The Columbian fountain., 1846-02-26
FALSE PRIDE--A CONVERSION.
BY L. A. GoBRIGHT.

the objections which the cynic urges against
the name of sOdd Fellow as being appa-
rently unmeaning, or unworthy to be re-
cognsed by men who pretend or claim re-
spectability and some portion OF common
sense; for it has stood the test of years,
and daily becomes entitled to greater
measure of respect. And one evidence Of
this is dscernable in the truth, that the
Order flags not in adding to its already
large number, men not only Of good morals
and piety, but who hold in the community
positions of influence and general esteem.
Weekly assemblages, for purposes of'friend-
ship,' to encourage love,' and to extend
TRUTH surrounded, as we are, by crime
and discord, may we'll be designated Odd
Fellowship and here, in this particular, |
am willing to rest the name, looking only,
for the present, to the additional amount Of
good which may be accomplished by CO.
operation, on the part of those often imme-
diately interested (viz: women and child
ren,) with the principles on which alone
success can rest.
Sometime ago gentleman attached him
self to one of the Lodges, notwithstanding
attempts were made to dissuade him from
doing so by those who professed to be his
friends, and who knew nothing whatever
of the work Of the Order, to which their
principal objections were confined. They
viewed it (and it was merely in imagination)
as unworthy of application to so pious
man, and one which would excite in his
pure and childlike mind, feelings bordering
on disgust. However, in justification, he
pointed to many among its members at
tached to the church, Of which he himself
was communicate, and who assuredly
had not become worse by the fraterna fel-
lowshp. However, Notwithstanding all
proffered advice, he was initiated! Well
pleased with what he had seen and felt, he
applied for all his degrees, anxious to be-
come complete in the mysteries. But some
evil spirit had speedily counselled his wife,
embittered her mind against the association,
and gave occasion, for the first time, for un-
kind words and for reproof to her husband
for what she conceived SO injudicious a
step. He, like another Socrates, bore the
infiction with becoming dignity and good
natured and gentle as he was, endeavo ored
to avert her threatening frown by returning
to his home on the night of meeting, SO soon
as he could with propriety retire from the
room. The consequence was that he did
not, for long time, advance beyond the
military; and, being Incomplete, he was not,
by the rules and usages, entitled to the re-
lief always awarded to the sick and dis
tressed-in other words, beneficial MEM
Der.
"Why," said she, have you joined the
Odd Fellows?D at the close of the day, as
he put on his coat and hat, and was advanc-
ing towards the door.
Because" he replied, with calmness,
g know it is good institution, and, in its
operation, has conferred happiness on wild
ows and children, who otherwise would,
in all probability, have suffered for the ne
cessares of life. And | can point you to
case in our neighborhood. There was
brother -"
Brother Gaines, suppose you mean ~
was the response. "A pretty brother,
whose face is always smutty! One who
used TO beat his wife, and ill-treat his chill
dren 1t is just such people who are ever
needy-too lazy to work themselves, they
Join your Lodges, and pretend sickness,
and thus draw the money deposited from
the hard earnings of honest men. A pretty
LodgeI Brother Gaines 70 and she INDUCED
in sardonic laugh, as if the emphasis had
not sufficiently expressed her contempt for
the poor neighbor.
"But," the husband replied, GIVE do
not esteem man less on account of his
vocation -
s'There it is again." she interrupted, "you
Odd Fellows are always making excuses
for your conduct"
eyes, but remain silent, if you please, a
moment. said that we do not esteem a
man less on account of his vocation
"Brother Gaines Ha ha! Go on"
cit is with his moral conduct that we
have to do" he continued.
"Pretty conduct, to beat his wife
aNo matter what he did-does he do so
now2 And, preudiced as you are, you must
admit, that within the last two years, he
has been kind husband and an afiectionate
parent"
''But he's lazy, you can't, you CAN'T
deny it."
III can"
81 know you can't with truth"
"Why, Emily, truth is one OF our prin-
cinles. combined with sfriendship,' and