The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-18

Tie purpose oi assisting III tnc iuneIdl GA
penses.
The Society keeps watchful eye over
the morals Of its members. iSH any mem
ber be convicted Of felony, fraud or any
other disgraceful crime, or if he follow any
wicked, or notorious practice, or use any
unlawful means in procuring livelihood,
if proof be made thereof, he shall be expel-
led. Any member who shall, in the divis-
ion, make use Of any profane or indecent
language, or refuse to obey the presiding Of
ficer, when called to order, or use any dis
respectful expressions towards the officers
or members, shall be subject 10 pay fine"
The following invocation is copied from
the constitution of one of the divisions in
this city: a3
Great Patriarch above,
Spirit of Truth and Love-
ianBd Whom all adore, 5fss
Let peace our steps attend, zGy 1ie
Prove each a faithful friend, jg
And may this cause extend
From shore to shore.
Mankind generally condemn what they
do not understand, and, either through pre-
|judice OF ignorance, neglect to pay that at
tention to its principles which it necessarily
requires. How, then, are they, qualified to
decide upon its merits? Hence all that lib
eral censure, abuse, and contempt, hitherto
thrown upon Odd Fellows.
It is an odd name without the lodge, so its
manner is perfectly odd when introduced
within; the awfulness Of the odd and in
structive ceremony, when it is justly con-
Quoted; the odd appearance Of the lodge it
self, and the officers seated in t!.cir respec-
tive stations; the odd silence, decency, and
order that prevail, the odd mode of honor
and respect paid to the chair; the three pow
erful odd links that bind them together as
one--Friendship, Love, and Truth, land
very odd method Of adapting rational
pleasure, to accomplish, one of the noblest
odd ends that can possibly grace the human
heart, fill the mind of every new brother
with a satisfaction and surprise that far ex-
ceeds his most sanguine expectation.
On the Both of June, l845, the date of
the latest returns to the Grand Lodge of the
United States, tile number of lodges of this
order in the Union, was 677; the number
of contributing members 61,630. The reve-
nues of the Order during the year ending on
the date above mentioned, amounted to
$449, 1914 "a, of which $l24,669 81, was
expended for the relief of distressed brethren
and their families. In 1910, the whole
number of lodges was but 155, number of
members l1,l66; the amount of revenue
$59,298 70, expended for the relief of
brethern, $S,044 so. The growth of the
Order seems to be even more rapid now than
during the interval between 1910 and 1915,
embraced in the official returns. Last year
the number of limitations was 22,S62 New
York returns the largest number of mem
| MN
bers, Massachusetts stands second on the
list, but, apparently will soon be first
"odd Fellowship is grounded on the sub
lime. doctrines Of christianity, and derives
its source from the Bible; it admits of moth
ing contrary to law or religion; neither does
it admit of drunkards, thieves or liars, nor
skephcs; but admits Of the existence and di-
vinity of our Creator. 1t is founded on be-
nevolence and charity. But only see that
brother that is far from home, on sea or land,
pennyless or overtaken by disease, and
speaks the mystic language Of Odd Fellow
ship, then do you see hundred hearts sym
pathising in his distress, and hundred
hands move to relive his wants Visit the
sick chamber after the labors and tolls OF the
day are over, then do YOU see the Odd Eel
lows and brethren in pairs going to sit up
with their affectionate brother, and with
kind hand, and soothing voice, lulling in
to quietude the disturbed mind, and with
gentle hand prepares food and medicine, and
with fear and hope administers it TO their
brOther,s wants. and shou1d - ho H. .,,:lI