Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-08-29
ODD FELLOWSHIP.

| l.
We have occasionally spoken Of the
Order oil the "Sons Of Temperance" We
now nave word or two TO say oil an elder
brother, by name "Odd Fellow" If his
character, we hear it said, corresponds with
MS name, ne Is no doubt genius, and is
rightly dubbed "Odd Fellow" One thing
is certain--thal "Odd Fellow" like ..l,t.
lie odd chrnge," is very useful sometimes in
It's way, and they often 60 on the same
errands together-that is, to relieve the
widow and orphan, and him who is ready to
perish. 1t is unnecessary for us at this
time TO furnish historical sketch Of this
Order, or to 90 back 10 the lime and man.
ner OF It's origin. We will speak of its
great design. This, as in every thing else
that is efficient, is simple. 1t proposes, as
one thing, to improve mans social cond"
ton. This IS an important relation, and it
AIMS to reach him wherever he is 10 be
iound, whether in the shop OF family, with
us motives and influence, and provides for
MN SUBJECT tor his thoughts, and for the
warm synpathles of his nature, around
winch they may gather, and upon which
'hey may expend themselves. 1t provides
companions and friends in health, and nur-
sing brothers in sickness. Man is social in
his feelings. This principle is inwrought
in his nature. He will have companions,
and place too in which to meet them.
That place may be the pot.house, and his
companions the oilers that congregate there,
or It may be in the Society's room, or in the
shops and counting rooms OF those who are
OF the same fraternity. This Society aims
to make selection for him, and 10 set him
upon work that will do his own, and the
hearts o.! others good. We do not deem it
necessary to give a synopsis Of the con.
stitutional provisions Of this Institution, for
the reason that in all the great essentials,
IN ITS spirit and intent, il agrees closely
with the Order Of the Sons Of Temperance.
And the remarks we have from time TO time
offered in relation TO that Order, will ap-
ply with equal pertlnency to the one under
consideration. They both aim to accom-
p!lsh the same work-to improve mans con-
dItIon-'-io elevate, refine and bless him--io
augment his joys, and diminish his woes.
The chief difference lies in ihis-,hat the
constitution OF the one hasa incorporated in
1t as one OF it's fundamental provisions, the
temperance principles; so that, while it sus-
talns IN full vigor the social and mutual
benefit principles, it adds to "brotherlv
kindness, temperance, "a quality which in
our estimation "aiorns It more than err
mined robes or kindly diadems." The other
only incidentally inculcates it, in that pro-
vision which requires for membership good
moral character. This requirement, how
ever, we hold, cuts otffrom fellowship those
who are habi,ually addicted to inlemper.
ance. And we may go farther and say. If
the Institution is true Ito itself, it will be
ettectua!ly protected by it from those who,
by their vices, faint the moral atmosphere
Of evey circle in which they move. We
hold that the profgate, the gambler, the
drunkard the blasphemer, will not be regard
ed as III persons TO administer the kind Off
ces Of friendship and religion 10 a dying
brother, or 10 bereaved widows, and Or
phans. They who approach that scene, the
most solemn on earth, must come with
clean bonds, for it is the vices tina, are per-
sonItied IN the characters above named, that
are the cause OF the most sutferlngs and
desolaiIons IN human society, which it is
the object Of this very Institution to relieve.
The Order contempates good deeds, and
The wroWth and exercise Of some Of the no.
uIest virtues that adorn the human charac-
ter: and this rqulres good men. No man
with his heart srill reeking with impurity
and guilt, can assume the sacred garb of
virtue, and undertake the duties it contem-
plates. We say then its influence is saluta-
rv, and most Of all upon its members, in
putting them upon consistency OF charac-
ter, in inviting them to new fields Of useful
ness, and in opening the heart TO emotions
4 commisseration and affection. The man,
SAYS Bacon, who is compassionate towards
'titlcuons OF others, shows that his heart is
like the noble tree that is wounded itself
when it gives forth the balm.
We have been cursory in our remarks,
aud might have pointed with effect TO that
scene which swallows up all others-when
the mortal is about 10 assume its immortal
lty-when disease assails us, and when its
vlrulence battles all human skill-when the
assiduties OF friendship connot avail US.
I is for this state that the Order has most
lender consideration, and for is makes the
most liberal provision. 1t then pIotlers
personal attentions, and pecuniary aid.
And when death closes the scene, it leaves
for a bereaved family host of sympa,his-
ing friends, and fund to meet the wants
OF the amIy.--CatskH Record.
BY the steamer Princeton, at Pensacola,
letters from Commodore Conner, and other
reliable sources, have been received at the
Navy Department Of as late date as July II.