Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1871-12-28
THE OL10 SOcLEpY.

| the proceedings of the last regular
meeting of this society. The subjects
discussed at each meeting are indefinite
in number, and required to be selected
strictly in accordance with the mem
tai law of suggestion.
Mr.. B. concurred in the remark just
made by the president. He regarded
charity as climax, as the highest and
best branch on the tree of universal
good. The fruit OF that branch was
the child of the sun, dispensing, in
kind, the richest blessings to society
and the world, but he felt it his duty
to exclaim, in the sentiment of the
poet, Alas for its rarity!
Miss R. fully indorsed all that had
been said by the eloquent gentleman
who had Just taken his seat. She
would only add that while charity is
good in theory it is much better IN prac-
tiee; and she knew no better place to
beginit than in this very society.
Mr.. l.. thought that charity, like
everything else, could be carried too
far. Abstract wrong Lad never done
any harm. Itcould have no independ-
ent, self-acting existence. What we
call the quality of an action belongs
just as essentially to the individual
who performs that action. ,. If we con-
denim the one we must at least by i'm
plication, condemn the other. He
would go through the bush, as to speak.
He would not denounce the water and
praise the fountain.
Mr.. p. said this view of the matter
suited him exactly, and he believed it
to be correct. He confessed that when
he came to the society mis- state of mind
was such as to unfit him for participa-
ton in the exercises. After frequent
disappointments he had confidently
expected that evening to be able to
show the society a pair of new boots,
but Mr.. D. had again deceived him.
He verify believed and would express
that belief, not in haste, but calmly,
that all sjaOenldkers die liars.
Mr.. S. had long been of that opinion,
and was surprised that Mr.. P. hadn't
learned before now not to place any
confidence in these men, whose con-
sciences are as leathern as their shoes.
Mr. NJ. had once been travelling
leather merchant, and became acquaint-
ed with over three hundred shoe
makers. They all had the same repu-
tation in their respective communities.
They are q race of Munchausens. He
knew of no exception.
Mr.. N. would take an early opportu-
nifty of introducing a resolution to ex-
pei Mr.. ID. from this society. The dig
nifty and honor of the society demanded
it. A proper construction of charity also
demanded it.
Mr.. E. thought that the gentleman's
90 xlyon frf thaV Nv 10
inherently correlative. From its very
one individual. 1t is therefore the
and dispense it.
Rev. @. was highly pleased with the
intelligence and correctness of view
displayed in the exercises. He, too,
had been disappointed by shoemakers;
in fact, where was the man who hadn't
been? He was sorry, however, that
Bro. E. hadn't been more specific in his
concluding remark. He certainly
didn't mean all societies especially
Secret societies. The latter he felt it
his painful duty to denounee. He
would read just one sentence from an
tract which he had written
upon that subject. "Secret societies are
of the devil. There
can be no doubt of it; the scriptures are
plain upon that point. can smell the
Satanic birthstone upon every piece of
regalia." For illustration, just look at
Noble County; secret societies are sup
pressed there; and what is the result ?
Not a drop of liquor is to be found in
the County. He was in favor of the
Ku-KluX law as he understood it, and
would have it speedily enforced
against every tent of secrecy round
about the walls of Zion. May the time
speedily come when the light of truth
shall cover the earth as the waters
cover the sea! Amen.
Mr.. F. was not present TO defend
secret societies. They were like Mas
could speak for themselves.
He would, however, suggest to the
reverend gentleman, that the best
members in all respects, of his congre-
CATION were the most enthusiastic mem-
bers of secret orders. The reverend
gentleman didn't know what he was
talking about. How thankful the
world should he for that inherent pow-
er of christianity VIII ch always, in due
time, brings mankind out of the error
and bigotry of its ministry
Mr.. Fl. was of the opinion that there
is more facility in finding and recog-
nizing the rules of moral obligation
than most people cared about. There
are many cases in which right and
wrong merge into each other; and In
locating the preponderance, supposed
interest and inclination are too gener-
ally consulted. Look, for instance, at
the case ofthe shoemaker. HO Is no
toriously giving to lying, as Mr.. P. has
not because he believes it to
be right, but partly because of profess |
sional pride, no doubt; and because of
inclination and convenience. The same