Weekly Trinity journal., 1867-05-04

1 arc UOuuu cJ iuOsb SoASHh ootiSdt1Ou TO COM
tribute to their support.
! At every meeting of Odd Fellows throughout
/ the globe the question is asked BY the Noble
4 Grand" Does any Brother know of a Brother
who is sick or in distress ~ and an answer mnst
be given. The duties impressed most forciby
upon the mind of every Odd Fellow and which
we taught to implicitly obey, are these =
visit the SICK relieve the distressed, bury the
dead. protect the widow, educate the orphan
Such are the commands of our Order-com.
mands which we dare not disobey under penalty
OF expulsion. The monuments which we erect
to Odd Fellowship consist not in stately build
ings or magnificent halls the heartfelt thanks
Of the widow and the grateful tear Of the orphan
are the priceless jewels of our Order, and for
which we strive. We labor not for ourselves.
but for the distressed of the world Can there
be q greater or nobler aim higher or holier
purpose? know of none
Charity is the natural consequence of the
teachings of Friendship and Love, which Odd
Fellowship cnjons. The best known Emblem of
onr Order are the Three Links forming n chain
never to be broken. They represent the motto
OF Odd Fell lowshp, our three words-Friend-
ship, Love and Truth.-passwords by the use of
which we hope to gain admittance TO the heav-
enly Lodge above. Friendship and Love, twin
sisters Of affection given by kind Providence
TO render bright an existence otherwise cheer
less, forever may you remain the distinguishing
characteristics OF Odd Fellowship. Through
Iriendship rs our laws command, we watch the
actions OF our Brethren when outside the Lodge
room with anxious care and solicitude. Should
danger threaten, we must be ever ready to assist
them, and the sign of distress should ever COM
mand instant relief
Odd Fellowship does not alone in solemn
lectures and emblems, full of meaning prompt
us to noble actions and virtuous resolutions, but
1t at the same time commands TO carry on II
war against vice in all its forms. Friendship
towards man prompts the contest; the gentle
influences CT Love supply the weapons Truth
consecrates the effort and leads to victory" Odd
Fellowship, therefore, is the enemy of intemper-
ance, that enemy of the human race which I'M
dermnes and saps the very foundation of soci- |
ETY. scourge which has destroyed thousands, |
and counts among its slaves the greatest minds |
and the most noble intellects Although not q
temperance society in its strictest form, yet Odd |
Fellowship puts the brand of condemnation upon |
intemperance. Our laws strictly prohibit it, and !
should one Of our fraternity far lose his self |
respect as to become drunkard, Odd Fellowship |
casts him off rs punishment for his transgres- |
sion.
Odd Fellowship is a magnificent structure
resting upon foundations the most indestructi- |
hle. 1t is upheld by - FRIENDSHIP, Love TnrTH |
HONOR, PEoEITY, TEMPERANCE, CHASTITY, FAITH
HoPE, and CHARITY, ,'-pillars formed by heaven |
SSSii--inutotluCllUIc, HHISHeu uHQ DpUuLlIuI. |
Aong may the star of Odd Fellowship send its |
mild radiance to illumine the darkness of the |
world {; forever let its benign influence be exert
ed to relieve the distressed console the afflicted
and to unite all men by the ties Of friendship and |
peace in one common Brotherhood
Such are few of the doctrines of our be-
loved Order, and only regret that the task of
portraying its pcrfections and its duties was not
conhded to an ADLER mind for its beauties de-
serve more clOUuent fhnu mi (an-
ilemen, although Odd Fellowship is q secret So
;ietv, yet our doors arc open to all. Every true
md honest man. who will consent to submit to
our regulations, can and will bs admitted, if ap-
lying in the correct manner. But if admitted,
ct him ever remember that for benefits received
lie must also live up to the obligations of the
order.
To you Indies, will add that Odd Fellow ship
will make wiser and better men of your hus-
andS. brothers and sweethearts. For this rea-
on ask your kind cooperation. 1t is true
hat meeting of the Lodge is often the excuse
f truant husband on coming home little
ater thar usual. But will give You the most
nerring means to discover whether such was
he case or not. Should lie come little late
erhaps, but quiet, cheerful and loving, be sure
C told the truth. If, however, he comes with
ushcd checks. hair in disorder, unsteady gait
nd with a breath not fragrant the spices
f Arabia, put him down as having been any
7here but in the Lodge room. Fortunately, how
yer, do not think that any of the ladies pres
mt are, or ever will be, forced to this last con-
usion.
Members of NORTH STAR LODGE and Brethren
If the Order. regret that | cannot say some
hing new interesting to you. The doctrines
md teachings of which l have spoken you have
1fen heard in your Lodge room, more impress
sively and in better language than can possibly
attain | will only add few words OF advice,
irI, O have listened TO !
before but which are beautiful in all their
simplicity, that cannot resist the temptation to
reDeat here Ever let the principles Of gener-
ous benifccnce dwell in your hearts, which ST.
lently and unseen, like the dcws of heaven
blesses and rcfreshes the wasted and the poor
with the gentle droppings of its beauty. Cher-
ish the beautiful teachings of our ritual which,
falling upon the heart like rays of light upon
the rose. shall color every affection of our ma
turas and dictate every act OF our lives. Sue
cor the stranger in distress give him food and
rest without inquiring his country or his creed.
With your Brother guard against jealousy and (
s.rite-remember he is your Brother. II under
the influence of impcrtection, the common lot OF
mortals. he wrongs you, 60 to him. and in the .
language OF affection tell him his fault between
him and you. If he repent, forgive him enter
no harsh Judgment against him. Conscious of
YOUR OWN trailtv, remember that - 10 err is hn-
man, to forgive divine.
Patriarchs of Stella Encampment let me ad-
inonish you never to forget the lessons of our
sublime Degrees. Bear in mind that the tent OF
a Patriarch is ever open to receive the stranger
and the needy. In your work to ameleorate the I
condition of man. on ! ever GO on ! Let that
be the word What if the path be narrow and
with difficulties let not that deter
YOU. Go on even if the sounds of mlrth and
revelry should tempt you TO that broad road
which leads to destruction, and where lust, IN
temperance and scnsuality in all their seducing
forms are ready to receive the unthlnking-
Press on even if the sounds of deadly strife !
and the clang of arms should influence you TO
waver. Be not dismayed but forward move
in solid column until you reach the tent OF the
High Priest of Nature, the seat of the Chiei
Patriarch of the Universe, where the weary pli-
grim will find rest indeed.
Ladies and gentlemen, l thank you for your
kind attention.
D1voRces N SAN FRAScIsCo.-Eight divorces
were granted by the Courts of San Francisco
last week, and the calendars still abound with
such complaints This is a sad commentary on
the society of our State, and many are the eviis