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32 X

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■ <.' '

ADDRESS

DELIVERED BEFORE

A-^o^ — '-•c-

-n e^-

^mmst^jUt ^^m^i^ i!r<&. i.

OF THE

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS,

OxN THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY,

AT STANSTEAD,

/^,

JULY 29, 1846.

BY REV. ALBERT CASE, D. G. S., GRAND LODGE U. S.

STAN STEAD:

L. R. ROBINSON, PRINTER.
18t6.

Oriental Lodge Rooms, Rock Island, July 30, 1816.
DEAR Sir and BnoTiiEn :

t.\^'!V^^rT}!!''^T' ^" '"'"'"■'" y""/''^'^ ^"^ undersigned hare been appointed by Oricn-
tal Lodge No. 7, to requesm copy for publication of the Address dcUcrcd by yJuon Se
first anniversary of sa.d Lodge. Permit us to hope you will fovor u, in iL ^spcS'
and we beg leave to say, your compliance with ouVrequest, will be ecTually rali?yif.e to
those no having the pleasure of listening to you on that occasion, as to thoJwho i d -
Wc would also .mproye this opportunity to tender to you, in behalf of said I^^ ;,-
suranccs of cur very high considcraUon. ^'

With respect and esteem, wc remain, yours in F. L. & T.

SAMUEL L. FRENCH,
JOHN G. OILMAN,

Rev. Albert Case, D. G. Sire, 5tc. &c., Worcester, Mass. ^ ^' ^"^^^•

Rock Isl.\.\d, July 30, 1846.
Sins AND Brethren :

Your kind note of this day, in behalf of Oriental Lodge, requesting a copy of my Ad-
dress, has been received. I am not insensible to iU many imperfections, and I am ap-
prchcnsivc that you may have estimated it too highly ; but as you seem to regard iU pub-
lication calculated to advance the fraternal interests of our Institution, I submit it to
your disposal, satisfied if it shall in any small degree aid in effec'ing the object designed.

Be pleased, BroUicrs, to accept for yourselves and for the Lodge you represent, as-
suraiices of my gratitude for your kindness, and of my very high regard and considera-
tion.

Very truly thy Brother in F. L. & T.,

„ . ^ ^ „ . „ ALBERT CASE.

Past Grands— S. L. Fhencii, J. G. Oilman, J. C. Chase.

ADDRESS.

'•The DESuiN of Frikndship, is to make two ok aioue one. M

Pythagoras.

E.N

OUGHT TO BE UNITED.'

Gratified, I trust \vc all feel, that \vc arc pcrmitlod to asscinblo Ui-
gother on this intereeling occasion. I feel a groat dcgrco of pleasure in
uitnessing the union and harmony of Odd-Fellowship exemplified in thio
gathering of Brothers of diflercnt political and religious tenets!, and subjcctH
of difiercjit Governments. Among the ancient Jews, wc read tlj^t the
people assembled to be numbered, and that on such occasions', the several
tribes of Israel, each springing from a common ancestor, assembled by
thousands. They went to make a census of their numerical and avalla'-
ble warlike strength. But no warlike summons has brought lis logclhcr.
We come not to dig up the hatchet, or whet the tomahawk, like Indian
tribes — we come not to light the beacon fires of a Scottish forav, nor to
draw the line oC fifiy-four forty, or forty-nine ; but in thepcac<?nil garb
of brothers have we come into God's tacrcd leujple, on an errant! of
peace and love, — an errand fit to be consccraicd in such a place, and by
such a band of brothers. I congratulate you, my brethren, on this asK-em-
bling. It is matter of gratulation to our wide-spread Order, that we a.--
scmble here in the spirit of Odd-Fellowship this day,
'•Nf>« as the conqueror comes,
Bi the true and lioncst hearted,"
have you come up i .t, in accordance with an ancient and honombli:
usage, to celebrat(3 ni ;ent which toi/mi is full of deep interest, and to
the Order, yea, to the world, important.

People of all nations have been accustomed to celebrate by festivals or
othervvisc, the annual occurrence of days on which events of moment have
transpired. They have commemorated by Anniversary celebrations the
rise of nations, and communities,— the uprising of philanthropy, morality,
nnd virtue, as well as the war-founded throne of power.

You meet now to commemorate the birth of Oriental Lodge, No! %
irfto (he great family of our honorable Fraternity. Twelve months have
rolled nwoy, and are numbered with the past, since vour Lodire u as In-
stituted. You have the privilege of knowing if your principles as Odd-
Fellows, are serviceable when reduced to practice ; and from the retro-
ppection to gain lessons of instruction to guide and influence vou in com-
ing time.

That you hove not been disappointed in your carlv formed opinions of
the utility bf the Institution, Is evident from the fact,' that you regard the
establishment of your Lodge, an event worthy of commemoration. I have
ho doubt H is so regarded by the Grand Lodge and the Fraternity of Can-
iida, and I the more heartily congratulate vou on this anniversary, on thi.'i
;:.ccount.

• It matters not to what form of Government the man belongs, whether
itbe DespotiCjMrtnarchial,orFree,— arojind the altar of Odd-Fellowship
he will alwayp rncor uitii ;i friend, protector and iirotlier. It matters not

Our doom are guarded from llie intrusion of the curious tha irfl. »„J

s»r-^«drx™d»So\Tr.^^^

• , jf i'®*'" '"^"®'' of astonishment to many individuals th«f «n o..

They have not yet fully learned all the peculiarities of our Institutlnn
They have not yet learned that the passions engendered by the bickerlnr:
of party, and the more cruel denunciations of theoScaUeL find n*o

mimmm

'Tnendship, on wing ethereal flvinr round,
Stretches her arm to bless the hallowed ground.
Humanity well pleased there lakes her stand.
Holding her daughter Pity in her hand :
Here Chanty, which soothes the Widow's sieh
And wipes the dew^rop from the Orphan's ew;
Hero stands Benevolence, whose large embrace.

*K 111. ^"*'''''="'»«"''«-d, takes in the human race"-

moralize and bless-3r„m XZZ ^Lfel'tJ.^S.'i? IhT"'"'
tives to the Derformanrfi nf h;„i, \i/ ^,*^g6.»» an^ 'earn all the incen-

?eep,icis. in ZtlZl lp?o'in7 Od -M;wfhi:,"'Thl" ? ''^,''

Iiilidc'l relalive to Christianity. Tlius duod he distruHt iiis own eyes, and
declare, inferentially, from the predisposed baseness of his impure heart.
Thia dark principle has prevailed long enough. All associations which
have stepped forth with an open hand and a generous heart, and labored
to ameliorate human siiflering, have been the objects of its hatred.

Cain hated Abel. The sympathy, aflection and good will of Abel, was
not possessed by Cain — who hated and slew his brother. Ignorance of
the principle which lived in Abel's breast — together with its concomitant
envy, gave birth to wrath ; and then its offspring, murder, all hideons and
blood-robed, appeared to shroud the trembling earth in gloom. We do
not, however, claim that Abel was an Odd-Fellow, although he manifest-
ed the virtues of Odd-Fellowship ; nor di; we rank Cain with the oppo-
sersof Odd-Fellowship at this day. Yet we say. Cam was ignorant of
the principles of Abel — he haled him for his gentleness and love. Odd-
Fellowship is opposed by those who are ignorant of some of its forms ;
and who feel that its principles arc too pure and holy to abide in whited
sepulchres.

It is not my intention to detain you long with the antiquity of our Fra-
ternity. I have no desire to claim remote antiquity for the organic struc-
y ; ture of Odd-Fellowship. It matters not whether the fanciful idea so often
^ put forth, that the foundation stone of Od J-FoIIowship was laid by our
forefather Adam — whether it was organized in the Roman camp, among
'.he Druids, or Egyptians, or at a later period, be correct or not. We know
<J that it has been organized as a system — that it is of human origin, based
^ in principles which are coeval with the great Divinity. We know thatit
H ranks among the most honored and useful of human institutions. It has
•A withstood the assaults of its enemies. The unbridled fury of the ignorant,
sthe more artful falsehoods and subtle insinuations of the demagogue have
:;• passed by, without scathing its pillars, or dimming the lustre of its chain.
VS Idle and impotent are, and ever will be, the puny efforts of malice, or the
strong t of bigotry and superstition, against the inculcation and practice
of those St .)lime virtues of our Order, which have a common God for
their origin, and a boundless universe for their temple. Their efforts have
been put forth against our Institution with a zeal worthy of a better cause,

"While like a sunny rill,

Silent, yet gaining still,
Deeper and'wider our influence has spread ;

Soothing the Widow's fears,

Wiping the Orphan's tears,
Strength to the weak— to the fatherless bread."

It is, however, not surprising that the progress of the Order vras opposed
in £urope and America at an early day. Much of the prejudice that
was aroused against it, was in consequence of its partaking of the char-
acter of a convivial association ; for such was its character in both hem-
ispheres. No wonder, then, that an enlightened and moral community
would spurn the professions of the members of the Institution which,
whilst it claimed to exert a moralizing and elevating influence among
men, presented little if any evidence of the truthfulness of the profession,
but rather evidence against the profession and the influence, in the cus-
tom which was known to exist, and the practice of conviviality in the re-
cesses of the Lodge-Room. The ptiblio saw, indeed, a beautiful theory

presented, but tliey mw an example in nnti.^onirt,,. witl. il. .t il .

il.oy could not trust it a. an agent of K(.ud id Z • ki i 'V "'"^

evil pn.ctico«, and its n.cn.bet, in I.e ulsod S c^oadtvT ' •' '"",'•

rJh„ ;»"''*"• ^""' ^.'■^^'■^'' Odd-Fellows, to whlcl/welook n«our Pa-
lit K '■'^'" '".^J^'f''««ter, Great«ritain,inthe year 1819 Odd
1-c lowship, m sonic lonn, hnd doubilcss existed indeDCndent of .h.
and «o had the name oxis.od, and the lorrn in p t '^.t " o" t ,nich oJX'
spinl, aa early aa the middle ..ftlio 18.1. (vn.tui'y ' "''^

In 1788, the poet Montgomery compodcd an Ode for n societv in T n„
don, which had for their motto, '•Friendd.in Lovo a. H Tn h '? .
own Ridgely say«, ^<,Von. .he perfect .rSt^^rLtween c h^ °"''
used,- and the practice of the ancient Od.l^Sw ve are Lt?n?r^''
heheving that was a society of Odd-Fellow^ '' UV a. p n\. ^ ■ '"

terctod in those ancient org^ni^at.ons, to a;e their h to fa X'^. I '"^

I olimv„ Munc ,cs.cr Uni.y, ,i^„„ „.|,ioh w„ , eri« o'r .„, or ,, Tit
The Supreme Head of llic Order on the Westnr.i rnnt;„«„. i

• "When Friendship, Love and Truth abound

Among a band of brothers,
The cup of joy goes gaily round

t-o.rh share* the bliss of othrrs."

'tin Uio

and

lowKliip ill North Amenca. f ii Scriptural liiix's, revelations of future gto-
ry and grandeur \\cre sulTercd to biint upon »ho visit)n of tho pntriarchit
and propheta of thot-c dayn, and the land of promiac was permitted thuM
to display itself before the loniringcvfs of some who were never to tct
foot therein. When Father VVildoy planted the Order in America, ho
flaw not its future glory — he could not by anticipation have beheld it au
It now in, numerous, me(u\ and respected, — but he has entered into more
than tho land of promise — he sees tliul the hued has taken root and bro't
forth abundantly ; and his heart beats with joyous eniotionu, when ho
ihinltsthat all over the Continent his brethren are glorying in the priuci-
f»lcs of Friendship, Love and Truth.

Could the old Patriarch be permitted to be with us this day, — as poor
Rip Van Winkle was restored to the bosom of his descendants, — with
what a shout of joy would we meet hiui and pledge ourselves anew, to
adorn the temple he laboreil to rear, and to perpetuate the name and
the spirit of Odd-Fellowship, till lime itself shall cease to be.

The reformation, or regeneration, to which the present condition of
the Order is tfo much indebted, took place in 1824. From that time the
hitherto languishing Institution, began to gain strength, and after a few
years, a new era in its history commenced. It had shaken ofl' the cum-
brous customs — turned all its energies and abilities to the proper interests
of the Order, and directed its funds in wholesome channels, and it began
to be appreciated as an Institution that did much, and promised more in
coming time, for the elevation and comfort of mankind. It went on, in-
creasing in numerical and moral force, until it extended all over yottr
neighboring Union, — it has planted its Altars in the far West, away at the
place of the sun's setting —

'• Whore rolls Uic Oregon,

And hcarii no sound

Save his own dashing."

It has erected its altars in every State of the Union, and here in Canada
it is zealous in the performance of its mission. In 1843, it was under
the auspices of the Grand Lodge of the Western Continent, introduced
into Canada. Prince of Wales' Lodge was then organized at Montreal,
afterwards aro^e Queen's Lodge and then Prince Albert's Lodge. —
Then succeeded the Grand Lodge of the Province of Canada, which I
had the honor of Instituting at Montreal, in Nov., ISi*. It now num-
bers nineteen subordinates and many members. There are also four
Encampments and one Degree Lodge, all engaged, and all successful in
extending the principles which fraternize mankind and cemcpt them to-
gether as a band of brethren. The Province of Canada is keeping pace
with the neighboring States, and taking the lead of some of them in Odd
Fellowship. The germ which was borne from England, in the heart of
an Englishman, transplanted in the United States, has extended its bran-
ches and its influence, until all North America is favored with its light
and warmth. It could not be bounded by national lines, but looking to
the good of a common humanity, it reaches out all abroad, — erects its al-
tars, gathers its votaries, and inspires them with that Friendship which
produces a oneness of sympathy and affection, and causes each to recog-
nize in each a brother, whether he be of his own country and tribe, or
of a different one.

The i)rogr.'S8 (.r ihc Order in all North America, has l>een ttuch oh to
nilon'mh those who have early ntui Inte labored in its behalf. At thid
period, there is Romcwhere m the vicinity of a thousand Lodges, and be-
longing to these, and enlisted in the grout army that is marching onvvaid
under the barjner of Friendship, Love and Truth, are probably 100,000
tneml)er8. These lodges and brethren are scattered over the vast extent
of the country. Tlicy are found here in her Majesty's dominions, and
from your most Northern altar, over tfio vast extent of country are kin-
dred altars, around whicli orcthrcn assemble; and vou will find them on
the sea hoard and the interior— on the plain and the' hill top— till you reach
the Rio Grande. We look back from the lofty eminence to which our
Order has attained— we see it in its several stages of progress from its in-
troduction into North America until now, with mingled feelings of surprise
and delight. A little time has passed since the feeble band congregated
to rear the first altar ; and now, after 27 years, it has erected its temples
and dedicated its altars to a pru-tical benevolence as deep as the wants of
a wide spread humanity.

The Roman's boast was, that he would stamp upon the earth, and ar-
mies would obey the summons. With a power superior even to the Ro-
man boast. Benevolence has spoken, and responsive voices have been
heard like mighty thunderings from the mountain and plain, the hill
top and glen,— proclaiming n continent responsive in tones of manly de-
termination ; while relieved Widows nnd redeemed Orphans mingle their
shouts with the reverlierating sound, like the chorus of angel voices.

Thus, the organization of associated benevolence, which in the old
world was impaired by associated vice, Hvas transplanted in this Western
Hemisphere ; and here the impure was after a few years discarded— and
unincumbered Truth, Love and Friendship found a genial soil, and are
operating in the heart, fraternizing mankind, and improving the masses.
They came under the name of Odd-Fellowship, and while exerting their
hallowed influence here, they send their light and warmth back to the Old
World. They are there purifying the organized masses— quenching the
strange fire upon the altars, and causing a pure incense to arise to heav-
en. The objects of our Institution are well understood. We have in a
measure manifested the sincerity of our professions. In the world's eye
we have been brethren,— we have raised up the weak and down-trod-
den, — smoothed the pillow of death,— solaced the widow's wail, and
trained the orphan to usefulness and respectability. But yet we have
labors to perform— there remains wo and misery — there is yet immoral-
ity and orphanage— there is need of our cherishing and practising "love"
one to another, and of extending this principle wherever is want, or igno-
rance exists. It should be ours to

"Grasp the whole world of reason, life and sensr.
In one close system of benevolence."

The practice of this height of charity, consiRts mainly in contributing to
the permanent good of each other. This is a chief object of our Insti-
tution—it would diffuse the knowledge of the great brotherhood— and of
ourduties, and thus unite men together in fraternal union. If "the de-
sign of friendship is to make two or more one," then is that rrrincipie an
important one in our fraternity. Nature has implanted the • necessitv of

this principle in our hearts, niui made the cullurc .>f it an ngreoable ami
iiflcftjl labor.

If the unity of humanity ia tlesiral.le, then \n Friendship important, for
It ha« a tendency to unite men, and to btrongthen the bond of union • for
it arouscH to duty and to«ympathy— it unlocks the Htore-huuse of Ikjoavo-
loncc, and, Howard-like, the individual goc« forth blessing and blessed

Lonl Bacon Ima well said, that "a crowd is nolcompanv, and faces arc

buta gallery of pictures, and talk but a cymbal where there" is no love"

It id a mere and miserable Bolitude to want true friends ; without a friend
the world is but a wilderness. A "faithful friend is the medicine of life"
—a panacea for many of the ills of existence. One reason of the petty
jealousies and wranglings of men, is their wnnt of knowledge of each
other. One chief reason why nu;n arc alienated from each other and
rcfurtc the kind offices of life, is their ignorance of each other. Our In-
stitution brings them together on a common level— the high and the low,
the rich and the poor meet together, and feel that the Lord is the maker
of them all. Their dir'cordant opinions on church and atate— their preju-
dices and uncharitauluness, is here laid aside— they meet at an Altar
dedicated to Friendship, Love and Truth— they meet as Brothei-s— they
cultivate an acquaintance, they come to sec that which is g.wl and pmise-
worthy in each other; their animosity and coldness is removed ; they be-
come inspired with the principle of Love, and the trulh of man's' relation ;

are hound in fraternal

Friendship exerts her power to unite, and they
bonds by the mystic chain.

True Friendship hath nn sling, no shade of gloom ;

A lovely blossom 'tis of fatlelcss bloom,

Whose witching perfume scents alike the air

Breath 'd 'ncalli the coUao;e roof, or palace fair ;

A gem emitting rays refulgent, bright.

Alike in day-light's glare, or darksome night—

A brilliant lamp wliosc oil, like her's of old,

In imconsumed— a flame that ne'er grows cold :

A sparkling stream that gurgles sweet along,

Brightening the flowery groves it flows among.

Till sinking with a low and gentle sigh

Upon some oecan-billow mounting high,

It mingles with its waves — thenceforth to be

A TART, a portion of the boundless sea.

Such is the friendship that, unchanging, throws

A halo round life's scenes until they close,

And such the mystic tic that links each band

Of truthful "Odd-rellows" throughout our land.

Nor does the influence alTect only those who bow at the altar ; thev t^n
forth to the worid, to make known the truth that 'Mnen ought lobe t'mit-
cd ; to show that men can fraternize, and, leading the way, thev exert
an influence that shall tell on generation after generation, until the Mil-
lennium come.

The principles and inculcations of our Order exert an influence over its
members, and that influence extends to their associates, and again to the
beholder; and increases the moral order, the social feeling, the friendship
and purity, and consequent happiness of the whole community. The
Lodge prevents many from running into temptation. We are naturallv

ROCtal hfinnrn. anH lolian r«>-.^v>'-->n=' •" ««-l- '"— tU- -, W . .. •

- j,_, ,„i j), ,.>,„,(>,, ,t- FTmiic itn IHt; lilifivrf. ,(i atlil Salla-

faction of our social nature in the Lodge-Ronin, the aventu"^ i<» nimin-t!

amusement are doscJ, by the more attractive pall.s tliat lead to llie LIch-
«ed retreats of Odd-FeIlou«hip. From ti.e.e retreats profanity, intem-
.erance, d.ahonesty and haUed are excluded j and temperance, jujce,
honor watch ulne«s and good will are inculcat'ed. Many a fond Vifeha^
been blessed by the reforming spirit of Odd-Fellowship, and many a ki ,^
.s^er has hlted her voice in thankfulness, that the father and brother have
been rendered letter, and even restored, by the influence of the printi-
ph^s mculcated.n the Lodge, and the association with tho.e whS have
become imbued w.tb the principles, and do breathe them.

Ihe benehcial influence of our Institution has to a great extent been
acknowledged by the world. It tends to unite men of difler^nt nation"
and coinmumt.es, and thereby cements the bond of human brotherhood,

mlS"""' %l '" 'TJ^'I''^ ""'^ •" ^"'^'«' intercourse to promote hu-
man welfare. I he sick Brother, at home or abroad, ia provided for to a
greater extent than in any other human institution-^yea, Jven greater than
.nUiechurc . The Brother disabled, is strengthen'ed^yTyS^^^hyanJ
funds; and dying, he receives all the attention that could be paid by hi«
ovn family cicle. Then, again, his companion and his little ones are
puvided lor,-.they are protected, and made as comfortable as the sym-
pathy, counse^ care and moneys of brothers can make them. This at-
teiition to the Brother is paid, whether he be at his own fire-side, or abroad
lom his lamily and his home; for, in the pecul-r language of Odd-Fel-
lovvsh.p, he reveals himself a Brother, and fin.s BrothL, as companions

land, lor Odd-Fe lowship cannot be bounded, and her votaries dwell in
every civilized cliine. Numerous are the instances v% hich might be cited
to assure you of the facts I have stated.

An Odd-Fellow, a citizen of New England, J.J. Rogers by name, was
late ly vvreeked in the South Pacific Ocean, and afterwaixls carried to New

of Od l^^iS' ^^' ' ''f /"''"'• I ^" ''•""'"e there, he found two Lodges
ot Udd-Fellows-made known his circumstances, the fact of his shio-
wreck, &c., and the brethren furnished him with all necessary clothine
paid his passage to England, and gave him forty dollars to support him
until by his own labor he could provide for himself. A seaman from
New York City was wrecked on a Southern coast-he reached the city,
where brethren provided for him, and eent him home with a month's
wages to (eed his family. *

A lady, with her husband, came from England some years since-
hit h"..h^^Ki^K^"" ""''? 'uf'^ ^^^y '''^'^ '" comfortable circumstances ;
but he husband became feeble, and lingered long, till their little all was
expended. He died, and left her destitute and needy, far from home
among strangers. The last mite had been expended-slie was in want
Her husband had bowed at an Odd-Fellow's altar in the Old World : but
the circumstance had not been brought to her mind until, in examining
his papers after his death, she found the card he received from his Lodee
Ml England. She did not then think it would become a talisman to ad-
niinister to her wants. But a short time after, she heard that a Lodge of
Odd-I ellows vvas to be formed on a particular evening, in the town where
sue dwelt. She wrote a note stating her necessities, enclosed the card,
ana on the nicjht of Insialla«ion of jKp T v,j~^ .i.^ _„_. ■.. rp, *

uas immediately raised for her relief and comfort, and with tears of g rati-

1 1

tude slie ackiiowlcilgfil her tlitmks, calling down bles.-iing.s on otn- then iii-
larit Inslitation. In the language of Inspiration she said— "The blessing
of him that was ready to jierish shall descend upon thee ; for thou dost
relieve the stranger, and cause the widow's heart to rejoice."

I need not cite to you the numerous instanret^ on lecord, where the wid-
owed mother has publicly blessed our Institution for its benefactions to
herself and her offspring ; many of them are known to the world, and
they have secured for the Institution the blessings of the widows and or-
phans, and their prayers for its progress and future triumphs. Orphans
are provided for, reared up and educated, in all sections of the country
where Odd-Fellowship exerts her power. Thousands of children who
have been left fatherless, on this continent, have found fathers and pro-
tectors in Odd-Fellows' Lodges. They camo like those little ones who
approached the Savior, when he took them in his arms and blessed them
—they came, and are receiving the benefactions of the Order. The
Lodge is a father to them. And not content with this, the Fraternity has
the praise-worthy object in view, of raising and endowing a College for
the reception and education of the orphans of Odd-Fellows.

I have told you of one instance where the widow of an Odd-Fellow
received the benefits of our Order, and that among strangers. Thanks to
the generosity of the Brotherhood, the wife or widow of a worthy Brother
may now receive from the Lodge such evidence as will enable her in any
land, to convince the Odd-Fellow that she is entitled to all the attention
and support the Brother himself would be ; and by that evidence she can
secure respectful attention and relief, if need be, even among strangers ;
for she can appeal to Broth rs, and wherever the banner cf Odd-Fellow-
ship is unfurled, her appeal will be responded to by those who will delight
to counsel, relieve, protect and bless. I would suggest to ladies the pro-
priety of urging their husbands to become Odd-Fellows, if they are not,
that they may secure the privilege of a card to themselves. And to the
parent, I would say, you can recommend to your son no better way of
gaining friends, advisers, and good moral, temperate associates, than by
joming an Odd-Fellow's Lodge. He will, by that means, obtain a pass-
word to the best of society, and find brothers as parents and protectors in
every land.

Odd-Fellowship exerts a moral, social and beneficial influence. It is
a moral society — a life and trust association ; and its praises are sung by
happy voices throughout the land. While it does not claim to be a reli-
gious institution, only in the practice it require.^, and in manifesting the
fruits of "pure and undefiled religion," which is "to visit the widow and
fatherless in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world"
— yet, ho Atheist can become an Odd-Fellow. If he refuse to acknowl-
edge, while yet his foot is on the threshold of the Temple, that he believes
in God the Supreme Governor of all, the door will not open to his view.
It admiLsof no sectarian views; but, like the rainbow of heaven, while
It circumscribes all mankind, it gathers into its symbolic chain men of

every kind, creed, nation and fiiith, and inculcates chm-ity to all men.

Charity, that heaven-born principle, which, like Meicv —

'*"Qt»rjr

: ihr ■■

r-nt

Upon the earth bpnoath.
srircji.

Blessed in him that

view fiOni IiCuVcii

It is twice blest —
and him that U\kts.'

I trust it will not lie il.oi.gl.t egotistical, if I i„(Wm you l!,.. ti.e funds

Iw th^t thp"'' '■"'•''' '^r^'l"' ^'"•■P'*«^«' and the returns of the Orde
show that they are sacred to those purposes, viz: of relief and sunnort

to Brothers, their widows and orphans. "^

iJ^r*"'"' *" ^''r ^'"f"^ ^•■^"'^ J^^^g^' ''o^^''^ year ending June 30
184.0, show a gain of membera by initiation, in one year: of ^2 862 Thp
revenue amounted to $449,194. The ihole nu2r o? cSbuul^
members was near 100,000, Relief had been extended t^eS Broth?
e 8 and 476 w.dowed families. The total amount paid for r^Hef dir ne
that year, was $124,669, to which we may add 9 Grand LoTes wh c h
faded to make report of relief extended, and doubtless showCar wo
hundred thousand dollars expended for the benefit of the sS bSJ
the support of the Widows and Orphans of our beloved o2r
son V' w^^ '^ ''"' *^""^' T '.^""^'■^^ broad-cast to every wanting per-

men ThZ "V^'^V "^' ^f'"'^' T^^^ ^iven as freely as those of any other
men. The Lodge funds bemg held sacred to the Order, we must have the
pnvilege of preserving them exclusively fcr the Order Wc must have

cnmTeZ'tharrf '"^" "r''^'^^ ^'"^" "'" ^^'^"'^ appropriatell, ^e
entitled to that privilege. In protection to Brothers-to widows and or-
phans, our .nst.tut.on is eminently distinguished. See ye the lone orphan
for whom no mother's bosom throbs in soft sympathy ! '*'"^°'^P"»'''

^Sec ye the widow forced in age for bread.
To stnp tlie brook, wifii mantling cresses spread :
To pick the winter's faggot from the thorn,
1 hen seek some nighUy shade and weep till morn."
These are the objects of the Odd-Fellow's tender regard. Perhaps
there is no association of men that can with more truth say :-«Whe'
he ear heard tne, then it blessed me, and when the eye saw me, it gave
witness to me, because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatheriess
and h.m that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was Sy
to perish came upon me, and I caused the vtidovv's heart to sing for W
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to
thepoor, and the cause which I knew not, I searched out."

Hut It is often alleged that ours is a secret society, and that the secrecv
^^IZiV """""' ^ '''''''^'^ ^^'^h the benevolence it profc se We
.emark that ours is not a secret society. Is that a secret society, whose
principles are spread out all bare and beautiful before the worij^who^
membe,^ are publicly known as members-whose laws, plac^of meet-
ings, and practices are understood by the whole community. No • That
.8 a secret association whose plans, purposes, places of meeting and mem-
bership, are all concealed-who keep banded together like robbers and
assassins, unknown to others. The Carbonari of Italy, or the band' n-

fes °L?ST' '7r" T'^ '''H' ' '^''^ ""^y •'^ ^^^^^ secret sec".
^ZL ' ?"'"' ^'^^°"Sh we observe the principle of secrecy. The

nroSltP?"^!^ '' "°^ r """'" *° Odd-Fellowship. We use Ufor iff!

one to r^n:! Tr"""" r">"' '"^'"^7 '' '""^^ ^° ^^ «" «?«» ^<^'^'^ ^o^ every
one to read. If our Lodges were thus open, we might expect hat everV

WntZ ^"VT l-u' ^'' *" Powei^of locomotion, wo^ld Sones7
y live on our funds, till none would be left for the sick nnrl H;«t«.«co-i
tnc wndovv and the orphan among ourselves. " '

are

Lvei) p^o^o^■sion, every firt, every trade, lias it« bccrcls. Einpires and
states have tlieir secrets. Families and churches have their secrets, and
I doubt mucli il' there is a heart in this assembly but what is the repository
of some secret. Secrecy is observed m every condition of soci«ty. And
yet, vvc don't think of speaking of secret empires, secret states, secret
churches, and secret families. Why, then, charge Odd-Fellowship with
the crime of being a secret society 1 It observes the secret principle, but
we have j^et to learn that it is more sinful for our Order to seal its letters,
than it is for a church or state to do the same.

This secrecy is no novel doctrine. The Egyptians veiled their religion
and politics under its impenetrable mask. Lycurgus, among his consti-
tutional laws, required that eveiy one keep secret whatever was done or
said. The duty of secrecy is taught and enjoined in the Scriptures. —
Solomon forbade drunkenness in a King, because it is an enemy to secre-
cy — and added, "He that discovereth secrets is a traitor, and he that con-
ceals them is a faithful brother." A wise man also said^-" Whosoever
discovereth secrets loses his credit."

The fust Christians were accustomed to pledge themselves to one an-
other by a solemn declaration similar to the covenant among Odd-Fel-
lows. Pliny who wrote in the first century, reports to the Emperor Tra-
jan, that "the Christians were wont to meet together in the night and bind
themselves to secrecy,"— that though they might recognize each other
in the multitude, they should not be known as associates by the world.

TcrtuUian, a Presbyter of Caithage, who died about A. D. 216, says,
"None are admitted to religious mysteries without having secrecy enjoin-
ed." Minacius Felix, who wrote a learned and eloquent defence of the
Christian religion, which Lardner thinks was published in A. D. 210,
states that "the Christians know one another by secret signs, and love one
another almost before they are acquainted."

The Master of Christians enjoined secrecy upon bis followers, and
thereby recognized the principle for which we are contending. "When,"
said Christ, rMatt. 6, 3) "thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand
know what thy right hand doeth ; tnat thine alms may be in secret."

If the secrecy we enjoin is beyond this, it is only to protect our funds
from imposition, that we may be able to Jo "alms" ; but it is further objec-
ted that the privileges of the Order are conferred upon the worthless and
immoral. We desire not to receive such, until they shall have reformed.
But, we may be deceived. We cannot see the motives of every individ-
ual. We are sometimes imposed upon, no doubt. If we are deceived,
the Institution ought not to he censured, but those who are guilty of the
deception. It is unjust to blame any society, for the evil couduct of its
members, unless the society sanctions, or is blind to that ill conduct. —
The best things may be abused. Our holy religion has been perverted
to base ends. Have ye not seen hypocrisy and sin in the church — at the
altar of God 1 Have ye not seen wrangling and strife on account of a
slight difference in creeds? But Christianity is not to blame for these a-
buses. They furnish no argument against Christianity ; nor should the
immoral conduct of a member, be attributed to Odd-Fellowship.

It has been objected further, that our Order requires the time of it»
members, and that females are not permitted to enter our Lodges. But if
it be a useful institution, if its privileges arc invaluable, it must of course

require some time on the part of those who uonKl participate in itn toils
and prmleges. There is little of good acquired without toil, a, at e

AnS'if . ^ r 'l'"'^!!?'''?'' *"■ ""y P"-"**"'* ^^'^'^•h >ie'd« as great reward
And It 18 not for himself alone that the votary at the shrine of Odd Fn

owBlnp, pay« hi, weekly visits. It is to seeure the ble n's of U 1 S"

iraVerl"%t''r.''l ^'(' ^""'""' ?"' "" g--;tioCthiT Si
live alter him. But what shall we say to the objection that ladies ai-e nnt
suffered to beeome Odd-Fellows 1 We say the ihct that they can^T b^
admitted, .s a comphment as high as we can pay them, -^hey require
not the mcenfves of Odd-Fellowship to induc!e them to practice tK
tues .t enjoms. Where else can the repository of truth, so readflv be
found as m wonjan? Temperance which is taught and enjled in the
Wge, .s her hab.t. Where will you seek prudence, but in the mode,?
chalwtr^h rr"",--. P^'"'^ '''' '^^'•'"V ^' Per-nined, ut Tn t he

«n Jll! '"*^,l"se"t Ledyard, who had visited every quarter of the globe
and carefully observed the disposition and habits of both sexe< .afs •--'

hospitable; bum no country, savage or civilized, have I ever addressed

ZZhU L"n ' ''"^"?«' °^ '^'''ry ^"^ P°''^*^'»«^«' but I was responded
llT If Z T "?'^ «"5"/'«"-" Odd-Fellowship, although entirdy "en.

should bo vaHtrnh^'' V f'P'^'?'"- ""^ .^^"^^^'""2 ^^•<>"''^ "«t ^'^ tifat she
enouiii bow at its altar, oC whom it is said,—

"Hers is a mild and gentle power

That prospers in affliction's hour ;

And when the heartlessness of friends

Falls, like a pestilence, and brings

To Hope's own fair imaginings

Us withering breath ; then woman lends

Her words of solace ; and her smile

Like moonbeams on a ruined pile,

Comes with an influence to bless

Where all seemed diear and comfortless :

And sheds around such holy light,

As makes e'en desolation bright." •
Such are the sentiments of our Institution, in reference to woman, and
the regulation which forbids that she should participate in our mysteries
.s equally as proper as her exclusion from seats in ParliaZnt/o f om
the command of navies and armies, or from

"the tented field,

Where column after column w heel ;
Where cannons roar and chargers jeel,
Amid deptruction's revelry."

fhill Tr^^ her influence and her approval, and she can bid Odd-Feilow-
sh^ «God speed » without sullying the chastity of her pure spirit We

i 'It nl: rllS '" '^r' '' ^"^ P""^'P'-' -^ - ^-y love gl'
oiTexertfons to mnr ^'"r°'^" companions and neighbors, to'-approbate

o3d Fellowship" '''^"■^^^'^'^"^^^ perpetuate and extend the blessings of
Brothers,— you have seen the triumphs of Odd-Fellowship over sect

and party ; you have seen it oiijtling in fruternar iniion those who were
estranged by political and religious tenets. It takes men of the most dis-
cordant opinions in politics and religion, and brings them together, in-
structs them ir. the good qualities of heart they jjossese — leads them to
see they are brethren — to labor and fraternize together as such. This
has been one tendency of our institution, — where party spirit, strife and
animo.sity raged, severing friends and relatione, it has calmed the elements
of strife— brought mfn of all parties together, and consolidated them in-
to an union that has been efficient in banishing discord and contention
from the community, and establishing the reign of friendship and good
will. We have witnessed its eflects where christian sects have been ar-
rayed against each other; when they have associated in Lodge, they have
discarded the spirit of hatred and come to respect and love each other. —
Odd-Fellowship raises above and controls party, and therefore is it de-
signed to make men one in purpose, one in affection. Its power has been
felt among men of different sects, diflerent parties, different nations and
governments. It unites them together upon principle, and never, no, nev-
er, let the relative positions of their governments be what they may — can
these Odd-Fellows forget that they are Brothers. The links of that sym-
bolic chain that encircles them cannot be sundered by the waters that
separate, or the lines that bound the nations. Odd-Fellowship is doing its
part to prepare the way for the coming of that glorious era foretold by
the old seers of God, when the spirit of the Supreme Majesty shall walk
forth in power, and say to the raging winds of human passion — "Peace !
be still" — and a holy calm shall ensue — a calm in which the spirit of
war shall be forgotten, and

"To ploughshares men shall beat their swords,
To pruning hooks their spears,"

and man shall be redeemed from every antagonistic principle, and united
in Friendship, Love and Truth.

Methinks I see this day, reasons that strengthen my hopes in this ^reat
triumph. Bright and prosperous be the career of Odd-Fellowship, and
when men are thus redeemed and united, when they shall "learn war no
more," but there shall be universal peace and good will that shall ever
prevail— may it be seen that Odd-Fellowship— the hand-maid of Christi-
anity, has faithfully performed its mission.

Brethren, a year has passed away since your Lodge was organized.
You hail its anniversary with delightful emotions. You have cause to re-
joice at the triumphal arches you have erected, and with becoming so-
lemnity to acknowledge your gratitude to the God in whom you trust.

Brethren — I congratulate you, on y«ur success and prospects. Ye
have done well. Bright and inviting are the prospects before you. I re-
joice with you on your first annfversary ; at peace among yourselves and
with the fraternity, respected by all around whose respect can do you
good ; if you go on in the practice of the benign principles, you shall re-
main a firm pillar of the Grand Lodge of Canada — you shall aid in ce-
menting the whole fraternity throughout the worid in one form and spirit
and family ; having one desire, one purpose, and a uniformity of pr«c-
tice ; one Word^and Grip, and Sign. Brethren, let us hope, while we
labor, that Odd-Fellowship may yet possess a universal language. Then
shall we realize the bright visions of Glory that now appear to beam on

the future, and sec yet noMor triumphs oi" our Order. Then will the
linkainour chain be bright and well riveted, and our Institution will
stand,

" Like sninc lull cliff that lifts its awfnl form,
Swells fl-om Uie Tale, and midw ay loaves the sloim ;
Though round its bust the rolling clouds arc spread,
Eternal sunshine sultlcs o'er its head."

The work has been well begun. I beseech you, Brotkeis, pei-sevcre.

The edifice has been reared and adorned with beauty ; let its name be
embalmed in the heart's bestaflections — and its pillars be entwined with a
wreath of glory. Go on Brethien, and if in after time, the destitute and
the homeless come up to where your banner waves, may it be said

"And he who came of all bereft.

To whom malignant fate had left

Nor home, nor friends, nor country dear.

Finds home, and friends, and country here."

As members of the Fraternity, high responsibilities rest up#n us. The
highest blessings which Odd-Fellowship enjoys and conveys, arc to be
perpetuated, unimpaired and untarnished, by us, to be delivered down to
our successors — or as they descend, go with the seeds of decay and death
implanted by our neglect or selfishness. The importance of our position
cannot be overrated. This Order is to stand, a monument of the benevo-
lence of man and of the blessings of the Supreme.

Throughout our whole jurisdiction otir Order is prosperous and respec-
ted. I shall carry with me evidence of your prosperity, and your devotion
to Odd-Fellowship. I shall assure the Parent Grand Lodge that with all
her children Odd-Fellowship is the same. I congratulate you on the fact
that you are aiding to enlighten and fraternize humanity,'and as others
have the happiness to make your acquaintance, may they find it agreea-
ble as I have. I can ask for them nothing more at your hands. I am
satisfied that deep in your hearts you cherish a desire that men should be
united ; and that you will steadily inculcate and practice the principles
which tend to make them one. 1 know you will labor, that Odd-Fellow-
ship shall go out wider, and yet with power, until the vast universe is
flooded with its light, and animated with its spirit; until those who now
cherish selfishness, enmity and hatred shall come in peace and good-will,
and prove men, all united in Friendship, Love and Truth shall go up the
song of oneness and joy like the mingled voices of many waters !
^ From the kindness I experienced on a former visit to the Brothers in
Canada— from the known hospitality of the people of your Province, and
of the Odd-Fellows in particular, I anticipated a fraternal and happy in-
terview with the members of Oriental Lodge. Geat as were my antici •
pations, they compare not with your kindness and courtesy. I came a-
mong you a stranger ; I was greeted by warm-hearted brothers— I am sur-
rounded by such ! This is Odd-Fellowship— I feel it in the warm grasp,
I see it in your generous countenances— I hear it in kindly breathings of
aflection. I judge not alone by external appearances, when I say* you
are Odd-Fellows. I speak in all sincerity, your ivindness makes ine
feel,

"That iU)s around my heart are spuit
That cannot, will not be undone."