Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1845-03-13
Odd Fellowship.

Odd Fellowship INDUCES in no idle mummery; her
mystic embleins, solemn ceremonies, without mean
ing to the uninitiaed, pregnant with important
recollectons. From tie first step of initiation through
all the various Degrees the candidate is taught the
most solemn truths by regular and progressive steps,
They are taught IN manner calculated TO make the
most lasting impression, and while they improve the
mind, make him at heart a better man. His duty to
his Creator, his family, his neighbor and himself,
rank among the first of his lessons while the great
principle of Charity presents itself at every step not
that charity which proclaimeth itself from the house
top, but "charity which doeth good by stealth and
bushes to find it fame +" case passed under the
immediate eye of the writer in a neighboring city,
which may prove of interest to your readers. In 1840
gentleman from the north who was an Odd Fellow,
crme south on some urgent business on his way
down the Mississippi he fell dangerously sick of ty-
plus fever. The captain, crew, and boat physician
despaired OF his life and being deirous to get rid of
such charge, determined to thrust the sick man
ashore On reaching the landing, the mate and hands
were ordered TO take him off upon litter and put
him in one Of those miserable doggeres which, TO the
disgrace of civilization, nest nearly all of our river
towns. The rude hand Of the mate upon the wasted
frame of the stranger and his gruff voice he bel
lowed out Ego ahead" partly reused him from his
stupor and he family asked what they would do with
him-he was told they were putting him ashore at
-. He inquired there any Odd Fellows
here A brother standing on the wharf, who had
been gazing the iDhuman scene, replied, instantly
Eyes, there many and true" 'Then," said the
sick stranger put me down, put me down right here
shall be taken of He was then taken care
of; though stranger in strange land, ready friends
clustered around him-they tested him.. he was an
Odd Fellow, and in good standing in his Lodge; it
was enough, he was taken up by brothers' hands
supported friendly bosomS-he was provided place
in the best hotel, the best medical aid was called in,
he nursed by friends whose eyes never slept over
his couch of anguish. For many weeks his case was
considered almost hopeless but by strict attention he
got WELL He returned home to gladden. the eyes of
his aged mother, and to infuse Joy into the
heart of his young and beautiful wife, Odd Fellow
ship is not only charitable, but it is philanthropc
gives the initiated brother in good standing passport
in every land where the Order is known. Although
stranger in strange land, he will have that which
viii gain his admittance into the Lodge, when his
hand win be pressed by the hearty responding grip Of
brother, and his desires and necessities attended to-
1t is also sympathetic. 1t meyer heard the widow
sigh, nor saw the orphan weep, and not relieve In
deed in all Lodges there is fund especially set apart
for the widow ami orphan of deceased mbers a
committee is appointed from each Lodge, whose duty
it is to see that the orphans properly fed, cS.ne
and educated. K