Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-06-19
From the Independent Odd Fellow.
AN ODD FELLOWS INITIATION.
by ABEL FLETCHER.


elected. started one evening in company
with friend to 90 10 the lodge for the pur-
pose of being initiated. My friend, who was
already member Of the Order, took me
through many narrow streets and dark alleys
turned several corners, and finally brought
me 10 strange looking building, at the ex-
IRENE end of long narrow and crooked alley
in remote part Of the city, where could
not rccollect Of ever having been before
From the dim lights which were rejecting
from the windows Of the adjacent buildings,
the one TO which my friend had conducted
me, and in which he informed me the Lodge
met, appeared TO me an antique structure,
which seemed TO partake both Of the Gothic
and Egyptian orders. AT any rate, il was
an old looking affair, and seemed to be fit
place for the assembling together Of a society
of Odd Fellows. '.......-. ...
| followed my friend up long winding
staircase, through several narrow passages,
and then up another flight of stairs. Every.
thing as | advanced appeared peculiarly odd
and gloomy. The walls were covered with
hircogyphics, and drawings Of a singular
character, which could only be seen by the
dim light of few tapers which we're burning
feebly at a considerable distance apart. Al
the head of the stars was long dark pas
sage, Mt the extreme end of which! could be
just discerncd the feeble glimmerrnes of Il
small blue light. All seemed calculated to
excite terror, and Notwithstanding had often
boosted OF my courage, yet began TO iren,-
BILE at the thought of proceeding farther. My
friend now took me by the arm and bid me
in low whisper not to Oe alarmed. Al the
entrance OF the passage broad sword hung
suspended from the ceiling, aud as we adj
vanced read inscribed upon the wall, ap.
parently in letters of fire SECRECY OR
DEATH Struck with terror, now deter
mined to return and proceed no farther.
accordingly wheeled suddenly around and re.
solved TO flee for my life. But 10 the en-
trance to the passage was closed-a strong
iron door had been suddenly shut and locked
by some invisible hand, and to escape was
impossible. My friend again grasprd my arm,
and assured me that if would follow him
and make no resistance, | should not be
harmed. Finding that to turn back was i'm
possible, and to proceed was my only chance,
| summoned all my courage and determined
to go forward, let the consequences be what
they might. We proceeded together until
we arrived at the extreme end of the pas
sage. Here | discovered, by the blue light
Ofthe taper, small iron door on which was
portrayed human skeleton. Over the door
was inscribed these words 80 Should you
proce treacherOms remember thy end -
Again ! almost Involuntary started back
but low whisper resounded in my ear
Remember Lots wite.' NV friend now
raped at the door, which was answered by
a hollow sepulchral voice from within, which
demanded, who art thou that knockesl -
a brother ofthy mystic Order, with friend
who wishes to be initiated into its mysteries,
said my companion. - o r,
A small slide on the door was now pushed
aside, which made an ope ing, at winch my
friend placed his mouth and whispered son,e-
thing to the person within. The door was
then opened, upon which my friend entered
pulling mo after him. Instantly the door
was closed and boIted after me. now
found myself IN small room, whose walls,
furniture, floor, and every thing was painted
black. A singular odor filled the room. In
the centre stood small altar on which was
burning flame of peculiar cast. now
turned 10 see the person who had opened the
door for our entrance. His body was envel-
oped in a white gown or surplce tina, nearly
reached the floor; on his head no wore a
white turban; long silver beard flowed from
his chin TO his waist, aud on his face was The
paleness Of death. In his hand he grasped
a spear, upon which he leaned as upon u
staff. Never shall forget the emotions
which passed through by breast at that mo-
meni! Trembling with fear, | turned to my
friend, when 10 there sat upon his counie-
nance the ghas,Iy palencss as upon the coun-
tenance of him who guarded the door. ]
looked upon my hands, they also wore the
same dealhly hue. Every thing around me
was irighlfully odd, and | was now fully
convinced the society well deserved its
name.
My friend now bid me TO be seated then
clothing himself in white apron and collar,
he advanced TO another door and rapped.--
I, After passing the same ceremony as al tile
first. he was permitted to enter. was now
lsi, alone with the guardian 10 imagine what
other scenes I should be- called to pass ,hro'
But was not left to-medita,e upon the n'a,
ter long. Shortly the door through which
/ my friend passed opened, aud four men will