mummeries, and its secrecy dangerous to the well-being of society; but on neither of these points were his efforts attended with any degree of success. It was our intention to have given a brief sketch of the lecture, that our readers might have judged for themselves, but our remarks have already extended beyond the limits which we proposed to occupy, and, for this day at least, we will say no more about it, except to suggest to the lecturer that if he is desirous of securing for the Sabbath that reverence which he is known to profess, he cannot better prove his sincerity than by delivering the remainder of the course of lectures which he has announced on some other than Sunday evenings. The excitement on Sunday evening last and the scenes to which it gave rise, were exceedingly disreputable, and if poor Elder Lamson or the weaker sister Folsom had been the occasion of a similar collection, they would probably have spent the night in what the lady terms "the prison-house of death," and been called upon to explain their conduct in the police court the next morning.-Boston Post.

The War against Odd-Fellowship.-We presume that the sermon of Mr. Colver, of Boston, which we noticed some days since, may be considered as the first war-whoop at a regular and continued assault against this large, popular, and rapidly increasing asso. ciation. If the charges made against them by Mr. Colver are true he is certainly perfectly right in opposing the further increase of the Order, but so long as we find large numbers of our best citizens, some of them equally prominent and active members of various christian denominations, actively connected with the operations of the Lodge, we cannot give credit to what is said by one who acknowledges that he personally knows nothing of the secrets of the Order. One thing is certain, that the Odd-Fellows' society ranks throughout the Union among the first of the benevolent institutions of the present day. In fact, the great increase of the society in every part of the Union has filled the timid mind, ignorant of the objects for which it was established, with an apprehension for the safety of the religious and political institutions of the country. In our opinion, and from all the information which we can gain on the subject, we agree with the New York Sun, that no fear need be apprehended on this point-friendship, love and truth, are the insignia of Odd-Fellowship; charity is its keystone, and benevolence its watchword-all are invited to join the society; none are debarred whose character will bear investigation, and whose deportment, as well in domestic, as in public life, is untarnished, and whose escutcheon will stand the test of morality. Similar investigations are instituted in all benevolent societies. We are positively assured that there are no secret oaths administered by the Order, and, beyond the password necessary for the recognition of members, all its principles, objects and aims, are as public as those of ordinary associations and societies.-Balt. Sun.

Sermon against Odd Fellowship -One or two points strike us, with force. In the first place, we regard all such attacks from the pulpit, as based in that spirit of meddling,' which causes so much mischief in the world. It is none of Mr. Colver's businessnone. It is a matter of individual concern, which his parishioners are just as capable to understand as he is. It may be silly, foolish, empty, or whatever he pleases; and yet, at last, it is none of his business, so long as he takes no part in it. That preacher is a meddling, impertinent busy-body, although he may not intend to be such, who assumes to judge the conduct of bodies of men, as honest, pious and wise, as himself, in a matter so strictly personal. He says, for example, that Odd-Fellowship is not as comprehensive as it might be. Well, suppose this is true. Who gave him the authority to arraign thousands of citizens, not for doing some good, but for doing less than he, great man that he is, would desire. It is pure meddling; nothing else but that miserable, busy-body meddling, which fills the world with contentions, instead of peace. As a minister, his duty is with the Bible, not with those institutions which citizens may choose to establish.And whatever he or others may choose to say, it is a fact, too notorious to be denied, that by the Institution of Odd-Fellowship, the sick are supported and solaced; families are saved from suffering; and children, orphans, are secured the blessings of an education. But, then says this meddler, the thing is not done as, and in the way that I, great I, would wish it. Pshaw! out upon such egotistical fools.-Richmond Star.

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7

Whilst HOPE whispers the possibility of reclamation LOVE will not let go, a wandering Brother.-Among the many indications of the inherent virtues of Odd Fellowship to be seen in the rich season of prosperity which is every where opening upon its ministrations, we copy with pleasure the subjoined as indicating as well the force of the principles of our Order, as the utter fruitlessness of all efforts of insubordination against its legitimate government.

The following applications from Brethren, members of Perseverance Lodge of New York expelled by the Grand Lodge of that State and now under the jurisdiction of the MANCHESTER UNITY, for reinstatement under the Grand Lodge of New York have been received, as we observe by the printed Journal and have been favorably considered-Henry Peterson, Baptiste Phillips, Otho Clayman, Samuel J. Chapman, James Virtue, George Schmidt, Peter L. Fierty, Bernard Conway, Thomas Doyle, Titus Waugh. Many we learn have previously applied and have been received.

R. W. GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF MARYLAND, I. O. O. F.
Baltimore, January 12, 1844.

To Jas. L. Ridgely, Esq., Editor of the Official Magazine.

DEAR SIR AND BRO.-By resolution of this Grand Encampment, I am directed to furnish you with the Grand Officers elected (8th January inst.) for the current year:

P. G. H. P. JNO. EMORY, of No. 2,
P. C. P. ELI GOULD,

66

1,

R. W. G. P.

"G. H. P.

"G.S.W.

"G. Scribe

"G. Treasurer.

"G. J. W.

"G. Sentinel.

I take pleasure in complying with the requirements of the R. W. Grand Encampment, and leave it of course to you to make such disposition of the information as you think proper, and am Sir,

Yours Fraternally,

G. D. TEWKSBURY, G. S.

Mr. Pratt's Lecture.-The address of Mr. Pratt of Portland, delivered before the Wecohamet Lodge, I. O. of O. F. and the citizens of this town generally, on Tuesday evening last, was a splendid effort. The lecturer ably and successfully defended the principles of Odd-Fellowship, and by his convincing, agreeable manner, won largely upon the respect of the audience. We are confident it has removed much prejudice which has existed in the minds of some against this benevolent and praiseworthy Order.The lecture exceeded our highest expectations-it was liberal in sentiment, free from political or sectarian bias, as is also the Order itself—was well written, pronounced in an eloquent and forcible style, and of course gave universal satisfaction. The Town Hall exhibited one of the largest and most respectable audiences that has ever congregated in that beautiful edifice.-Dover (N. H.) Gazette.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

Canada-Extract of a letter from P. G. John H. Hardie, dated Montreal, February 12th, 1844.

I am happy to inform you of the continued prosperity of the Order in this place; it is true that for a time a dark cloud seemed to hang over us in consequence of a bill being brought before the Provincial Parliament for the purpose of suppressing secret societies, (Free Masons excepted,) which bill was passed by both houses, but the thanks of the Order is due to his Excellency Sir Charles Metcalf, who in refusing his signature to the bill saved the Order from destruction in this country, thereby showing himself to be a true Odd-Fellow, as it has since become known that he is a member of the Manchester Unity. We have now to congratulate the Order in general and ourselves in particular that the cloud which hung on us for a time, threatening the downfall of our beloved Order, has been dispelled and we are now revelling in the sunshine of prosperity. The prejudice which has heretofore existed is rapidly giving way before the better judgment, and the good example of the brethren labouring to sustain the good cause. I am proud to say we have many amongst us now who but a few weeks ago were our bitterest opponents, but who are amongst the most active brothers foremost in advocating our interest, and doing all in their power to advance the Order in the estimation of the public. At the last meeting of Prince Wales Lodge we initiated five persons, and at the next we expect six more to come forward-the fact is we are in the midst of a revival with every prospect of a long continuance. Montreal has the honour of starting the ball of Odd-Fellowship in the Province of Canada, and we pledge ourselves to keep it rolling until it extends the length and breadth of the land, so that the widow and orphan may find protection in any part of our country, that their lot may be cast, when they will have reason to bless the day that the sun of Odd-Fellowship first shed its rays over the distressed in Canada. The brothers who have sent for a Charter to establish a Lodge in St. John's desire me to request you to do all in your power to have the dispensation forwarded to them immediately, as they are anxious to commence operations as soon as possible; their prospects of success are decidedly good and I doubt not from my knowledge of the brothers who are concerned in starting the new Lodge that it will be conducted in such an able manner as to be an ornament to the Order.

Massachusetts-Extract of a Letter from D. D. G. Sire Albert Guild, dated Boston, Jan. 23d, 1844.

In conformity with my duty I proceeded, (with several of the Brethren of this city) on the 28th of December last to the pleasant and thriving village of Dover in the State of New Hampshire, and instituted Wecohamet Lodge No. 3, after which the officers were installed into their respective chairs. We then proceeded to initiate twenty-two new members, such as I have every reason to believe will do honor to themselves and to the Order; they have taken hold of it not out of mere curiosity, but with a wish and determination to do all in their power to ameliorate the condition of mankind, and I believe they have not only the satisfaction of being engaged in a good cause, but have the approbation of the citizens generally; and if I mistake not the tide of Odd-Fellowship has got to rolling this way with so strong a current, that it will be but a short time before it will cover the whole

New England States. Men begin to appreciate its value-the many benefits that have already been made manifest in the community have put down all opposition to it in this part of the Union. In a very pleasant village a few miles from this City, a few months since a number of Brethren of the Order obtained a Charter for a Lodge, and set themselves about fitting up a suitable Hall for their meetings. This aroused the jealousy of some of the good old fashioned folks in that place, so that they tried to get the select-men to call a Town Meeting, to take measures to put a stop to its organization; but when they came to make further inquiries into its merits, they found themselves quite behind the times, and gave up the further opposition to it. They have now a fine Lodge in that village. The Officers of Wecohamet Lodge are, viz:

Rev. EBEN FRANCIS, N. G.

JOHN M. FLAGG, Secretary,

SAMUEL H. PARKER, V. G. JOHN H. WIGGIN, Treasurer.

Since the above I have installed the new Officers of the five Encampments in the State of Massachusetts, and am expecting daily that they will hand in their Reports with the per centage due the Grand Lodge of the U. States, so that I can forward the money to you.

P. S.-I expect to forward a Petition in a few days for a Charter for a Grand Encampment in the State of Massachusetts.

South Carolina-Extract of a Letter from G. M. Peter Dellatorre, dated January 27th, 1844.

We continue to prosper in this State: the greatest harmony now prevails between all departments of the Order, and the office of G. Master has become almost a sinecure. I have had an application for a new Lodge in Kershaw District, and only wait for the necessary formalities to be complied with, to open it in person.

Georgia-Extract of a Letter from J. R. Johnson, C. P. of Magnolia Encampment, No. 1, dated Savannah, January 23d, 1844.

On account of the wet weather our celebration was postponed from the 11th to the 22d-and all the weather in the morning there was an appearance of rain, which no doubt kept many from joining in the procession, but at 10 o'clock it was formed near the Hall in the order published.— There were about 185, of whom 28 were Patriarchs in full Encampment regalia. The procession moved to the Church, where after excellent singing, of music got up by Bro. Samuel W. Fisher, formerly of your city, and a fervent prayer by Rev. Bro. Clapp-Bro. Jackson of our Lodge delivered one of the best orations I ever heard pronounced. Of its merits, it is useless for me to speak, as it will soon be published. We had a delightful time-our Order is still progressing rapidly here, and I have no hesitation in saying that for work and correct discipline, we are hard to beat. Magnolia Encampment has done well; we number 44, and are increasing every meeting. The prejudice that existed here formerly on the part of the Masons has died-we are as societies at peace with each other.Officers of Magnolia Encampment:-

J. R. JOHNSON, C. P.

J. OLIVER, H. P.

J. O. STEBBINS, S. W.

S. P. BELL, J. W.

E. G. WILSON, Scribe,
R. WAYNE, Treasurer.

Extract of a Letter from L. F. W. Andrews, dated Columbus, Feb. 3d, 1844.

I take my pen for the two-fold purpose of contributing our mite towards the support of your Magazine, (as per the accompanying list of subscribers and enclosure for the same,) and of giving you some account of the progress of the cause of Odd-Fellowship in this city. In the month of November last a Lodge was organized here under the title of Muscogee Lodge No. 6, and we have been steadily increasing in number ever since, having now over fifty names enrolled upon our list. Our object has not been so much to increase in numerical strength as to grow strong in virtuous re spectability; and so far we have a choice gathering of kindred spirits.The purity of the Order we consider to be of infinitely more importance than any thing else to our continued prosperity, and therefore do we eschew all desire suddenly to count by the hundred, remembering the fate of "Jonah's gourd," the precocious thrift of which was only the precursor of its speedy blight and dissolution. Bro. DAVID S. LEMMAN is the only P. G. we have. Bro. JOSEPH E. WEBSTER is our present N. G. Bro. R. N. R. BARDWELL, V. G., and Bro. ALEX. H. COOPER, Secretary. We have a spacious Hall, some 30 feet by 56 in size, elegantly carpeted and fitted up with all the usual paraphernalia of the Order, having elevated stations for the Officials, decorated with the appropriate drapery of each, and the sides of the room adorned with other insignia of the craft. Having thus provided for the comfort and convenience of the "outer man," we have not forgotten what is due to the improvement of the "inner man," the Lodge having resolved to have delivered before it a series of regular Addresses or Lectures, once a month, by Brothers whom the N. G. may appoint to that duty;-said Addresses to be inculcative of the principles of Odd-Fellowship in all its social and moral bearings.

I am rejoiced to learn that you have secured the Editorial assistance of so accomplished a writer and zealous an Odd-Fellow as that of the worthy P. G. M. of South Carolina, Rev. ALBERT CASE. The labors of this Brother are highly appreciated throughout the Carolinas and Georgia, and I have every reason to think that his association with you in the duties of Editor will prove of great service to the "Covenant" in extending its circulation and advancing its usefulness, particularly in the South.

Extract of a letter from Geo. W. Miller, Grand Secretary, dated Savannah, February 15th, 1844.

Our semi-annual communication ended on the 7th inst. P. G. Wm. S. Rockwell of Sylvan Lodge, No. 4, P. G. Isaac Holmes of Franklin No. 2, P. G. Lemmon of Muscogee No. 6, represented their respective Lodges.— From the reports they brought us, I have no hesitation in saying that the Order in Georgia is progressing equal to any State in the Union.

Our procession in this city had a most happy effect, and the community at large say that it was the most beautiful one they ever witnessed.— Since then many of our most useful and worthy citizens have evinced a desire, and been made acquainted with the principles of our beloved Order. Returns from the different Subordinates show clearly the prosperity throughout the State.