liili UCSB LIBRARY EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE €)5()-iell0iu0!]ip. ' Odd-Fellows, when together met, Are not, perhaps, so odd a set As many people say ; Unless, indeed, it odd may be, That they should meet for charity, And conscience take for pay.' GEM. BY DARIUS FORBES. BOSTON: B. B. MUSSEY, 29 COHNHILL LOWELL: POWERS & BAGLEV, 23 CENTRAL ST. 18 4 5. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1845, Bv Darius Forbes, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. J. N. BANG, Pr., 40 Cornhill. MECHANICS AND OBERLIN Cobges of 5. ©. of ©. if. in Cotuell, THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED AS A TOKEN OF THE GRATITUDE THE AUTHOR CHERISHES, FOR THE NUMEROUS MANIFESTATIONS OF THEIR FRIENDSHIP AND CONFIDENCE, WHICH THEY HAVE SO GENEROUSLY AND KINDLY BESTOWED UPON HIM. D. F. Pnface. This little work was undertaken, in consequence of the deep and fervent in- terest the author feels, in the institution of Odd-Fellowship, and from a sincere and earnest desire to have its true char- acter understood, and its objects and pur- poses duly appreciated, both by those who may be disposed to become mem- bers, and the community at large. It has been the aim, in the preparation of this book, to study both unity and bre- vity, in as great a degree, as the nature of the subject will admit, and as is con- sistent with its aims and objects. No la- bor or pains have been spared, to make it of practical utility to the brotherhood. It has been the design to present a clear and distinct view of the character of the institution, in its several relations and bearings, for the instruction of brothers, and to afford them the means of present- ing those around them, with distinct con- ceptions of our institution, against which there exists much prejudice, in many minds, much of which, it is believed, may be removed, by a simple exposition of its character and methods of operation. If this little w^ork shall contribute any thing to the instruction or edification of the members of our fraternity ; toward giving the unitiated, as well as the initia- tiated, more just and distinct conceptions of the nature, character, aims and pur- poses of our beloved Order, or do any thing toward allaying the prejudices of any mind against it, it M^ill afford the au- thor the most sincere gratification. D. F. Lowell, April 1845. Note. This little book is inscribed to the Me- chanics and Oberlin Lodges, while there are two sister Lodges in the same city. This is not done on account of any want of respect for the other Lodges ; but because the author feels under peculiar obligations to these Lodges for personal and espe- cial favors received from them as Lodges. CONTENTS. PREFACE, ----- 5 CHAPTER I. Introduction, - - _ _ 9 CHAPTER II. The Institution of Odd-Fellowship considered in its pecuniary charac- ter, ----- 18 CHAPTER III. The Institution of Odd-Fellowship considered in its social character, 29 CHAPTER IV. The Institution of Odd-Fellowship considered in its moral and religious character, - - _ _ - 39 CHAPTER V. Objections to the Institution of Odd- Fellowship considered, - - 48 1. Secret Institution— 2. Selfish in its char- acter— 3. Dangerous to the community — 4. Little regard is paid to the rules of the Order bv its members. VIU CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. Conclusion, - - - - - 67 APPENDIX. List of Lodges, etc., - - - 75 (!J^^-^M^l^,A i\y b \v V IV OlIjQptcr 3.- INTRODUCTION. ' Wkex nature first sprang into life, And all was fresh with youth, The first instruction man received, Was " Friendship, Love and Truth." ' OEM. Odd-Fellowship is an institution which has attracted little attention, un- til within a few years. This is especi- ally true with reference to the United States. In Europe, it has been longer known. Recently, however, it has se- cured the attention of the whole coun- try, and all classes of our citizens are watching its operations with intense interest, to determine whether its in- fluence upon society is to be for good or for evil, for the weal or for the woe of 10 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE mankind. But amid all the conflictin*;^ opinions which prevail in relation to il, the institution has prospered, and is now prosperintr in a decree almost without a parallel, in the history of in- stitutions reputed as secret. Whatever may be the cause of the present prosperity of this institution, one thing is certain, and that is, that no good and true man can become ac- quainted with its character and opera- tions, Avithout forming a strong attach- ment for it. So noble and excellent are its principles, and so beneficent and kind are its objects and purposes, that it must secure the affections of every generous and elevated mind, that forms an acquaintance with it. But however pure and exalted, noble and excellent the principles, or kind, beneficent and generous the objects of an institution, reputed to be secret in its operations, it is apt to be regarded in a false light, both by the community and many of its members even — such as are not accustomed to look into the nature and character of things, or have been drawn into the institution, by the consideration of one of its features, as too many, undoubtedly, have been. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. II Prejudice, on the one hand, prevents- many persons from examining into the claims of any institution, regarded as secret in its operations ; or if such per- sons pretend to enter into an examina- tion of the character and operations of such an institution, all its principles and acts are viewed through a mist,, and are, of course, distorted and dis- iigured, so that nothing is presented in its true position or viewed in its true character, relations and bearings. So, on the other hand, too many per- sons, from a mere desire to look behind the veil of secrecy which is drawn around our meetings and their doingSy are induced to seek admittance, with- out one thought of securing any realy essential and substantial benefits, from the institution, except so far as they may receive aid, in a pecuniary way^ in case of sickness and distress. It is on this account, that we so often hear the institution spoken of, both in and out of the Order, as a sort of mu- tual insurance company. 'I'his, certain- ly, is a very low view of its character and objects, and utterly unworthy of all the arrangements, and guards, and work connected with the operations of 11 AN EXrOSITlON AMD DEFExVCE the institution. If no other or higher objects were to be attained by the in- stitution, than merely its pecuniary benefits, all might be secured in the usual methods resorted to by insurance companies, and the necessity for all our secrets be superseded, and rendered entirely useless. So if pecuniary benefits Avere the on- ly object to be attained by the institu- tion, or its only purpose to bestow pe- cuniary relief upon the needy, suffer- ing and distressed, among our members, it would accomplish no more than may be secured by the Alms-house, or any other pauper establi!«hment. This I know Avould be good in its kind, and as far as it might go ; but would it be a very noble, generous or desireable charity to the destitute and suffering ? It seems to me it would not ; for some- thing more is needed by the destitute and suffering, beside pecuniary relief — w^hat the Alms-house or any other pub- lic charity never can supply — kindness and sympathy, accompanying the gift. Without this, the gilt only chills, be- numbs and sickens the heart, and sinks and crushes the man. There is very much in the way, manner and associa- OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 13 liojis connected with the bestowment of charity, to a sensitive mind. The pecuniary arrancjements of our institution, for the relief of the sick and distressed among us, and the Avidows and orphans of brothers, is not a mat- ter to be thought lightly of, I confess. But the true, the real and substantial value of our institution consists in its arrangements to exert good influences upon the hearts and lives of all the brothers, and to bestow upon the suf- fering and distressed brother, what the heart needs, as well as what the back and stomach may require — the minis- tration of hind hands and sympathizing hearts. This he is sure to have with the rest, from true Odd-Fellows. It is with a view to the correction of the misapprehensions to which al- lusion has been made, with others not alluded to, by presenting a definite view of the nature, character and opera- tions of our institution, that the compo- sition of this book was engaged in. It will be the object so to describe its manner and objects, as to enable every intelligent mind to attain clear and distinct conceptions of the character, aims and purposes of the institution. 14 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE and the way in Avhieh it operates, in securing these ends, in its varied bear- ings and relations. This is believed to be needful in the present condition of our Order. It is enjoying a singular degree of prosperi- ty. The number of its members is rapidly increasing, and it is accumula- ting funds to a very large amount. There is now a perfect rush into our Lodges. Under these circumstances, men are not likely to look very closely into the nature and character of an in- stitution, nor are they in the most fa- vorable situation to judge accurately of these things. In consequence, we shall, most likely, receive many into our fraternity, who will know little of its character, neither will they feel in- terest enough in it, to inform them- selves, if we do not get some, who are actuated by improper motives and sus- tain unworthy characters. When the present excitement is past, the institution will be thrown back upon its own intrinsic character for support. It is upon this it must rely for its permanency, whatever ciicum- stances may do for it, at times. It is this alone, that can secure for it, the OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 15 warm, permanent and enduring affec- tions, either of its members or of so- ciety at large. But neither the members of the Or- der, nor the community can have any attachment for the institution, unless they duly apprehend its true charac- ter no matter how excellent its princi- ples or successful its operations. It is impossible to secure the affections of any rational man, for any institution, while it is a vague and indistinct thing in his mind. To secure this point, the institution must be, not only good and valuable in itself, but he must have clear and distinct conceptions of these things, if this is not secured among our members, when the present interest subsides, as it surely will, many of them will fall off with this excitement. With these views and feelings, the work before us is entered upon. Every one, acquainted with the matter, will perceive, that the objects and purposes of the institution, naturally arrange themselves under three divisions ; its pecuniary, social, and moral and re- gions characters. These points cover the entire ground of the institution, and present the subject, in its different 16 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE aspects, in a distinct and tangible form. A separate chapter is devoted to each of them, for the purpose of giving dis- tinctness and unit}^ to the subject matter, and securing as great brevity as may be consistent with perspicuity. A separate chapter is given to the con- sideration of objections, for the purpose of securing an opportunity for a more full consideration of them, and to make it more convenient for reference. In the discussion of the several points which will claim the attention of the reader, the author hopes to be able to show, to the satisfaction of all candid minds, that the several assumptions made in the remarks already offered, whether directly affirmed or implied, relative to the character, objects and purposes of the Order, and the method of doing things, are just and true ; and that the institution is all that is claimed for it by its sober and serious friends. In doing this, he hopes to avoid all ex- aggeration — a thing to which the most candid are greatly exposed, in making an exposition of a favorite subject. Such a subject is very likely to be ex- aggerated to the mind of a person thus circumstanced ; and of course, he is OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 17 exceedingly liable to present it with the same coloring to the minds of others. To avoid this the author has confined himself mostly to a simple statement of facts, in regard to the character and operations of the insti- tution, leaving every one to infer, for the most part, its excellencies and beauties, without any display of them. The facts are a sufficient commenda- tion of the institution, in his judgment. Cljapter 33, THE INSTITUTION OF ODD FELLOWSHIP CONSIDERED IN ITS PECUNIARY CHARACTER. 'Odd-Fellows !— surely odd they are ! The sick, the naked, have their care 5 The hungry too, are fed ; So odd, that they, without reproof, The houseless stranger give a roof, And where to lay his head.' GEM. Poverty, sickness and death, are in our world ; and to tiieir miseries and ravages we are all exposed. No man is above their reach. If men are rich to-day, their riches may take unto themselves wings to-morroAv, and fly away, no matter how great their amount. The wealthiest man may be reduced to the most abject and distres- sing poverty, and become dependant upon public charity for his means of subsistence, as well as that for his fam- ily. Such has been the fate of many of OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 19 the most wealthy and eminent men in our countr}', and some of them have died inmates of the Alms-house— and been buried at the public charge. Health, no matter how firm, or with how much care it may be cherished, is liable to be taken from us. And when health goes, with a very large propor- tion of mankind, the very means of sup- port for their families are cut off, and they must, if sickness is long-continued, beg or resort to the Alms-house for re- lief, a remedy almost as bad as the dis- ease. Men who are engaged in active bu- siness and those who travel much, are liable to be thrown amiong entire stran- gers, and there find themselves penny- less. This may be in a great City — a wilderness of human beings, more drea- ry and desolate to such a man, than the wildest solitude. There he may be taken down Avith sickness, and he will be thrown into the Hospital or the Alms-house, where no countenance beams with the kind look of friendship, or is lighted up with interest in him ; but all faces are clothed in the stern in- flexibility, coldness and indifference of menials, toiling at their daily task — a 20 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE condition worse than that of the beo-orar at the rich man's gate ; for there he had the sympathies of the dogs, which is better than the hard and cold faces of men. Families are liable to have their only- stay and support taken away by death. While the husband and father lives, he may be able to maintain his family re- spectably, and make some little saving from his earnings. But with a little family coming up around him, death snatches him away, and leaves his fam- il}^ with little or nothing wherewith to help themselves, in securing the means of subsistence. The mother has as much as she ought, if not as much as she can do, to take care of her children, without doing any labor to procure the means for their maintenance. In con- sequence, they must either resort to begging, or the Alms-house. Now it is the object of the Institu- tion of Odd-Fellowship, to guard its members against what is most to be dreaded in these unavoidable ills of life ; or rather to prevent their coming to such a condition, by affording timely relief. It is not poverty, sickness and death which are so much to be dreaded ; OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 21 but the consequences to which they lead, either in our own case or that of our families, or both together. How is it that this institution guards men against these most to be dreaded evils in life's journey ? I answer, by its pecuniary arrangements, which I will now proceed to explain, in as simple and direct a manner as 1 am able, though most of it may be learned from the Constitutions and By-Laws of any Lodge. The first point to be gained by the institution, to enable it to do its work and answer its purposes, is to accumu- late funds adequate to all its exigencies. This is done, by each member contri- buting a certain sum of money as a fee, on initiation, and on receiving his de- grees ; and also the payment of regular and established quarterly dues, partly for the general fund, and partly for the Widows and Orphans fund — a fund sa- cred to the relief of the widows and orphans of the members of the Lodge, whenever they may have such. To this is added prescribed assessments upon the death of a member or his wife, to meet the expenses of such an event. With funds thus accumulating and 2'2 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE sustained, each Lodge pays regular benefits to every sick brother, so long as he is unable to attend to his usual avocations, no matter whether he is rich or poor. This course is adopted, to avoid the disagreeable and offensive task, and the evil effects which must attend and follow an arrangement which provides benefits for the poor only — that of examining into the pecu- niar}'- circumstances of every brother who may be sick, and reporting upon them to the society. I need not name the bad effects of such a procedure, especially upon the mind and feelings of the sick member, if he is really des- titute. Herein it is, that Odd-Fellowship differs with all other associated ar- rangements for the relief of the suffer- ing. It makes no distinction between the rich and the poor ; but extends its hand equally to all, so that when a poor man receives a benefit, the heart is not made sick and the feelings crushed and degraded by the thought, that it is be- stowed because he is poor. It comes to every man as a man, and bestows its benefits upon him because he is a uian, not because he is poor and needy. In OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 2S this Avay, it seeks to preserve the feel- ing* of equality, and the dignity of a man, where the brother is really desti- tute and needy. If a brother's circum- stances are such, that he does not need the sick benefits he receives, he can make a donation of them to the Widows' and Orphans' fund. Such is its method of operation in regard to its local arrangements. In case of sickness and death, benefits are conferred upon all alike. There are no sick, no poor, no high, no low ; but all are equal in the eye of the institution. I knoAv indeed, that in its more ex- tended charities, this arrangement can- not be followed. When a Lodge goes out from among its members, to confer benefits upon a brother belonging else- Avhere, this course cannot be pursued ; but benefits must be conferred only upon such as are needy and suffering. But the individual is saved from all feeling of degradation in such cases, by the fact, that misfortune has brought him to such a condition, and that in such cases, he has claims upon the insti- tution for relief, just as much as if he had lunds deposited in a bank, for which he need only give his check. 24 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE In its benefits, the institution of Odd- Fellowship has regard to the families of its members, as well as themselves. These are equally taken under the fos- tering care of the Order. On the death of a brother, the widow receives a fun- eral benefit, and if poor, both she and her children are provided for, and taken care of by his Lodge. Such are its local arrangement and operations, in the way of benefits. But the institution is no mere local affair. It extends over this wide conti- nent, and crosses the mighty waters, and spreads over Europe, and reaches out its protecting and helping hand to its members wherever civilized man is found. The benefits to which I have adverted, are sure for every brother, when in distress, upon making himself known to any Lodge, or brother, who is able to afford relief, no matter in how remote a country he may be, or of how strange a language the people. The language of Odd-Fellowship is the same everywhere, and is intelligible to every true Odd-Fellow. In this we cannot be deceived. For example. If a member of any Lodge in New England should go to OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 25 Quebec, New Orleans, Texas, Mexico, or into any country in Europe, with Ivis family, and should be taken sick, and become destitute and in distress, if he makes himself known to a brother, that brother is bound to report his case to the nearest Lodge, if possible, and they must see them provided for ; but if he cannot do this, he is bound to see that they are taken proper care of, if in his power so to do. And if he dies, this brother is bound to see that his widow and orphans are not permitted to suffer, if he can, and the institution defrays the expense. Is not this a good and most valuable feature of our institu- tion .' But this is not all. The sick brother and his distressed family are not only furnished with pecuniary aid, but there comes with it, what is of more value to the heart — friendly sympathy and broth- erly attention. He is daily visited by the officers of the Lodge to which he belongs, and his case is reported at every meeting ; and if in a strange land and among strangers, the same will be done for him, by any Lodge to which he may be made known. All this is the bounden duty of every Lodge, 26 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE and it must do it, or forfeit its existence and its funds ; and I am happy to say, an instance has never yet been known, in which these duties have been neg- lected or refused, to a needy and deserv- ing brother, or his family. If the reader has ever been confined to a bed of sickness, far away from friends and kindred, among strangers, with none but strange faces to greet, or strange and cold hands to minister to his necessities ; if he has ever been shut up in a sick room, where no one came near him, but such as were hired, and from whom he knew not a favor would be obtained beyond what his money purchased ; if he has been thus shut up, where he felt in his inmost soul, that should his money become exhaus- ted, that moment he should be aban- doned by his mercenary attendants, turned into the street, or sent to the Hospital or Alms-house, he can realize something of the desolation the heart feels, under such circumstances. What would you not have given in that hour, to have seen one face even that recog- nized some higher obligation to you, than that purchased by your money .'' Now an Odd-Fellow is sure of this. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 27 if there are any brothers in the place Avhere he is, to whom his case can be made known, no matter how humble his condition, or strang-e their lang-uage to each other. They have a language that will make tlieni known to each other, as brothers, beyond the possibili- ty of mistake, and that will secure for him what money cannot buy — friendly attention and sympathy. And this is worth more to the heart, than all the pecuniary aid that could be bestowed without it, however much it might be needed. Is not this a beautiful feature of our institution .'* Even among the most perfect strangers, it provides the ready hands and the warm and sym- pathetic hearts of true friends and brothers, to cheer us in our solitude. Such is the operation of the institu- tion of Odd-Fellowship, in its pecuni- ary aspect, and does it look much like the workings of an insurance compa- ny, where all is cold and selfish calcu- lation ? Light and darkness are not more unlike. While I admit, that in one point of view, it has afeatwe of a mutual insurance company, I scorn and repel the idea, that as an institution, it has an}' thing of this character about it. 28 AN EXPOSITION, ETC. I say, in the language of another ; 'For me, I confess, that when I look upon the little family with v»hich heaven has hlessed me, for their sakes, I cleave yet more closely to this Or- der ; for I know, that should it please God to call me hence, and leave my home desolate and drear, here should my loved ones find a shelter from the storm ; for the strong arm of this in- stitution would be a protecting shield, around them, to relieve the weeping partner of my joys, and take up my tender babes and bless them. Ask me not to leave it. For their sakes, I will plead its cause.'* * Williamson's Address. dlljaptcr 333. THE INSTITUTION OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP CONSIDERED IN ITS SOCIAL CHARACTER. ' Friendly be, friendly be, O brothers kind, For your motlo calls to mind, Friendship to each other; Where can flourish friendship sweet, But where friends and brothers meet ? Frieadship, friendship, bond of brothers, Friendly be, O brothers kind.' SYMBOL. Man is a social being;. He seeks the society of iiis kind, and his heart yearns for the sympathy of some kin- dred heart. It is through the social element in human nature, that a very large proportion of the real improve- ments, in the hearts and lives of men, are effected. And so too, it is through the same medium, they are depraved and society corrupted. Association is a powerful means of good or of evil, accordino; as it is used. 30 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE In human society, there is much cold- ness and indifference existing between man and man, if not down-right en- mity and ill-will. Much, if not most of this, undoubtedly, is to be attributed to their want of acquaintance with, and a proper understanding of each others real motives and feelings. This is especially the case in relation to honest and true men. Separated from one another in their social relations, and often-times viewing each other through the mists of party prejudice, or the world's scandal, the eye becomes fixed almost entirely upon the defects there may appear to be in the indi- vidual's manners, habits and princi- ples. The offensive in the man alone attract our attention. In consequence, they become magnified and exaggera- ted, so that a mole-hill appears a moun- tain, while all the better, more amiable and agreeable points in the individu- al's character, are entirely overlooked and forgotten. In some instances, the very virtues and excellences of men, are distorted into vices, in the eyes of those viewing them through such a false and deceptive medium. Prejudice and party feeling may well OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. SI be compared to green spectacles, which make every thing, seen through them, appear green ; or to a glass which makes every thing seen through it, seem bottom side up. To bring men together of different parties and sects, and make them acquainted with each others principles and feelings, if good and true men, operates like the re- moval of the green spectales, or like adding another lens to such a glass as shows its objects in an inverted po- sition — it brings every thing to its true position, and presents it to the eye in its true color. That such is the effect of association among good and true men, no one, I think, can doubt. It is only needful, that such men should become acquaint- ed with each other, to make them prize and love one another. No matter how opposite the parties to which they may belong, or how wide their differences of opinion, they cannot help feeling for, and an interest in, and an attach- ment to each other as men. Their hearts will be much nearer each other than their heads. Now it is the object of the institu- tion of Odd-Fellowship, to secure this 32 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE result. It aims to bring together the good and true men of all sects and par- ties, trades and professions, conditions and positions in society, on a common level, and make them acquainted with each other as men. It brings together the rich and the poor, the merchant and mechanic, the day-laborer and the professional man, the agriculturalist and the gentleman of Ibrtune, and makes them mingle together on terms of perfect equality, as men and broth- ers, and so to treat one another where- ever they may meet. The necessity for such an institution as Odd-Fellowship, and its elfects in removing prejudice and enlarging and liberalizing men's m.inds, in the pre- sent condition of society-, is so much better done, than I can do it, by an- other, that I shall adopt his language. ^ I hold it to be one of the defects of our social sj^stem, that we are too much engaged in a desperate rush for the "loaves and fishes," and too little inclined to cultivate our social facul- ties. We do indeed mingle with our fellow-men, but it is in the bustle and confusion of business. Intent upon our object, we hurry past each other, witbci OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 33 word of recognition, or meet each other in the sharp contest for gain. And when the labor of the day is over, we sit down to count over our " cent per cent," and form plans for the morrow. Possibly we may spend an hour with a feAV select friends ; but they are men of similar pursuits; or similar political or religious opinions, and all the world besides, are to us, as heathens and barbarians. The consequence is, that we become unsocial in our feelings, and bigots to a creed, or slaves to a party. ' Who is the sour-hearted bigot and partizan, but the man who knows nothing of the world, but what he has learned from communion with his own sect or his own party ? Who the Ishmaelite, whose hand is against every man, but he that, in the midst of the thronged world, dwells in a desert alone ? To me, at least, it appears evident, that there is need of an in- stitution, that will bring together men of various pursuits, and different par- ties and sects, and give them a fellow- feeling, by uniting them in one work, thus laying the foundation of a broader 34 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE feeling of charity, a more extended chain of social union. ' Such IS the institution of which we are speaking. It brings together men of every sect and party ; and as they mingle from week to week, the rough corners of prejudice are sure to be battered off, and the sharp features of hard-faced bigotry to be smoothed and softened. Men thus learn, that there is virtue in every sect, and in every party, and begin to indulge more far-reaching and expanded feelings of kindness and charity. The golden chain of friendship is lengthened and brightened, the social faculties im- f)roved, their sphere of operation en- arged, and the partition walls that di- vide sect from sect, and party from party, are broken down, ' The reason is obvious. There grows up naturally, between men who commune frequently with each other, in free and familiar, but yet dignified association, a feeling of brotherhood — a firmer friendship than can exist be- tween men who merely jostle each other in the crowd, or in the confusion of business. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. S5 ' If charity of feeling, and broad principles of good-will to man, are worth possessing, it should always be remembered, that they will not grow up spontaneously in the cloister of the monk, or the cell of the recluse. They must proceed from, or rather be drawn out by the social principle of human nature, in a wide sense. Furious and vindictive party-feeling exists alone in the man Avho associates with kindred spirits of his own party. Narrow- minded and dark-browed religious bigotry scowls most furiously, in the face of the man, who associates only with those of his own creed. Let the one and the other come out from the enclosure, and mingle with the votaries of other parties, and they will soon learn, that virtue is not confined to names ; and their bigotry and acrimony will wear away. They will be better men and better christians ; for they will imbibe more of that first and greatest of all graces. Charity, that " thinketh no evil." ' Thus it is in our Lodges. There men of all parties and various creeds meet, not as partizans, but as friends and brothers, engaged in one work, bound in one common bond, and they 36 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE learn to cherish toward one another^ more kindly feelings of good-wilL Friendships are formed between men of most discordant opinions, and many are brought together, who would other- wise have been "most distant from each other." '* Such is the operation of our institu- tion, in a social way. But these ef- fects are not merely local in their character. They extend as wide and as far as the institution spreads itself, and its members go — to the ends of the earth. Odd-Fellowship forms a bond, which connects each brother with every other brother, the world over ; so that an utter stranger, no matter how obscure, is at once greeted, received and cherished as a brother, with all the confidence we would re- ceive and cherish our most intimate and well-tried friends. We have no distrust, no fears of imposition from the man who proves himself a brother, af- ter a suitable examination. Is not this wonderful, in a world so full of treachery, deceit and fraud, as ours is .'' This may Avell appear strange * Williamson's Address. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 37 to the uninitiated. It mdLj well sur- prise them, that we should dare to re- ceive and confide in a stranger of whom we know nothing personally, and whose name even we never heard. But it is nothing strange to us. We have ' certain well-known signs and tokens,' known only to true Odd- Fellows, by which we can determine whether a man is what he professes to be, beyond the possibility of mistake. And the simple fact of his being in the possession of these, is a sufficient guaranty, that he is worthy of our con- tidence. In communicating these to him, his Lodge becomes responsible for the integrity of his character, and through this the Order. So that we have evidence which cannot be forged, and a pledge of the worthiness of an entire stranger, which those out of the Order, can have of no one, except those with whom they are the most in- timate. In fact, we are better inform- ed in regard to the most perfect stran- ger's character, by the simple fact of his coming to us as a duly accredited Odd-Fellow, than we should be, by a limited acquaintance with him. Such is the broad social arrano:e- 38 AN EXPOSITION, ETC. merits made by the institution of Odd- Fellowship. It only needs that the ar- rangements of the Order be faithfully adhered to and duly observed, to se- cure all these social benefits to every brother wherever he may go. ' May every social virtue bind Each sympathetic heart, So firmly, in the bonds of love, That death alone can part The tie, that now each Brother feels ; The chain that binds our bands Cannot be severed -, Faith's cement Has link'd cur hearts and hands.' SYMBOL. Cljapter 3\), THE INSTITUTION OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP CONSIDERED IN ITS MORAL AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTER. ' Beware ! who says he loves his God, And dares to do his neighbor wrong ! ' Tis all a foolish, vain pretence, A lie is dwelling on his tongue.' OEM. Religion is the g:reat conservator of public morals and private virtue. Without religion, no man's virtue is established upon a firm and enduring basis. It is at the mercy of every wind that blows, and every current that crosses his path may sweep it away. It is religion alone, that can give to goodness and virtue, the self-denying and resolute character, which will make the individual prefer to die, rather than yield to temptation, or sacrifice his in- tegrity and virtue ; which makes the soul firm and strong to do battle with 40 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE all that is at war with its highest goor! and happiness. So no institution, which has any higher aims, than the gratification of the most superlative selfishness, can be permanently useful to its members or any body else, or have any uniform and enduring character, unless it is founded upon religion and good morals, which are but the exponents of religion in the heart. A religious influence and spirit must be interwoven with and pervade its character and operations, or there will be no stability or soul to it. With- out this, it will be a cold, forbidding, lifeless, and soulless concern, destitute of that noble, generous, kind and ele- vated spirit, which constitutes all the beauty and attractions of an associa- tion. The result of this, must be, that it will be abandoned by all men who have any life in their souls or feeling in their hearts. The reason of this is, that man is naturally a religious beino;. He must have some object to reverence, some high power to look too for protection and blessings, to awaken his better feel- ings and sentiments, and call forth all the tender and generous emotions of his OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 41 soul. Where this is wanting, the soul is utterly dead, and the individual is given up to an all-eno-ulfing selfish- ness, a cold and degrading stoicism, a low, vulgar and debased state of thought and feeling, an ungenerous, malicious, hating and revengeful spirit, and he will be destitute of all in character, that can make man interesting and at- tractive to his fellow man. The institution of Odd-Fellowship recognizes these great truths, and is organized with reference to them. It begins with requiring men to believe ' in a Supreme Being, Creator, Pre- server and Governor of all things ;' and that they be men of good moral characters, ' and industrious hab- its, having some respectable known means of support,' in order to obtain admittance to its privileges and bene- fits. All its lectures and charges are drawn from the Scriptures, and they presuppose, that the individual believes in the o-reat truths they inculcate. In- deed, no man can enter the institution without tacitly admitting the truth and divine authority of the teachings of the Scriptures, and their accountability to God ; and this has to be tacitly re- 4 42 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE affirmed every step they take, so far as the author is acquainted. Any man who does not believe in these things, in entering the institution, has to prac- tice the grossest deception and hypo- cricy, and to repeat it every step he advances. And I would advise every man, who has no regard for religion, to keep out of the institution, for his own sake ; for if he comes in, he must add to the sin of despising religion, the hy- pocricy of assenting To its truth and im- portance. All our forms and services, in our Lodge meetings, are of a decid- edly religious character, and the Lodge is always opened and closed with prayer by the Chaplain, or some other mem- ber in his absence. At everj^ meeting, a part of the reg- ular business is, to inquire after and receive reports concerning the sick and distressed among the brothers. The inquiry is always made at every meet- ing, — 'Does any brother know of a sick brother, or a brother in distress .^' And in reply, a statement is made of the condition and prospects of every sick brother, and all cases of distress are re- ported and provided for, so far as is in our power. If nothing else can be OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 43 done, the sufferer has our personal at- tentions and sympathies. Now I suhmit it to every candid per- son to say, if the institution of Odd- Fellowship, thus arranged, and the meetings of which are conducted in such a manner, must not exert a health- ful moral and religious influence upon its members ? How can any man's at- tention be constantly called to the sick- ness and distress of his fellows, without thinking and feeling more for the suf- ferings of mankind, and beino; made more willing to contribute for their re- lief .'' Must it not tend most strongly to make the members less selfish in their aims and feelings, and more compre- hensive in their views, and more kind and charitable f Are not these neces- sary elements in a truly religious char- acter, especially if tried by the stand- ard erected by Christianity .^ And then, its requiring every person Avho is proposed for membership, to be a man Avho sustains such a character as before described, joined with the fact, that many are rejected for the Avant of these qualifications, cannot be without their effect upon the public mind, and especially the youno;, who may wish to 44 AN EXPOSITION ANij l^EFENCE become members at some future time, to restrain IVom vice, and to stimulate to virtue. It says to every young man, If you wish to secure the privileges and benefits conferred by being a mem- ber of the Order, you must form a char- acter of integrity and virtue ; you must be an honest and true man. There is still another way in which an influence is exerted by the institu- tion, in favor of morality and religion, and that is, by checking selfishness, and promoting a charitable and benevolent spirit. This is done, by the associa- tions of our meetings, and the habit of giving for the benefit of the sick and distressed. Every member pays his regular fee into the general fund, to provide the means of relief for such as may be sick or in Avant, whether it be himself or others. In this way every one is taught to take into the account, in paying away his money, not himself alone, but his brother equally with himself He also pays his regular fee into the AVidows' and Orphans' fund, which serves to remind him, that his companion may become a Avidow, and his children orphans, as well as those of his brothers- Is not this calculated OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 45 to make each one think more and feel more for this unfortunate class of our fellow-creatures, than thev would under other circumstanees ? Will it not serve to kindle anew the feeling of frailty and dependence, and thus bind us more strongly to our felloAvs, make us feel a nearer relation to them, and to look up to a higher power to protect and bless us ? It surely must be so, upon every reflecting mind, and feeling heart. Such feelings constitute an essential part of all true religion in the soul. No man can be a truly religious per- son, and be destitute of these ; for they are the evidence, when embodied in action, of a man's love for God, which is the essence of all true religion. And I submit it to any candid man to say, whether such arrangements are not peculiarly calculated to nourish and cherish such feelings. So decided and strong are the moral and religious influences, in our institu- tion and its meetings, that if a bad man crets in, and attends its meetingsmuch, it will either reform him, or else it will so annoy and harass his feelings, that he will abandon the meetings ; or it will make him more desperate and 46 AN EXPOSITIOiN AND DEFENCE reckless, as a determination to resist the light always does, when it cannot be avoided, so that he exposes his real principles and character, and thus loses the confidence of the members and his influence, and is thus shamed out of his Lodge ; or commits some act which se- cures his expulsion. The moral and religious elements which are incorporated into the institu- tion of Odd-Fellowship, have ever ex- erted a renovating influence upon it, as its whole history shows. They have been gradually and sloAvly expelling the practices which were allowed in its infancy, that were inconsistent with its principles, as an institution. And these elements possess an expulsive power so energetic, that they will not only reform wdiatever there is in the institution, that is not in harmony with themselves, but what may be in the practices of its members at war therewith, or they will drive them out. If all this be true, is not this institu- tion worthy of the countenance and support of every friend of religion and morality .'' Its arrangements are such, that it exerts an influence for good, both amonir the members and in the OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 47 community at large. And it not only excites feelings of benevolence and charity toward the members, who may be in distress, hut toward the suffering generally. I think facts will warrant me in affirming, that such is the gen- eral effect, and also, that it has reform- ed very many persons of more or less of their wrong habits, particularly of pro- fanity, of Avhich, I am free to confess, there is still too much, either for our credit or the good of the brother. But with Ihe present strong and growing moral and religious tone of feeling that prevails among the great majority of the members, and the reso- lute determination to keep the institu- tion as pure, as any thing human can be, and all the hallowing influences it may exert, the work of reform Avill go on, until the last vestige of wrong is re- moved, and we are all prepared to en- ter the Grand Lode-e above. Orijapter I). OBJECTIONS TO THE INSTITUTION OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP CONSIDERED. ' Our secrecy aims not to cloak our transgressions, But make us more faithful, united and true ; While Faith, by our emblem, e'er points the con- fession. The All-seeing Eye holds us ever in view.' SYMBOL. After what has already been said upon the nature, character and opera- tions of the institution of Odd-Fellow- ship, it seems almost a work of supere- rogation, to spend time and labor to answer objections. All the objections that the author has ever heard urged against the institution, are met and answered indirectly in the previous chapters. Indeed, it seems to my mind, that with the exposition which has been made of its character and operations before him, no candid, intelligent, re- flecting and fair man can seriously ob- ject to the institution. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 49 Stillj we know there are objections in the minds of many persons, against the institution. And they are enter- tained by persons too, concerning whose opinions w^e cannot be indiffer- ent. We fain would have their appro- bation of our Order These objections have been made the occasion of very serious difficulties, even in the families of some brothers. After all that has been said, these objections may still retain their hold upon some minds. To remove them, should they exist, I shall take up a few of the more promi- nent objections, and give them as thorough a consideration as my limits will permit. 1. It is objected to the institution of Odd-Fellowship, that it is a secret associ- ation. This is one of the most common ob- jections that is urged against our Order ; but it is one founded upon a total mis- apprehension of the characterof the in- stitution. In point of fact, it is no more a secret society, than a manufacturing company^ or a banking institution, if it is so much so. The Constitutions and By-Laws of our Lodges, which embody 50 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE the principles of our Order, and contain the rules and regulations \vhich govern our meetinus and all our operations, are before the public, and its principles and doings are the subject of public discussion. So far there is no secret about the institution. I knoAV indeed, that we have secrets in connexion Avith our operations, and ■what association of individuals, worth any thing, does not have them ? The mercantile tirm, the manufacturing and banking corporation, the rail-road com- pany, the literary society, and even so small a corporation as husband and wife, have or ought to have secrets. Why not object to all these associations as secret societies ? They are just as much, and some of them have more of the character of a secret society, than the institution of Odd-Fellowship. When any of these associations meet to transact their own private business, none but members are admitted ; and the reason is, that the matters which are to claim their attention are of con- cern to no body else. The same is the case in regard to Odd-Fellowship. And all our secrets are what concerns OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 51 no one but ourselves, and can be of no service to any other persons. Would it not be a truly odd affair, if the directors of a banking institution, a manufacturing; company, a rail-road corporation, or the members of a mer- cantile firm should hold their meetings, and have all their discussions, concern- ing its affairs, and their plans and ope- rations, in public ? vSuch a proceeding would be most absurd, and could do no good. So it is with our institution. AH our secrets are of the same charac- ter as those of the institutions named. They concern no one but ourselves ; and if made known, they would be of no advantage to the public. The only difference between the pri- vacy of our Lodge-meetings and that of the corporations named, is that ours are more strictly guarded from intru- sion, than theirs are. The reason of this is, that our secrets are of more vital concern to us, than those of such com- panies are to them ; and from the great number of our members and the con- nexion of the Lodo-es with each other, it is impossible for all to be personally known to the otiicers. This general explanation is enough 5'i AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE to meet the objection before us ; but lest it should not be satisfactory to all, I will explain the nature and use of our secrets, and more particularly explain the importance of all persons being ex- cluded from our meetings except mem- bers of the fraternity. It will be borne in mind, that one of the objects of our institution, is the be- stowment of relief upon needy and suf- fering members and their families. It will also be borne in mind, that it is a widely extended institution ; that all the Lodges in the world are so connect- ed, that a member of a Lodge in one part of the world, has a claim both upon a Lodge in any other part of the globe where he may be, and upon any brother or brothers with Avhom he may meet, for relief, both for himself and family, when in distress, if in their power to bestow it, and they may draw upon the Lodge of which he is a mem- ber for the sum disbursed. Now we all know, in the varied ap- plications for our individual charity, out in the great world, how constantly we are exposed to imposition. And charitable associations, without the guards which ours have, are equally, if OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP, 53 not more exposed in this way, as expe- rience abundantly proves. Men present themselves at our doors with certificateSj setting forth their mis- fortunes and their necessities. These may be genuine or they may be forged ; the story may be true, and it may be false. It might have been true of the individual Avhose name the certificate bears ; but how shall we be assured that the individual before us, is the one whose name is written there .'' It is impossible for us to tell. It may be the same, and it may be another. There is no way for us to be assured of this matter. We can only guei>s from the appearance of the man and other cir- cumstances ; and we may guess aright, and we may guess wrong, and do an honest and true man great injustice, and dishearten, and discourage, and make desperate one who should be en- couraged and helped. As Odd-FelloAvs, Ave are perfectly safe from all imposition of this kind, and the liability of doing injustice or injury in this way. If a man comes to us and presents his card as an Odd- Fellow, we have the means of going be- hind that paper, and determining, to 54 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFEiNCK an absolute certainty, whether he ob- tained it in a lavvl'ul manner, and whether he is a true and lawful broth- er, and it is not in his po\ver to deceive us. In this, we are eftectually protect- ed against all imposition, in the be- stowment of our favors. And this is, and can be done, only by what are termed our secrets. Such is the use, the value and im- portance of our secrets, and their o)ihj use. They serve to protect us from imposition, from being deceived. No matter what they are. ' If they were no more than taking off the hat with the left hand, instead of the right, as is usual, you see at once, if that were an inviolable secret, and known only to an Odd-FelloAV, no impostor could deceive us. And here let me say, that the only earthly use of all our signs is, to pre- serve us from imposition. I would not give a fraction for the Avhole of them, so far as the ihins^s themselves are con- cerned. Their utility consists alone in the fact that they are secrets.' In regard to our meetings, it is often asked, Why do you so carefully guard them, to prevent every one, not of your number, from learnino" anv thin"" of OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 55 your doings ? Are you ashamed of your proceedings, or are they of such a character that you are afraid to have them known ? I answer, emphatically, no. So far as any thing of this sort is concerned, we are perfectly willing all the Avorld should see and know all our proceedings. The only reasons why our meetings are strictly confined to members, duly initiated, are, that it is in them that the brothers are instruct- ed in those signs, etc., so important to the existence and utility of our institu- tion. If our meetings Avere open to every body, this instruction must be dispensed with, or those things cease to be secrets. In either case, the influ- ence of the institution is not only gone, but the institution is prostrate. Beside this, our business transactions, are what the public have no more concern with, than they have with that of any other private association of individuals. And all our meetings are strictly business meetings ; and all the moral and reli- gious arrangements are connected with them, as they ought to be with all bu- siness, whether as individual or associ- ated, to exalt and purifv the heart and life. 56 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE In conclusion, I remark, that al- though our institution is called a secret institution, I assure every one, that all the secrets there are about it, except private Lodge bushiess, are our signs, etc. by which we recognize each other, and protect ourselves from impo- sition. Of the importance of these, I need not tell any one, possessed of the ordinary perceptions of our race, after what has already been said. Nor need I say that if we should divulge these, they would cease to be of any utility to any one. The moment they are known out of the Order, that moment they lose their value to us, because we could not be certain, that they were lawfully obtained ; and not being sure of this, they could give us no as- surance, that the man exhibiting them, was a true and good man. Nor is it important to Odd-Fellows alone that our signs, etc. should be kept profound secrets. The public is concerned in this. Possessing the pe- cuniary means Ave do, with the ar- rangements for the relief of needy and distressed brothers, there are very strong inducements, in a pecuniary wav, for bad men to wish to hail as OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 57 Odd-Fellows. So too, from the gene- ral respectability of the members of the Order, such men wish to bear the name, to give them respectability among strangers. Divulge our secrets, and all the unprincipled and vile men in the land, and especially such as lead a vagrant life, would assume our name, to answer their vile purposes. In this way, instead of our institution being a promoter of virtue and good- ness, it would become the patron of vice and iniquity ; and instead of be- ing a public blessing, as it was de- signed to be, it would become a pub- lic nuisance, but for our secrets. Our visiting cards, our cards of clearance, and all other writings we could invent, might be forged, and thus we become imposed upon and the benevolent intentions of the Order abused. But with the numerous secret signs, etc. which every well-instructed Odd-Fellow possesses, he may bid de- fiance to the most arch villain the world ever saw, to deceive him, or to impose himself upon him as a brother, if he has not been duly initiated. In an attempt of this kind, he could not possibly fail of detection, if any toler- 5 58 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE able decree of attention is given to his examination. 2. It is objected to the institution of Odd-Fellowship^ that it is selfish in its character and operations. This charge is predicated upon the circumstance, that in its pecuniary ar- rangements, the institution of Odd- Fellowship makes provision for the re- lief of none who are in distress, but its members. If this is selfish in any had sense of the word, so is the common practice of men, in making provision for the wants of their families, in preference to all other persons. If it be a matter of reproach for a man to make provision for his wife and child- ren first of all, and in preference even to all other persons — the necessities of the world at large — then our institu- tion is obnoxious in the same way. It makes provision for its members first, and in preference to all other persons. And the reason of this is, that every Lodge is a family of which each indi- vidual composing it is a member, and as such has peculiar claims upon it for relief and protection, when in want, or in danger, from whatever cause. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 59 But in making such provision for its members, the institution of Odd-Fel- loAVship does no wrong to others, more than such an arrangement in the fami- ly does. It only makes the wants of others subordinate in our arrangements, to those of such as have especial claims upon us, from our peculiar relations to them. But these especial obliga- tions to individuals, do not interfere with nor forbid our exercising a gen- eral charity and benevolence, or pre- vent our doing all we are able, for the relief of the suffering and the pro- motion of the good and happiness of those out of the Order. Indeed, so far is the institution from interfering with the exercise of gene- ral charity and benevolence, or en- couraging a narrow, selfish and mere party spirit, that it inculcates the di- rectly opposite. It demands that we be men of charity — that we do all the good we can to mankind, but especially to the members of our Order, the same as the apostle exhorts to do good to all men, but especially to the household of faith. The meaning of this exhorta- tion obviously is, that the apostle would have Christians exercise a be- 60 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE nevolent regard for all men, and labor for their good, and strive to benefit them all in their power. But at the same time, he would have them mani- fest an especial regard for those to \vhom they were bound by the ties of a common faith, and fraternal sympa- thy and communion. Just so it is with Odd-Fellowship. It would have us do all we can for suffering humanity, every Avhere : but at the same time, it would have us exercise an especial regard for the distressed and suffering members of our Order. So that, if Odd- Fellowship is to be charged with selfishness and to be rejected on this account, Christianity must share the same fate. In becoming Odd-Fellows men are not relieved of any of their obligations to their families, to society, or to the individuals of our race. All the duties and obligations due to these, are just as binding upon us aftei- becoming members of the Order, as before. In- deed these are enforced upon us by the principles and obligations of the institution. No man can be a true Odd-Fellow', w ho will see any one of his race suffering, and yet neglect or OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 61 refuse to grant him relief, if in his power so to do. The general claims upon us, grow- ing out of our relations to humanity, toward an individual, are not so great, as those to an individual with Avhom we are connected by a direct and im- mediate relationship of blood or friend- ship. It is so, because they have the same claims upon us, growing out of our relation to them as human beings, as all other men, and at the same time, there are superadded to these, the claims of kindred, friendship and per- sonal or contracted obligations. Still, we may not neglect or refuse to render aid, when within our power, to suffer- ing humanity, wherever found, under the plea of discharging peculiar obli- gations. While Ave faithfully perform the last, we should not leave the former undone. I am aware that the institution of Odd-Fellowship does not provide for the relief of sufferers out of the Order, in the same way it does for those who are members. It does not admit of its funds being appropriated for the relief of those out of the Order. These are reserved for the especial use of the 62 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE members — of those who helped create it. And the reason of this is, that the fund is established, not for general, but for speciiic charity. Nor is it de- sireable that it should be so ; for, ex- tended as it is, the institution would de- feat some of its own objects, in such a case. It would cease to be a charita- ble and benevolent institution, and become a mere patron of vagrants, paupers and vajrabonds. What there is selfish about this, or wrong, I. cannot see. 3. The institution of Odd-Fellowship is dangerous to the political and religious rights of the community. This objection is predicated upon the circumstance of our meetings being strictly confined to the members of the institution. It is supposed, that meet- ings thus constituted and guarded, may be used for the purpose of concocting schemes, and maturing plans to o-ive success to some political or religious party, Avhile the rest of the community are kept in ignorance of what is going on, until the scheme is consummated. In such meetings any plan may be matured and carried into execution. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 63 before the people mistrust what is go- ing on. And even then, the}^ can only infer it from the results which are at- tained, unless some one turns traitor. It is difficult to conceiv^e, how any person, acquainted with the actual state of things, in regard to the mem- bers, can entertain such an objection for one moment, or even imagine how any such a combination could be ef- fected. What are the facts ? The members are from all the different po- litical and religious parties into which the people of our country are divided. Under these circumstances, how is it possible, that a society thus constituted, should be brought to combine in favor of any one political or religious party ? The idea is utterly preposterous. I know indeed, it may be said, and has been said, that if no combination can be made in favor of any one politi- cal or religious party now existing, the institution may become itself, a politi- cal or religious combination. In reply, I remark, that this is chang- ing the objection to entirely new grounds, and placing it in precisely the same relation to society, as all other associations of individuals. Nor 64 AN EXPOSITION AISD DEFENCE is the objection any more forcible when placed upon this basis. To enable it to accomplish any thing in this way, there must be a vmty of principle and feeling among the members, in refer- ence to the matter for the interests of which they are to combine. If this is not the case, the members will at once split up into parties, the same as so- ciety is at large. Now the institution of Odd-Fellow- ship is not formed with reference to any party political or religious opin- ions whatever. Nor are members re- ceived on account of agreement in these particulars. Men are brought together in our Lodges, of the most discordant opinions upon all the sub- jects which agitate the public mind. By what magical operation are we to so harmonize these conflicting elements, as to bring them to act together in reference to any one ? It is utterly impossible in the very nature of things, as every one acquainted with human nature, well knows. OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 65 4. It is objected to the institution of Odd-Fellowship, that its members pay little regard to their laws in the manage- ment of its affairs. It is admitted on all hands, that our Constitutions and By-Laws, as well as the principles we profess, are all good. But it is objected, that in despite of this, they are not carried out in prac- tice. While our Constitutions require men to be believers in the existence of God, to maintain good moral charac- ters, and to be men of industrious habits, having some known and lauda- ble means of support, it is alledged, that men destitute of all these qualifi- cations are admitted and retain their membership, and even hold high offices. If this be a fact, it is nothing against the imtilution. A Judas was among the twelve ; but that is nothing against Christianit}'. The most that can be made out of it is, that the members are unfaithful to their trust. But I deny that there is any de- signed disregard of our laws in the admission of members, or the transac- tion of any other business. If there are any such men among us, they ob- tained admittance without their true 66 AN EXPOSITION, ETC. characters being discovered. I solemn- ly declare, that I never was connected with an institution, where so strict a regard to its laws was observed, and the fearlessness displayed in their en- forcement, as in that of Odd-Fellow- ship. Such are the principal objections that have been urged against the institu- tion of Odd-Fellowship. From what has been said, it appears to one at least, that every mind of ordinary in- telligence, must see how utterly futile they are. Cljaptcr 1)1 CONCLUSION 'I love the friends who laugh with me When pleasure decks my brow, But dearer far that friend must be, Who with me weeps in sympathy, When grief has laid me low.' From what has been said, it will be seen, that the institution of Odd-Fel- lowship is of a mixed character. In its pecuniary character, while it gua- rantees certain benefits to its mem- bers in sickness and distress, in which it has something of the mutual insur- ance company about it, there are other features in it, which mark and distin- guish it from the insurance company-, and give it the distinct and promi- nent features of a social, moral, re- ligious and benevolent institution. Its benevolent character is developed in its methods of operation, and the man- ner of bestowing; its benefits, and in its 68 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE provisions for the personal attentions needed by the sick and distressed brother. The sick brother must not be given up to the care of those who are under no other obligations to him, than such as are purchased with mo- ney ; but he must have the personal attention of brothers, except in cases of contagious diseases. The character, objects, purposes and method of doing things, 1 think has been sufficiently disclosed, in the pre- ceding chapters ; and it seems that every candid and reflecting mind must perceive, that the institution of Odd- Fellowship has a peculiar and impor- tant mission to perform in our world. It is manifestly calculated and destined to exert important and beneficial in- fluences upon the individual characters of its members, upon the great inter- ests of society, and the character and condition of the human race. It oc- cupies a position and meets a want which no other existing institution does. As has been shown, it has so arran- ged the bestowment of its pecuniary benefits, that the feelings of the re- cipient may not be injured, or be made OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 69 to think and feel that he is an object of charity, by bestowing them upon all alike. Thus it cherishes equality of feeling. It promotes social feeling and union among good and true men of the most discordant opinions, by brino-ing them together in a free and friendly com- munion, where all their differences must be laid aside, if not forgotten, and presenting them to each other as men. And if bad men get in among us — men of unworthy characters, li- centious principles and vicious habits — it will only serve the more thoroughly to expose them, and the more Vvidely to extend their unenviable notoriety. So too, it is exerting a refining and elevating influence, by the dignity and decorum maintained in its meetings ; by requiring and strictly enforcing kindness and courtesy in the language used in debate ; and prohibiting all personal allusions and sarcastic lan- guage. In this way it aims to give dignity to men's minds and manners, and cause them to have a more tender regard for one another's feelings in their remarks. It aims, by all its arrangements, to 70 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE elevate and purify the moral and re- ligious principles and characters of its members ; to make them more exact in their moral conduct ; and to lead them to take a more deep and fervent interest in the welfare and happiness of mankind. Jt is its purpose too, to contribute something to the increase of a spirit of benevolence and charity in the minds and hearts of its members, by making individuals better acquainted with each other, and constantly calling their minds to the necessities and sufferings of the sick and distressed. Here it may be asked, if such are the tendencies and effects of the in- stitution of Odd-Fellowship, why ex- clude any one from participating in these benefits ? I answer, we exclude no man who is, in our opinion, in an intellectual and moral condition, to be benefited in these ways. We aim to prevent had men from entering into the institu- tion, 1 know ; but it is only because their intellectual and moral condition is such, that they will derive no bene- fits from it in these respects, while thev will make themselves the source OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP. 71 of constant trouble and vexation to the fraternity. There is the same opportunity for every respectable and virtuous man in society, to secure all these benefits and the good influences of our institu- tion and its meetings, that those who are now members have had. There is a prescribed method of obtaining these things, which is well known, and to which all members have submitted. If they will not submit to the same method, to obtain admittance as the rest of us have, they can blame no one but themselves ; neither should any one else be blamed by society. But it may be asked, why we do not admit ladies as members ! I reply, it is on account of our gallantry. Were we any less gallant in our feelings and principles, they would be admitted as members. I will explain. In the first place there is considerable expense at- tending becoming and continuing a member of our institution — an expense perhaps too, which few ladies could well afford. In the second place, we conceive, that every lady is, is to be, or ought to be, married; that every Odd- Fellow should be even as well as odd. 72 AN EXPOSITION AND DEFENCE Acting upon these principles, we have secured to every brother's wife, all the benefits he enjoys, in a pecuniary way at least, without requiring- her to con- tribute any thing ; and this, not only while he lives, but so long as she may remain his widow, if such should be her misfortune. In this way, all la- dies who obtain such husbands as they ought to have, may become honorary members of our institution, and en- titled to its benefits, without assuming any of its responsibilities. The institution of Odd-Fellowship has lived through many and dark days. It has been supposed to be dead since its introduction into this country ; but it has revived and flourished again. There is an immortal energy in it, and this lies in the principles upon which it is based. These have sustained its vitality in the day of desolation and ap- parent ruin, and caused it again to revive and flourish. It is onl}^ needful that the members of this institution be faithful to their trust, like honest and true men, that it may continue to prosper and grow, until it has accomplished its mission upon the earth. Then it must perish OF ODD-FELLOWSHIP, 73 like all other human institutions. But its principles will remain as long as the throne of the Eternal shall stand. It is only the forms which principles take^ that perish, or undergo a change. Thd principle remains immortal and unchanged- Let the members of the brotherhood remain faithful and true to the princi- ples of the institution, both in our as- sociated action and individual con- duct. Let the watchward be. Onward ! both in our efforts in doing good to one another and the world, and in at- taining a full realization of the great ends at which our institution aims — the bringing of men together as broth- ers, and the universal diffusion of a broader charity and more generous and liberal principles and conduct among mankind. 'Onward ! — through scenes of weal and woe, Thus firmly have ye stood, Linked hand in hand, a glorious band, A noble brotherhood ! Who though ye meet on foreign stand, Clasp yet a stranger's, brother^s hand.' SYMBOL. ;3l|3pcnLik, DIRECTORY. The following List of Lodges in the United States, with the times of their meetings, is made as complete and per- fect as the means within the reach of the author would admit. STATE OF MAINE. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Portland quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Maine Portland Monday 2 Saco do Tuesday 3 Georgian Thoniaston Monday 4 Ancient Brothers Portland Thursday- 5 Lisronia do Saturday 6 Sabbatis Augusta Wednesday 7 Penobscot Bangor Tuesday 8 Relief East Thomaston Friday 9 Natahnis Gardiner Friday 10 Lincoln Bath Monday 11 Sacarappa Sacarappa Wednesday 12 Kenduskeag Bangor Monday 13 Pejepscot Brunswick Thursday 14 Cushnoc Augusta Friday 15 Passagassawakeag Beftast Wednesday 16 Hobomok Bath Friday 76 APPENDIX. 17 Washington Hallowell Monday 18 Orono Orono Saturday 19 Passamaquoddy Eastport 20 Harrison Harrison Friday 21 Somerset and FranklinMercer 22 Androscoggin Lewiston Falls Friday DEGREE LODGE. 1 Union Bangor SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Machigonne 2 Eastern Star 8 Sagamore 4 Katadhu 5 Oberlin 6 Sagadahock Portland do Augusta Bangor Saco 1 3 Tuesday 2 4 Friday 1 3 Tuesday 2 4 Tuesday STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Covenant Hall, Boston, quarterly on 1st Thursday in Feb., &c. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Massachusetts 2 Siloam 4 New England 7 Merrimack 8 Suffolk 9 Crystal Fount 10 Oriental 11 Mechanics' 12 Bethel 13 Nazarene 14 Bunker Hill 15 Tremont 16 Covenant 17 Middlesex 18 Warren Boston Monday do Thursday East Cambridge Friday Lowell Monday Boston Tuesday Woburn Monday Boston Wednesday Lowell Friday West Cambridge Tuesday Ware Village Monday Charlestown Monday Boston Wednesday do Monday Maiden Wednesday Roxbury Tuesday APPENDIX. 77 19 Monument 20 Friendship 21 Fidelity 22 Howard 23 Franklin 24 Winnisinimet 25 Boston 26 Essex 27 Hampden 28 Oberlin 29 Columbian 30 Bethesda 31 Lafayette 32 Ancient Landmark 3-3 Montezuma 34 Hope 35 Prospect 36 Maverick 37 Shawmut 38 Souhegan 39 Quascacunquen 40 Bay State 41 Acushnet 42 Pacific 43 Quinsigamond 44 King Philip 45 Framingham 46 Tisquantum 47 Macedonian 48 Norfolk 49 Veritas 50 Concord 51 Mystic 52 Agawam 53 Hobah 54 May Flower 55 Atlantic 56 Worcester 57 Berkshire 58 Elliot 59 Takawambait 60 Harvard East Lexington Thursday Cambridgeport Monday Andover' Thursday Charlesiown Friday Boston Friday Chelsea Tuesday Boston Friday Salem Monday Springfield Thursday Lowell Tuesday Stoneham Tuesday South Boston Monday Watertown Thursday Boston Monday do Wednesday Methuen Wednesday Waltham Thursday East Boston Monday Boston Tuesday South Reading Monday Newburyport Tuesday Lynn Thursday New Bedford Wednesday Boston Thursday Worcester Monday Taunton Tuesday Saxonville Wednesday Milford Monday Bedford Wednesday Dorchester Lowell Monday Concord Tuesday Chelsea Monday Ipswich South Boston Friday Plymouth Tuesday Marblehead Worcester Friday Pittsfield Newton Upper Falls Natick Tuesday Harvard Monda/ 78 APPE^DIX. 61 Nonotuck 63 Mount Hope 64 Shawsheene 65 Golden Rule Northampton Fall River Billerica Wilmington Monday Thursday DEGREE LODGES. Boston Union Boston Saturday 2 Maverick East Boston Thursday 3 Warren Roxbury 2 4 Friday 4 United Brothers South Boston 2 Monday and 4 Friday 5 Union Lowell 1 3 Thursday GRAND ENCAMPMENT. Meets at Boston semi-annually, on Wednesdays next preceding Jst Thursday in August and Sep- tember. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Massasoit 2 Tri Mouiit 3 Menotomy 4 Monomake 5 Bunker Hill 6 Mount Washington 7 Merrimack Boston 1 3 Friday do 2 4 Friday W. Cambridge 2 4 Friday Lowell 2 4 Thursday Charlestown 13Wednes. South Boston 2 4 Thurs. Newburyport STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. GRAND LODGE. Meets quarterly at Concord. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Granite Nashua 2 Hillsboro' Manchester 3 Wecohamot 4 Washington 5 White Moimtain 6 Piscataqua 7 Winniyissiogee Dover Somerworlh Concord rortsmouth Tuesday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Friday Monday Meredith Bridge Tuesday APPENDIX. 79 SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Naslioonon 2 Wouolanset 3 Penacook 4 duocheco 5 Strawberry Bank 1 3 Friday 2 4 Friday Nashua Manchester Concord Dover 2 4 Monday Portsmouth 2 4 Friday VERMONT. 1 Green Mountain Burlington Tuesday STATE OF CONNECTICUT. GRAND LODGE, Meets at New Haven semi-annually ; on the 2d Wednesday cf July and 2d Wednesday of January, SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Q,ninnipiac New Haven 2 Charter Oak Hartford 3 Middlesex EastHaddam 4 Pequennock Bridgeport 5 Harmony New" Haven 6 Ousatonic Derby 7 Samaritan Danburv 8 Mercantile Hartford 9 Thames New London ■lO Our Brothers Norwaik U Uncas Norwich 12 Central Middletown 13 Charity Lower Mystic 14 W^opowage Milford 15 Montawese New Haven 16 Washington AVillimantic V 17 Trumbull New Loudon 18 Nathan Hale Tolland Alonday Tuesday Wednesday Tuesday Tuesday Monday Wednesday Friday Monday Monday Monday Thursday W^ednesday Wednesday Wednesday il. Saturday Tuesday Wednesday 80 APPENDIX- GRAND ENCAMPMENT, Meets at New Haven semi-annually. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Sassacas New Haven 1 3 Friday 2 Oriental East Haddam 2 4 Friday 8 Palmyra 4 Unity 5 Souheag 6 Devotion 7 Midian Norwich 1 3 Friday New London 2 4 Thurs. Middleton 1 3 Tuesday Danbury 1 3 Friday Hartford STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Providence quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Friendly Union Providence Thursday 2 Eagle do W^ednesdaV 3 Roger Williams do Tuesday 4 Hope do Monday 5 Ocean Newport Friday 6 Amity Warren SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENT. 1 Narraganset Providence 2 4 Friday STATE OF NEW YORK. GRAND LODGE, Meets in the City of New York quarterly, at National Hall. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Columbia New York Thursday 5 Hope Albany Tuesday APPENDIX. 81 5 Philanthropic 8 Union 9 Tompkins 10 New York 11 Geltys 12 Washington 13 Germania 14 Teutonia 16 German Colonial 18 LaFayetie 19 Firemen's 20 Manhattan 21 Poughkeepsie 22 Knickerbocker 23 Mariner's 24 Franklin 25 Niagara 26 Brooklyn 27 Trojan 28 Ark 29 Star 30 National 31 Olive Branch 32 American 33 Metropolitan 34 Marion 35 Covenant 36 Enterprize 37 Buffalo 38 Watervliet 39 Nassau 40 Greenwich 41 Phcenix 42 Meridian 43 Concorde 44 Harmony 45 Kings County 46 Jefferson 47 Mercantile 48 Tehoseroron 49 Hancock 60 Atlantic Albany Friday- Albany Thursday- New York Tuesday do Wednesday do Tuesday do Tuesday- New York Friday do Monday Albany Monday Chaningville Thursday- Albany Thursday New York Monday Poughkeepsie Monday New York Thursday do Monday Trov Wednesday- Buffalo Monday Brooklyn Tuesday- Troy Monday New York Wednesday Lansingburgh Tuesday New York Monday do Wednesday Albany Wednesday New York Thursday do Thursday do Thursday do Thursday Buffalo Tuesday West Trey Monday Brooklvn Thursday New York Monday Albany Wednesday New York Wednesday do Tuesday do Monday Williamsburgh Wednes. New York Tuesday do Tuesday Buffalo Thursday New York Wednesday Brooklyn Monday APPENDIX. 51 Genesee 52 United Brothers 53 Rensselaer 54 Whitehall 55 Coiirtlandt 56 Halcyon 57 Mutual 58 Grove 59 Dutchess 60 Howard 61 Williamsburgh 62 Spartan 63 Long Island 64 Empire 65 Highland 66 Fulton 67 Commercial 68 Oriental 69 Teoronto 70 Oneida 71 Ithaca 72 Mohawk Valley 73 Mount Vernon 74 Orange County 75 Cryptic 76 Rockland County 77 Westchester 78 Croton 79 Onondaga 80 Cayuga 81 Jamaica 82 German Oak 83 Piermont 84 Chelsea 85 Pacific 86 Kosciusco 87 Fidelity 88 Richmond Co., 89 Putnam 90 Suffolk 91 Fishkill 82 Allen Rochester New York Troy Whitehall Peekskill Troy New York do Poughkeepsie New York Williamsburi Cohoes Wallabout New York Newburgh Brooklyn New York do Rochester Utica Ithaca Schenectady New York Newbursh Peekskill Ilaverstraw Tarry I own New York Syracuse Auburn Jamaica New York Piermont New York Flushing Kingston New York Factoryville West Farms Sag Harbor Fishkill Hudson Friday Tuesday Tuesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Monday Thursday Wednes. Wednesday :h Tuesday Friday Friday Tuesday Wednesday W^ednesday Tuesday Thursday Monday Thursday Friday Monday Friday Wednesday Friday Thursday Monday Wednesday Friday Thursday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Friday Monday Wednesday Friday Wednesday Thursday Monday Saturday APPENDIX. 93 Samariiaa 94 Eagle 95 Skenandoah 96 Rising Sim 97 Ossinsiu 93 Saratoga 99 St. Paul's 100 Wyoming 101 CinciiiUtitus 102 Ka\ aderossaros 103 Otsego 104 Slanwix 105 Washington Co., 106 Silver Lake 107 Hinman 108 Hughsonville 109 Syracuse 110 Waverly 111 Owasco 112 Midclletown 113 Mechanics' 114 Chenango 115 Rome 116 Ontario 117 Continental 118 Genesee Valley 119 LeRoy 120 Cold Spring 121 Cataract 122 Union Village 123 Canaseraga 124 Black River 125 Van Fpps 126 Excelsior 127 Chemung 128 Morning Star 129 Schiller 130 Chantauque 131 Evergreen 132 Tiickahannock 133 Stubeu 134 Amsterdam Albany Monday Brooklyn Monday TJtica Friday Lansingburgh Wednesday Sing Sing Friday Saratoga Springs Tuesday Schenectady Tuesday Attica Friday Batavia Ballston Spa Friday Cooperstown, Andover, Onei. Wednes. Hartford Wednesday Perry Saturday New York Monday Hughsonville Syracuse Waterford Tuesday Port Byron Middletown New York Friday Oxford Rome Tuesday Canandaigua Wednesday New York Wednesday Mount Morris Thursday Le Roy Cold Spring Lockport Union Village Monday Dausville, Liv. Watertown Thursday Vernon, Onei. Monday New York Friday Elmina Chatham F. C, Wednes, New York Fredonia Fish kill Landing Trumansburg Brookl\ n Amsterdam 84 APPENDIX. 136 135 Adiroudack 137 Valatic 13S Chester 139 140 Dimona 141 Hempstead 142 Madison 143 Seneca 144 Protection 145 Towanda 146 Brutus 147 Schyler 148 Wayne 149 Keuka 150 Merchants Vienna Keesville Valatic Chester Medina New York Hempstead Oneda Depot Geneva Roslyn Alexander Weeds Port Utica Palmyra Pen Yan New York DEGREE LODGES. 1 New York 2 Bowery 3 Erie 4 Hudson 5 United Brothers 6 Clinton 7 Rensselaer 8 Ridgeley 9 Dutchess 10 Selby 11 Albany City 12 Monroe 13 Franklin 14 Washington 15 Excelsior 16 Harmony 17 Kennedy 18 Utica 19 Treadwell New York Wednesday do Friday Buffalo Wednesday New York Saturday do Wednesday do Saturday Troy Wednesday Troy Friday Channingville Saturday Poughkeepsie Friday Albany Saturday Rochester Tuesday Brooklyn Friday Williaragburgh Thursday Albany 1 and 3 Friday Lansingburgh Tuesday Ithaca Friday Utica 2 4 Tuesday Syracuse GRAND ENCAMPMENT, Meets semi-annually, in the City of New York, on the Mondays following the first Wednesdays in August and February. APPENDIX. 85 SUBORDINATE ; ENCAMPMENTS, 2 Mt. Hebron New York 2 4 Friday 3 Mount Sinai do 1 3 Friday 4 Troy Troy 1 3 Friday 5 En-hakkore Albany 2 4 Friday 6 Mosaic New York 1 3 Friday 7 Salem Brooklyn 2 4 Friday 8 Mount Vernon Buffalo 1 3 Friday 9 Palestine New York 2 4 Thursday 10 Mount Olive Williamsburgh 1 3 Thurs. 11 Mount Hope Rochester 1 3 Thursday 12 Mount Horeb New York 2 4 Monday 13 Mohawk Schenectady 2 4 Friday 14 Mount Nebo Syracuse 1 3 Monday 15 Olive Branch Lansingburgh 2 4 Friday 16 Mount Arrarat Peekskill 2 4 Tuesday 17 Union Hudson 2 4 Tuesday STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. GRAND LODGE. Meets at Philadelphi a bi-monthly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Wednesday 2 Washington do Tuesday 3 Wayne do Monday 4 Morning Star do Friday 5 Franklin do Thursday 6 General Marion do Friday 7 Herman North Liberties Tuesday 8 Rising Sun 9 Mech&nics' Frankford Saturday Pittsburgh Thursday 10 Philomatheon Germantown Saturday 11 Kensington N, Liberties Wednesday 13 Philadelphia Philadelphia Wednesday 14 Wildey Frankford Saturday 15 Philanthropic Philadelphia Saturday 18 LaFayette do Thursday y(3 APPENDIX. 19 Amity 20 Miners' 21 Teutonia 23 Friendship 24 Western (star 26 Penn 27 Schuylkill 28 HeneosisAdelphian 29 Robert Morris 31 Manayunk 33 Decatur 40 Benevolent 43 Hancock 44 Hayden 45 WiUiam Tell 53 Girard 55 Independence 56 Social 57 Montgomery 58 Cambria 59 Montgomery 60 Concordia 61 Adam 62 Beaver Meadow 63 Hand-in-Hand 64 Gomer 65 Hazleton 66 Roxborough 67 Lancaster 68 Harrisburgh 69 Peace and Plenty 70 State Capitol 71 Allen 72 Evening Star 73 Delaware 74 Mount Ziou 75 Columbus 76 Mauch Chunk 77 Brotherly Love 78 Keystone 79 Howard 80 Susquehanna do Thursday Pottsville Saturday Philadelphia Monday do Tuesday Pittsburgh Monday N. Liberties Monday Port Carbon Tuesday N. Liberties Thursday Philadelphia Wednesday Manayunk Saturday Philadelphia Wednesday Vil. Green i:«fe3 Saturday Philadelphia Friday Pottsville Thursday Pittsburg Saturday Pottsville Friday Philadelphia Thursday Minersville Saturday Norristown Saturday Carbondale Saturday Reading Thursday Catawissa 1&3 Saturday Philadelphia Monday Beaver Meadow Saturday Philadelphia Tuesday Birmingham Saturday Hazleton Saturday Roxborough Saturday Lancaster Thursday Harrisburgh Wednesday Easton Wednesday Harrisburgh Tuesday Allentown Saturday Milestown Saturday Easton Tuesday York Wednesday Chambersburgh Thursday Mauch Chunk Tuesday Kurtztown Saturday Bethlehem Thursday Honesdale Wednesday Columbia Saturday APPENDIX. 87 81 National 82 Charity 83 Lehigh 84 Friendly 85 Mutual 86 Harmony Lodge 37 Hopkins 88 Freedom 89 Good Samaritan 90 Cumberland 91 Carlisle 92 Chester 93 Hope 94 Doylestown 95 Schiller 96 Levvisburg 97 Lewis town 98 Clinton 99 Spring Garden 100 Chosen Friends 101 Jersey Shore 102 Newport 103 Symmetry Washington Halifax Allentown Mi Her town Milton Tamaqua Bristol Prompton Southwark Shippensburg Carlisle Chester Southwark Hovlestown N. Liberties Lewisburg Lewistown Lockhaven Thursday Saturday Saturday Wednesday Wednesday- Monday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Tuesday Monday Saturday Friday Monday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Spring Garden Thursday N. Liberties Wednesday Jersey Shore Wednesday Newport Hamburg GRAND ENCAMPMENT, Meets at Philadelphia bi-monthly. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Philadelphia 2 Pittsburgh 3 Morning Star 4 Franklin 5 LaFayette 6 Mount Olive ? Walhala 8 Hebron 9 Andrew Jackson 10 Dauphin Philadelphia Pittsburgh 1 Frankford 1 3 Pottsville 1 Philadelphia Kensington Kensington Reading 1 Manyunk 1 Harrisburgh 1 & 3 Tues. 3 Saturday Wednesday 3 Saturday 1 3 Fridav 1 3 Friday 2 4 Friday 3 Saturday 3 Saturday 1 3 Friday 88 APPENDIX. STATE OF NEW JERSEY. GRAND LODGE. Meets at Trenton quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Trenton 4 Concordia 6 New Brunswick 7 Howard 8 Newark 9 Franklin 10 Nassau 11 Friendship 12 LayFayette 13 Covenant 14 Hudson 15 Leni Lenape 16 Bordentown 17 Madison 18 Clinton 19 Mount Holly 20 Monmouth 21 Washington Trenton Tuesday do Wednesday N. Brunswick Tuesday Newark do Elizabethtown Princeton Newark Orange Belvidere .Jersev Citv Lambertville Bordentown A lien town Clinton Mount Holly Wednesday Freehold Wednesday Salem Wednesday Monday Friday Monday Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday Monday Tuesday Monday Thursday Monday GRAND ENCAMPMENT. Meets at Newark semi-annually. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 2 Trenton Trenton 1 3 Thursday 3 Mount Arrarat Newark 1 3 Wednesday 4 Olive Branch Trenton 1 3 Friday 5 Mount Sinai Jersey City 1 3 Monday 8 Raritan New Brunswick STATE OF MARYLAND. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Washington Baltimore Monday 2 Franklin do Thursday 3 Columbia do Wednesday APPENDIX. 89 4 William Tell do Tuesday 5 Gratitude do Monday 6 Harmony do Wednesday 7 Friendship do Thursday 8 Marion do Tuesday 9 Jefferson do Thursday 16 Union do Thursday 18 Miller Easton Saturday 20 Morning Star Havre-de-Grace Saturday 24 Mount Pisgah Port Deposite Tuesday 26 Mt. Vernon Abingdon Saturday 29 Philip Read Chestertown Monday 31 Potomac Hagerstown Tuesday 32 Mt. Moriah Clear Spring Thursday 33 Aaron Williamsport Friday 34 Chosen Friends Cumberland Friday 35 Adam Frederick Tuesday 36 La Grange Sharpburgh Saturday 37 Covenant Hancock Thursday 3S Benevolent Middletown Saturday 39 Neilson Hillsborough Saturday 40 Centre Ellicott's Mills Saturday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Jerusalem Baltimore Friday 2 Salem do Tuesday 3 Zion Cambridge Tuesday 4 Jacob Easton Tuesday 5 Bethlehem Chestertown Tuesday 6 Galena Hagerstown Tuesday 7 Mt. C arm el Cumberland Tuesday 8 Evening Star Havre-de-Grace Tuesday DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Washington quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Central 7 Washington Friday 90 APPENDIX. 6 Washington do Tuesday 7 Eastern do Friday 8 Potomac Alexandria Monday 9 Harmony Washington Monday 10 Columbia do Thursday 11 Union do Wednesday 12 Friendship do Thursday 13 Covenant do Monday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Columbia Washington lastjWednes, 2 Marley Alexandria 2 4 Monday STATE OF VIRGINIA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Richmond semi-annually. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Virginia Lodge Harper's Ferry Monday 2 Washington Norfolk Monday 3 Virginius Wheeling Monday 4 Jefferson Richmond Monday. 5 Old Dominiou Portsmouth Friday 6 Madison Winchester Wednesday 7 Union Richmond Friday 8 Monroe Petersburgh Monday 9 La Fayette Norfolk Monday 10 Friendship Richmond Friday 11 Wildey Charlestown Saturday 12 Powhatan Richmond Wednesday 13 Franklin Wheeling Monday 14 Rappahannock Fredericksburgh Monday 15 Patrick Henry Hampton Saturday 16 Appomattox . Petersburg Friday 17 Lynchburg Lynchburg Thursday 18 St. Paul's Princess Anne( c.H. Thur 19 Harmony Norfolk Tuesday 20 Smithfield Smithfield Monday 21 Maffit Martinsburg Saturday APPENDIX. 91 22 Pythagoras Lynchburg Friday 23 Caledonia Shepherdstown Saturday 24 Gratitude Hedgesville Thursday GRAND ENCAMPMENT, Meets at Portsmouth annually. SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Abrams Wheeling 2 Neilson Richmond 3 Wildey Portsmouth 2 4 Thursday 4 Jerusalem Norfolk 5 Widow's Friend Winchester 7 Glazier Petersburg 8 Virginia Lynchburg 10 Salem Hampden STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Wilmington, quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Weldon Weldon Tuesday 2 Cape Fear Wilmington Tuesday 3 Washington Murfreesboro' Friday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Campbell Wilmington 2 Bain Murfreesboro' 3 Pine FayetteviUe STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Charleston, quarterly. GRAND ENCAMPMENT, Meets at Charleston. 92 APPENDIX. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 South Carolina Charleston Wednesday 2 Marion do Friday 3 Howard do Thursday 4 Jefferson do Tuesday 5 Palmetto, Columbia Friday 6 De Kalb Winsboro' Monday 7 Aiken Aiken Wednesday 8 La Fajelte Chesterville Monday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Palmetto Charleston 2 Eutaw Columbia 3 Ashley Charleston STATE OF GEORGIA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Savannah. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Oglethorpe Savannah 2 Franklin Macon 3 Live Oak Savannah 4 Sylvan Milledgeville 5 United Brothers Macon 6 Muscogee Columbus 7 Washington Augusta SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Magnolia Savannah 2 Ockmulgee Milledgeville 3 Franklin Macon 4 Chattahooche Columbus STATE OF ALABAMA. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Mobile, quarterly. APPENDIX. 9S SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Alabama Mobile 2 Mobile do 3 Chosen Friends do 4 Samaritan SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENT. 1 Mount Arrarat Mobile Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Natchez, quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Mississippi Natchez 2 Washington do .3 Warren Vicksburgh 6 Grenada Grenada 8 Macon Vicksburgh 9 William Dale Liberty 10 Wilkinson Woodville n Capitol Jackson 12 Concordia Natchez 13 Belmont Belmont Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Wildey Natchez 2 Vicksburgh Vicksburgh STATE OF MISSOURI. GRAND LODGE, Meets at St. Louis, quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Traveller's Rest St. Louis 2 Wildey do Monday Tuesday 94 APPENDIX. 3 Germania do Thursday 4 Far West Boonville Mondav 5 St. Louis St. Louis Saturday 6 Western Lighl t Weston Saturday 7 Covenant Warsaw 8 Harrison Lexington 9 Marion Hanibal 10 Howard Fayette ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Wildey St. Louis Friday 2 Frontier Weston STATE OF TENNESSEE. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Nashville, quarterly. 1 Tennessee Nashville Tuesday 2 Nashville Nashville Thursday 3 Columbia Columbia Wednesday 4 Spring Hill Spring Hill Thursday 5 Washington Dresden Saturday 6 Memphis Memphis Thursday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Ridgely Ridgely 2 & 4 Saturday 2 Washington Columbia 2 & 4 Saturday 3 Gayoso Memphis STATE OF KENTUCKY. GRAND LODGE, Meets at Louisville quarterly. SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Boone Louisville Monday 2 Chosen Friends do Tuesday 3 Washington Covington Wednesday APPENDIX. 95 4 Loraine Louisville Wednesday 5 Friendship Lexington Friday 6 Capital Frankfort Monday 7 Franklin Lancaster Saturday 8 Central Danville Tuesday 9 Social Stanford Wednesday 10 Union Nicholasville Saturday 11 Lavfavette Georgetown Tuesday 12 De" Kalb Maysville Monday 13 Stranger's Rest Henderson Saturday 14 Madison Richmond Tuesday 15 Howard Shelbvville 16 Morning Star Petersburg 17 Herman Louisville Saturday GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. Meets at Louisville quarterly. SOBOEDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Mount Horeb Louisville 1 and 3 Monday 2 Olive Branch Covington 1 & 4 Monday 3 Moreah Lexington 1 A: 3 Thursday 4 Filgrim Frankfort 1 & 3 Thursday STATE OF OHIO. GRAND LODGE. Meets at Cincinnati rnnnth on the 3d Saturday in every LUUiltli* , SUBORDINATE LODGES. 1 Ohio Cincinnati Monday 2 Washington do _ Tuesday 3 Cincinnati do Wednesday 4 Franklin do Thursday 5 Montgomery Dayton Wednesday 6 Jefferson Steubenville Thursday 7 Charity Lancaster Monday 8 Piqua Piqua Thursday 9 Columbus Columbus Monday 96 APPENDIX. 10 Wayne 11 Warren 12 Union 13 Cleveland 14 Harmony 15 Lebanon 16 Hope 17 Hamilton 18 Marion 19 Mansfield 20 Mount Vernon 21 Friendship 22 Cuyahoga 23 Central 24 Chillicothe 25 LaFayette 26 Morning Star 27 Erie 28 Muskingum 29 Mahoning 30 Eaton 31 Scioto 32 Columbia 33 Springfield 34 Olive Branch 35 Seneca Dayton Tuesday Franklin Monday Wanenton Saturday Cleveland Monday Rossville Tuesday Lebanon Wednesday Middletown Thursday Hamilton Thursday Miamisburg Tuesday Mansfield Friday Mount Vernon Wednes. Germantown Friday Cleveland Wednesday Columbus Thursday Chillicothe Tuesday Hillsborough Monday Medina Ohio Citv Zanesville Warren Eaton Portsmouth Circleville Springfield New^ark Tiffin Monday Tuesday Wednesday Mondav' Monday Fridav Wednesday Tliursday SUBORDINATE ENCAMPMENTS. 1 Wildey 2 Dayton 3 Nimrod 4 Cleveland 5 Piqua 6 Capitol 7 Butler Cincinnati Dayton Steubenville Cleveland Piqua Columbus Hamilton 1 3 Friday 1 3 Eriday 2 4 Friday 2 4 Friday 2 4 Friday 1 3 Friday 2 4 Friday UCSB LIBRARY ihiijiiiitiilliiliiii'