The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1882-05-05

always been considered commendable
virtue. Aud IN no instance is this more
perceptible than in cur Order, and we
ask you individually, have yon conscien-
tiously complied with the requirements
of the law MS given you respecting this
matter
II you have been selected by your
Brethren to occupy position Of honor
whether by their partialiatity or your
superior fitness for the station, have you
been puuctual in dischargiug that duty2
Have you as an officer, whether elected
or appointed, at sound OF the gavel been
prompt to assume stations assigned you
and at all times responded to roll call
Have you considered the importance
Of the position you occupy and discharg
ed the duties with promptness aud fideli
typ.
Ifbut lay member, have you needed
the Importance of being prompt in atten
dance at the weekly meetings, lending by
your presence an influence thatis al
ways perceptible in all well regulated
Lodges
To the new member il is discourage
10 see sparsely attended meetings, and
more especially does he look 10 the old
er members for guidance IN this matter;
and when he sees this class Of Brothers
unattentive and careless in attendance on
our meetings, it has au effect upon his
mind that is diliterious
Promptness and regularity Of attend
ance have many advantages. Il keeps
the Brothers well posted and informed
as to the principles, the rulings, the
work, and history ofall transactions that
occur in the Lodges, and he does not
have TO inquire of his prompt neighbor
what was done at the last meeting, and
more especially if he enters the Lodge
after roll call and reading the minutes.
1t is discouraging to punctual officers
and members to find but quorum, and
more especially when important busi
ness is to be transacted, aud they do moi
feel that zeal for the Order that should
characterizs every good Odd-FelIow.
To majority Of members must say,
their attendance at the Lodge is one o
duty and pleasure, a pleasure to fulfi
their obligations while within its pre-
| cincts. Their feelings and thoughts arr
elevated and their time not spAnt TO
naught. Aud here let me say, that th'
frequent use of one word in our lexicon
, has been the cause Of great deal If tar.
D diness aud absence from our meetings
yet, when it is nsed in its proper sense
no other word could explain itself NOR,
intelligibly. That is. when IL is coSvE-
NIENT to attend
Z Tins left alone and atihe discretion Q
D the Brother. he alone is to interpret ii
J measing. aud am sorry to say many 0
us place a construction on the word h
J suit the occasion. II may not be conve
nient at one time on account Of the in
tense beat engendered in the Lodg
(. room by crowded house and high ter
perature. II may not be convenient :
}, the same Brother, that the Lodge roor
|, is too cold an d no arrangement has bee
II made TO increase the warmth or temper
!, atnre of the room. and the health Nigh
! be injured by such exposure.
{ The Brother may feel little one Of sort
and il would Inconvenience him some what
d attend regularly the slated meetings, orineo
4 venieuces had, occurred SO often that I'll
!. Brother had not been in attendance in so Ion
d that he has not received the new pass word
the slibbOleth of his entrance. The sentine
would not recognize him, aud bsing iaithfi
l6 guardians, they could not allow him entrnns
y after so long an absence. There are numbe
less other neonven ent excuses, and so ofte
Is rendered that we have not time to refer
7; them. but will turn the matter over to Brot
!. er Inconvenience and let him supply the cni
n sons.
Bnt We oftensec that If an initiation Of
y new member is TO take place. how soon u
"a intelligence Is spread to the absentee, aud th
IL ineonyenient member makes It convenient
attend, aud looks around with astonishmei
y at the new faces that present themselves
= congratuiatory Brothers.
Then how necessary that We should after
IS regularly, our weekly meetings, aud tn
q promptly atthe hour. and when We see
a. Lodge with large attendance We are sure
IS. find one that is prosperous the Brethren hu
monions. and all working zealously Tor Il
4 good Of the order.
Many q good and zealons Odd Fellow ca
IS. not make IL convenient TO attend with thi
D. regularity which be would desire, perhaps I
II account Of business aud other matters fb
n require lis attention. yet we hnd this ella
always ready to do their duty, and perfor
10 ali their obligations with zeal and fidelity.
q Imake these suggestions not in the way
e. complaint. but that we may think over q
y matter and while we seek to throw the burd'
N on Others, that we may pluck the beam out