him from the error of his way, and rejoice with him when he comes up from the murky pit of iniquity, and puts on the spotless robe of virtue. Warning and encouragement may be the means of reclaiming many who have erred, and as we desire the greatest good of the greatest number, let us be true and faithful.

C.

Kentucky-Extract of a Letter from Bro. R. W. Glass, dated Shelbyville, 16th October, 1844.

Presuming that you are never averse to hearing of the prosperity of our beloved Order, abroad, as well as at home, I deem it not amiss to add a word by way of telling what we are doing, in this part of the "dark and bloody ground" towards disseminating the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth. I have but recently had my name enrolled among the members of the brotherhood, and hence know less of its principles, objects and present condition than many with whom I associate. But enough I know to satisfy myself that the Order, as it exists in our village, and other parts. of Kentucky, to which my knowledge has extended, is most beautifully adapted to the accomplishment of the great ends for which it was instituted, viz:-the promotion of the temporal happiness of the race of man.— With us Odd-Fellowship is rapidly approaching that position in the esteem and confidence of all good and honest men which her principles demand, and to which she is bound ere long to arrive. We have erected our standard in the midst of one of the most enlightened, benevolent, and social

communities of which old Kentucky can boast; and such being the case you cannot be surprised to hear of our rapid and healthy growth. But a few years since the term "Odd- Fellow" was scarcely known in our village, and many of our most efficient citizens were ready to stigmatize the lonely two who love the initials of I. O. O. F. with all the odium which malice could invent, or envy cherish. But, lo! what a change in public feeling! Our Order is fast securing the confidence and esteem of all good and intelligent men. We are indeed on rising ground. Howard Lodge No. 15, now numbers 30 true and good members-five of whom have passed the chair. We have been very careful to keep our Lodge clear of disreputable members, and by so doing have given to it a name and character which no opposition can sully. We have just commenced our course of winter Lectures; the first of which was delivered by Bro. P. G. Bull, in the hearing of a large number of our citizens. This Lecture was characteristic of a good Odd Fellow; and I think has added much to the credit of the institution. Would it not be an improvement in our Order for every Lodge to require its members, during the winter, to deliver monthly Lectures upon the history, objects and principles of our society; or, any subject connected with science?

Ohio-Extract of a letter from Cor. Sec. Albert G. Day, dated Cincinnati, November 20th, 1844.

The Order in this State is rapidly increasing both in numbers and popularity. Two new Lodges have been instituted since your late session, one in Springfield, Clark Co. under the name of Springfield Lodge No. 33, instituted October 24th, 1844, the other in Newark, Licking Co. under the name of Olive Branch Lodge No. 34, instituted October 25th, 1844. The above Lodges are started under favorable auspices, they being located in flourishing places, and the brothers to whom the charters were granted possess a character that warrants us to expect much from them.

The G. L. of the U. S. has done the State of Ohio lasting honor in the selection of G. Sire, and we bear witness that the mantle could not have fallen on a more worthy and deserving brother-one whose abilities are fully adequate to the duties of that distinguished station.

Mississippi-Extract of a letter from John B. Dicks, Grand Secretary, dated Natchez, October 9th, 1844.

The Order is steadily on the increase in this State, and I can testify that our Lodges are all in a better condition in every respect than heretofore, and are well provided in a pecuniary point of view to extend a helping hand to the needy and distressed. The Orphan Fund created by regular contributions from the Lodges in this city, though as yet small in amount, has been ample to discharge all the demands for the education of destitute Orphans. The Lodges have now some three or four Orphans placed at suitable schools, and the fund is still increasing in amount.

During the past summer, which by the bye has been one of the warmest experienced here for many years, our fair city has continued healthy, there has been but two funerals for the burial of members of the Order