Delaware State journal and statesman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1855-1870, 1867-05-03

through which 1t has passed unsustained by
the unseen hand which only prospers just
and righteous undertakings. 1t is now 80
firmly founded as to resist the storms ana
tempests which rend society into factions
and leaves them qulyer1ng with weakness;
and little apprehension need be felt Tor ils
continuation MS powerful agentin the hanus
OF mankind for their own Improvement re
ligiously, morally and mentally, whilst
countless beings yet unborn shall ENJOY iIs
blessings. ut
The late war which tested the strength
and durability of the Government OF our
country, and grew in fierceness and magni-
tude until many of the most true and I'M
wavering began to despair of a successful
issue, also placed its devastating hand upon
other institutions existing among the people
and in many instances wiped them out OF
existence, whilst in other cases they sur
vived its dissertations bearing evidence oil
the calamity and widespread desolation that
had taken place.
Amongst the latter is the institution OF
Odd Fellowship, which has been preserved
for good purpose in the future, and there
is nothing to retard or in the least intercept
its progress. 1t has passed an ordeal in two
instances which must have resulted in its
abandonment or destruction if any weakness
had manifested itself, but it passed through
these tests with entire satisfaction to those
most deeply attached TO its principles.
! These remarks may lead some to conclude
! that the Order is exclusively financial in
stituton, whose entire merits may be mea-
sured by the amount of money expended
for reliet but such is not the case; it is far
| from true that our end is only to provide the
visible means OF sustenance; our ann IS
| higher; our point of operations is the mind,
the heart, the affections. Money, though
we expend vast sums of it, is only used in
the preparation of the way to the accom-
plishment of our purpose to relieve the
miseries of the human family and improve
the moral and intelligent condition of the
race, whilst religion sheds its gentle influ-
ences upon. the souls of men. These works
cant OF be noted by figures; the record of
of such actions is not properly one TO be
kept by us; eternity will exhibit them when
good and evil will be balanced by One whose
eye never slumbers
This great institution, the co-adjutor OF
the church, destroyer Of selfishness, defen-
der of the humble, protector of the weak,
unsurpassed in the beauty, consistency and
: strength of its government, the rapid growth
Of IFS utility, and success in permeating the
various avenues of society, and leading to
happiness and contentment, furnishes re-
treat for him who in despair is driven to
exolaim, 4rt4f- .TTa
~ LOT lOdBe IN soulb vast WlluernehHi
Il "some boundless coDtiguity Of shade,
"Where ruElors Of oppression and deceit
"Of successful or unsuccessful wars
Il Might never reach me more
"dy ear Is panied; my heart Is sick with each day
. + report
"of the wrongs and ouir4ges with which
1.-THE earth is hlled." W
And for the preservation and perpetuity
of this institution, the rescue of the genius
of Odd Fellowship from destruction In the
upheaving of the elements surrounding it.
| as votaries, we ought, we do, acknowledge
our gratitude to the great Preseryer of the
J UNIVERSE.