The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-22
5rltrtra Irtirlrs.
Privileges of d-Fellows,

LET no one unite with the Order mere
~ to learn its secrets, wear its regalia and
decorations, or insure himself provision in
case OF sickness and distress. These are
privileges, it is true, to those who have
other and nobler objects in view; but they
cost more Of labor, and time, and money
than they are worthto the merely curious
vain, or selfish man. Such will find it
burden to preform an equal share Of our
duties and labor, and he may possibly he
insured against sickness rs certainly and
more cheaply, in a mere insurance associ-
alton.
But to one whose generous heart de-
lights in well doing, and admires our prin-
cIples, and desires to find means for in
creasing his usefulness to suffering man,
our Order presents the strongest Sinduce-
ments. We open for him field beyond
the iImits OF his party or his church, as
well AS within it, needing his labor and
offering joyous recompensc to his tolls.
No church in its present state is cXten-
sive enough in its fellowship to embrace
many good men who need the ministra-
ton of kindred spirits, nor far.reaching
enough to reach even its own members
when distant from it, and needing aid and
protection. But If an Odd-Fellow, far
away from kindred and home, falls down
by the way-side, penniless and faint, he
has but to inform the nearest Lodge, and
hands are reached out to provide, and
watchers are at his side to uphold his
dropping frame. Or, If he falls under the
cold suspicious Of an unfrendly world, and
is cast numerically into felon's cell,
brothers are active around him with coun-
sci, and labor to remove the dark web of
circumstances that becloud his fame or en-
danger his life, to secure him fair trial,
and, if just, proper requital and safe
return to society and friends.
In doing this, and other deeds Of like
Kindness, we interfer with no individual
duty; callfo no neglect of proper interests;
supercede no social, ecclesiastical, or pol-
iticial action. We leave every member
free rs before in his obligation, duties and
opinions. But.w enlarge his acquaintance
around him, and associate him in labor
with thousands with whom he has never
before acted. We open all around him
field for good, in which his feet had new
or trod, nor his mind and hands labored.
We increase his means and measures for
blessing others, and thus happifying him
self, bylplacing the resources of our Order
at his disposal. We extend ipdefnitely
his operations, so that the suffering and
needy, at the cxtremitcs of our vast brthcr-
hood, may feel the succor and share the
bounty he aids in directing. And, by the
most beautiful lessons, we instruct him
in those great principles which will not
only inform his own mind and render
more susceptible to goodness his own
heart, but will enable him, if he so wills.
to become an apt teacher and ready ex-
ample to others, in all those virtues that
adorn and bless humanity.
To all, then, who are willing to learn
and to do good, We give the invitation to
join our ranks. And to remove anv
lingering scruple of the conscientious, we
say, should Odd-Fellowship tender YOU
any obligation, or require of you any duty,
conflicting with the duties you owe to God,
to humanity, to your country, your family,
or your friends, we enjoin you to leave it
forever, as hollow in its pretension and
unworthy the favor of the community
Odd-Feilow's Manual.