, 1864-01-23
0pD-FElL0WSHiP.
lanes D. Nicholson II. ". G. S. at 1Ietro.
pclitan Hall.
IT'S AIN AND OBJECT-THE SOCIAL AND
MORAL IMPROVEMENT OF MANKIND.

Odd Fellows and the Sisters Of Rebecca, who were
drawn thither to listen to James B. Nicholson. H.
~. g. s., Of Philadelphia, who is now on visiting
tour through the West. Some eeven lodges Of the
order In this city were represented. and thebril.
iant and various regalias OF the members present.
cd an Imposing appearance.
John 9. Rogers. II. " g, N. Of Illinois, took the
chair, and, after welcoming, on behalf OF the ten
thousand members Of Illinois, introduced Mr.,
Nicholson to the audience.
We give brief abstract Of his remarks, which
we're received with great attention and applause:
The speaker commenced his address by thxak.
ing The audience foE their kind reception On this,
during The Past few days resembled dream il tho
Arabian NiEEhts' entertainments. Wherever Chris
tlantty, civilization and education have advanced,
best fesne5
that the order today. amidst disseneious aud the
horrors Of war, stands united and entire, We
Auire why this institution has stood while Others
have perished. In this view, we have the right,
on proper occasions, to stand before the people
demands.
The speaker remembered reading that in Athens
statue. Ono Of the statues seemed out Of propof-
tioD. and the prize was awarded to the other This
s n 9s ogS too
r. sPsskeE desired s5st 5dd SSeeiSsd sSeeaSd
s me5 qot 70 fS% qMy position 5ut
It thou1d reach, knowing that the Society has alma
higher than man has yet attained. It still stands.
s nna VII stand 1os ages la1 ln advance of the peo
thst position which Ga Designed for e then .'A'neo
thought .bF some TINT It Is composed Of 4 LOT Of
convtvial people who meet together to have good
time Ths sPeaksr tTied for long time to ssiee.
an ~ Is humanitasn ans nGsl Is For eor
ne @ Maa who stands forth from the ranks Of hn-
called and Is an Odd Fellow.
.ssret 'Set eocss Il an objection to many They
aooGfs Gees o Rsy %o. a Il Mhy not h
Whilst It ia admitted to be secret society," vel IT,
T. not The speaIka5a + d explained The paradox:
eeeks to scatter them broadcast among TIC peop1e.
The fear Is felt By some, that while proicss-
ing objects Of beneyolent cause, It may be
Ba ha ese oe
~ poNt3ca1 aEu fe!lgtous opinions, agree, under
me bo9d b{ which they ara united, not to discuss
other. > .A'''-AAA ~'>4
:. II relation to its secresy, It is acknowledged
1nat IN aone respects It 10 secret society, and It
should aHiIe in etsanss place. SICK and in poTer-
y, be conld meet some member Of the society |
Mho w9nd sneeor him shor1d he Die in stl.nso
10 accord Q his remains : decent sepnita1e. oe3'
i not the case that many who ask for chsrity |
odd Feow tSe E de1ea9 1ss Bas
and reliable plan Is found in the order whereby the
Sse al sns thqnt being
1a4g ss tRst sh R! han.
II he aea / eenE 70 bit
The manner intended by the Divine GIycr. -
~ II Y wondered how such pazaphernalia can be
ia Of nen 1T rood % de4ea av 6e
done: Young men have been Attracted 81 the
brilliant resails and resolved to join the Order;
get the recalia But their tkoaehta are directed to
the extension Of the Order and lis objects. Thc
sesy seSsa{ ai aas dssqseS T. hs
lofhlcding man doing all the good be can to his |
fellow man; and he who cannot love man. whom
he has seen, Will neEer love God, whom he has not
o1 The serious charge Of inhdel tendencies, the
e9ReateE Pc desired to cay word. We believe ii tbs
nna anse oths,s as ye1 would they shoua
yery ntce but it can't b done in his day oi shod.
d. and cent per cent. The man who through his
head The swfl punishment fol snch % rioiation. iIi
Go thlough the alleys and bycways Of our cities,
where reside the vicious and depfaved; LOOK at
pc orphans: W are told thst Ills ana that pro- ..
duces wars but the real Gauge OF all these miseres
IL the non,fa1dllment Of this law.
Every member is obliged to pay amall sun week
y, and tn this case 1t is mutual relief society.
should Lodge refuse to do this it Is compelled to
TO relieve The slck brother, the widow and
:hildren ct deceased members is the basis Of our
Order The Order IN addition to this charity In
:nleatesthe dntY Of being cta1itably disposed ono
lind. 19 order to do, this We leed them to the
!reat cn1s to which all science points-God and |
nan. WeWrite these names all oFer our temples,
md on these truths the Order will stand till time
no Longer. From these tEuths the masses will
'e taught their responsibilities and duties. We |
ne Al rof one family, not as cumberers Of the
:a1tf, but helpers of each other. Herein is found
hc great principle we are contending tor-unitY. |
he unity that exists In our organization now, md
shieh shAll continue when ne have passed away,
Some odd fellows think that there viii be 9 time
gree On m 1opiee That time Vim meyer conc, for
aauk1nd would be stagnated and our minds would :.
ts PFC, mere e machines: We expect that
gil on forerer. II we unite firmly and ali man
1rd viii unite for similar purposes, the day will
rise when humanity will be enthroned and v1ndi-
When the number OF members can be counted
; millions instead Of thousands, thm win The 7
on lie down with the lnnab. Then will be the ]
ne, when in every time lnd in every place, man :
~i5 ls brother ana the gorlons
,e shepherd Of Galilce, 81 Glory to God in the
lNghest, N and on esrth peace and good will to ,
After singing the s'Parting Hymn" the meu- {
ers Of the Various lodges came on the platform, !
here reception was held. Shortly afterwards | Z
'ey adjourned to the Briggs House, where ssulne
3st " had prepared a sumptuous banquet, to
h1ch The customary deToirs were paid. This j,
II followed by - feast OF reason and dow Of =
nj, " and towards midnight the party separated, =
gh'y pleased with the evenings entertainment.