with destruction, would unveil themselves in
their awful beauty and power, and stand forth to preserve them from
harm or to avenge their wrongs. Odd-Fellowship realizes this myth of
the pagan gods; she surrounds all her children with her preserving
presence, and reveals herself always in the hour of peril, sickness or
distress. Nowhere in our country can a true Odd-Fellow feel himself
alone, friendless or forsaken. The invisible, but helpful arms of our
order surround him wherever he may be. And should he be overtaken by
illness or misfortune, be he in any part of the country, and never so
poor, he will, if he makes his wants known, receive as a right the
necessary assistance, and friends to watch over him with fraternal
solicitude. And should he fall a victim to disease, the brothers of
charity will be there to close his eyes, and with solemn, yet hopeful,
heaven-born rites, consign his body to the repose of the silent tomb.
Odd-Fellowship is an embodiment of family love and affection, and is
the only substitute for home influence, and the only green spot in the
dreary waste of life which binds these brothers to the tender practice
of every virtue--guides in prosperity and health, and as a ministering
angel bends over them with tenderest pity in their chamber of
suffering. True, there are sorrows which it can not reach--there are
griefs which it can not remove; notwithstanding, it still pursues its
way, imparts its healthful influence, and accomplishes its beautiful
and holy ministry of benevolence and charity. If it can not heal the
wounds of misfortune, it administers the balm of sympathy, friendship
and love. My dear reader, learn to give encouragement to those around
you.

Everybody feels the need of encouragement, from the humblest artisan to
the king on his throne. We hear of the choice spirits who have been
the world's idols, how they came up through terrible trials alone and
almost unaided, setting aside obstacles that would have crushed others,
and fighting their way to the very pinnacle of fame. Aye! but great as
they were, they needed and received encouragement. In some part of
their poor home they saw the smile that spoke the hearty appreciation
of the genius, though, perhaps, the lips said nothing. Even West left
on record, "my mother's smile made me a painter." The encouragement of
a little child will send the blood more warmly to the heart, and even
the appreciation of a poor dumb brute is w