stated, some of the members belonging to our Order were given to understand, that three of the charitable Institutions of the town were in a very precarious state, and that the funds of one of them were completely exhausted: and, Sir, as charity is the first pillar of our Institution, we considered it to be our duty to come forward to assist them in their difficulties. Our first consideration was, how we should be best able to raise the most money; when we concluded to have a public procession, and a charity sermon preached in aid of the General Infirmary, Public Dispensary, and House of Recovery. And, Sir, as our Order consists of members of all religious denominations and political opinions, we came to the resolution to request the Vicar of Leeds to preach such sermon; but, Sir, to our surprise, that gentleman refused: his reason for doing so is best known to himself. Our next step was to wait upon you, and I felt very glad to see you come forward in such a christian-like manner; and I may venture to say you have got the praise of every member of our Institution, and of every other impartial individual. I may say, in conclusion, that the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the Manchester Unity is founded for the very purpose of benevolence and charity; yes, Sir, for the purpose of relieving the sick and distressed, and to assist the poor unfortunate widow to consign to his long home, in a respectable manner, the remains of her late husband. In short, we are the most happy when relieving the sick and distressed; not because they are in distress, but because we have the power to relieve them. I feel very sorry these tokens are so very small, but if they were more valuable they would be presented with a greater pleasure. I wish you joy to use them, and your family after you.

The Rev. THOMAS SCALES said, it is with surprise I meet you on this occasion. When I heard of your design which has produced this result, I received the report with incredulity. I knew that I had done nothing to entitle me to your favour. I felt it was beyond any service I might have rendered. I think you have justified the title you have assumed, for surely none but Odd Fellows would have made such a return as this. In performing that service I was merely complying with my duty. It was so much in character with my office, that I felt it was only affording me an opportunity of serving God and preaching the Gospel of his Son, whether in season or out of season. I thought so well of the services, that I found in them a sufficient recompense, and when the officers of your Society presented me with your letter of thanks, I thought that would have been the conclusion. As far as I have the opportunity of serving my fellow-creatures, and especially of my native town, I hope I have never been backward, and I hope I never shall. When I was requested to preach in aid of those charities which you were disposed to relieve, my first impulse was to comply,. but the gentleman who waited upon me said the application had been made to another quarter previously. This intimation on their parts led me not to decline, but to consider and reflect. I thought my conduct might afterwards be called in question. I determined to satisfy myself as to the propriety of it. I was not unaware that suspicion and obloquy had attached to Secret Orders, and that these Societies might be perverted to improper objects. I determined to make the inquiry in such a manner as that, in case I complied with your request, I might do it heartily, and that if I refused I might be able to assign a sufficient reason for so doing. I therefore requested a day to consider, which was complied with. The gentlemen promised to send me a copy of your laws; I received and examined them, and the result was satisfactory. In looking over them I saw regulations which I did not understand, and which I do not yet. I know there is nothing so volatile and uncertain as taste. However, in looking over them, I found nothing inconsistent with morality and virtue, nor opposed to peace, love, and good-will. Nothing but what breathed charity. I learnt also that a spirit of sympathy is cherished among you, that you sympathise with the widow and the bereaved, and that many a family have been preserved from misery, and many a person from a premature grave by your kind offices. There was something very singular in the name, but I was not going to make you an offender for a word. The rose would smell as sweet under another name. After the examination I was satisfied, and the result was, that I was led to comply with your request. But, if I had felt plessure before, it was enhanced by the services, when I saw part of your body filling our place of worship, and observed your attention during the services. I assure you, that, if I never preached to such a numerous congregation before, composed, as it was, all of the male class, and all adults, I never preached to a more orderly body. In your

sympathised with the But, Gentlemen, after

contributions, after the sermon, you proved how deeply you afflicted. It might serve as a stimulating example to the rich. you had done so nobly, surely it was out of all character, it was generous beyond measure-I might say it was even extravagant and prodigal, to do this; for I can truly say, that, in the service itself, I found my reward. I do always look back upon the service with pleasure, and I can never reflect upon it but with pleasure. You must never speak again against sinecures, but you must submit to lavish expenditure, for you have been doing the very same thing. But your own hearts have dictated it, and I hope you will take care that none shall suffer by it. As the tribute of your respect, I accept it cheerfully at your hands. If in my undertaking the service you are pleased to regard it as contributing any vindication of your character, I feel that I was bound to give it. If there be any draw-back upon the pleasure I feel in receiving your present, it is the allusion that is made in it to the Vicar's refusal. I feel persuaded that it was done in misapprehension. It was not because he knew you, but because he did not know you. I regard him as a kind-hearted clergyman. I therefore must attribute it to misapprehension. If he had known you better, and if he had given himself the trouble to inquire into your character, your deputation would have received a different reception. It was not to mortify him that I complied with your request. It was because I thought he was labouring under prejudice. But I was led to inquire and examine, and the result was that I complied cheerfully. If there be any one thing that may be rendered painful, it is that my name may seem to stand in opposition to his, and that I may appear to be rewarded to his disparagement. You must give me leave to offer you my kind wishes. The objects of your association is to produce sound morality; to comfort another in this pilgrimage of life. I would say to you in the words of the text-" to do good and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Let your first thoughts be directed to Him. Seek to become the objects of His grace, living in the fear of God, and living to His Glory; seek your hope of salvation in his word, and follow his direction. Follow after peace and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. May God bless you in time, and bless you in eternity. I shall cordially remember you, and pray for you. Let me assure you that I shall ever be ready to serve you, whenever you wish to direct your charity in the same manner.

TO OUR READERS AND THE ORDER IN GENERAL.

WE, the Committee of Management, appointed to conduct the Magazine during the last twelve months, beg to state, as this number closes our labours, that we feel both pleased and gratified at the manner in which the Magazine has been supported during the time it has been under our management. Whether this is to be attributed to any humble endeavours on our part, it would not become us to say; but when it is considered, that the Magazine has increased from 3000 to 8000 in the short space of six months, surely we may be allowed to observe, that this immense and unprecedented increase of readers, could not have arisen had there not been a considerable degree of energy shown, both on the parts of those individuals who have so kindly seconded our endeavours by their contributions: and likewise on the time and trouble that has been bestowed in bringing the work out,-and we can now confidently say, without fear of contradiction. that it will vie with most of the literary productions in the present day, and far surpassing any that are sold at the same price, in the quantity of reading, and the contents are also fully equal.

When we took office, it was under very peculiar circumstances, as, generally speaking, the whole Committee were utterly unacquainted with the routine of their labours, and having no guide in the archives of the Order whereby to direct their first movements. But viewing the work as an instrument that might be wielded both to the profit and pleasure of the Order generally, we determined to use our best endeavours to make it answer both these purposes, as far as we possibly could, and proud we are in again observing, that we have been well supported by our brethren.

We must, at the same time, observe, that our labours, on many occasions, have given us considerable pain, as individuals filling offices similar to those we have had

the honor to fulfil, are frequently blamed, when, in fact, they are only honestly and conscientiously performing the duties of their situations; we refer, in these remarks, to those individuals who have felt any soreness at their contributions with which they honored the Committee, being rejected. Without, in the least degree, wishing to call into question their abilities, we beg to observe, that we have had other reasons which have guided us, in many instances, to reject their communications; and we can confidently say, that in the discussion of any article that has come under our notice, and in any alterations that we have made, or wished to make, prior to insertion, we have been guided by a strict and earnest desire to do justice to the contributors, the Order generally, and ourselves likewise.

We our

We have also made it a rule to avoid the insertion of any article that might be either recriminatory in itself, or have a tendency to promote it in others. selves have been assailed both by individuals, and likewise in anonymous articles; we shall not stop here to enumerate them, or name any one in particular. To such correspondents as we have just named, we do consider no apology is due for the noninsertion of their articles.

There are also other articles now lying over for consideration, and we hope and trust our successors, whoever they may be, will meet with the same encouragement that we have experienced, if their intentions and labours be deserving of them, being fully assured, that as it has taken considerable exertions and labours to raise the Magazine to its present proud eminence, its fall will be equally as speedy, unless they be continued; and any endeavours afterwards, if it should derogate, we are convinced, will be also equally futile.

In conclusion, we beg to assure our readers, correspondents, and the Order generally, that it has been an invariable rule, and sincere desire on our parts, to criticise any article submitted to us, in a kindly feeling; one calculated, we hope, more to encourage the rising talent of our Order, rather than say or do anything that might have a tendency to offend or discourage any one.

JAMES MANSFIELD, G. M.

JOHN CALDWOOD, D. G. M.

GEORGE RICHMOND, Prov. G. M.

JAMES DAVIES, Prov. D. G. M.
EDWARD CHEW, JUNR., P. G.

TO THE EDITOR AND COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE ODD FELLOWS' MAGAZINE.

GENTLEMEN,

Since troubling you with my last communication, I have had the pleasure of passing a few hours as a visitor with the A. M. C. at Derby, and the thoughts which possessed me on that occasion, I have attempted to embody in the following poetic trifle, which should you think of sufficient interest for the Magazine, you would oblige by inserted them,

Your's, in F. L. & T.

Stanhope Lodge, May 30th, 1836.

W. W. BAYLEY.

ON

SONNET WRITTEN AFTER VISITING THE A. M. C. AT DERBY,

FRIDAY, MAY 27TH, 1836.

How swell'd my throbbing heart with joyous pride,
When 'mongst that loving band I entrance gained:
Methought the world no worthier sight contained,
Than that our cherished bonds conjoined supplied.
From east, west, north, and south, there side by side
Ranged hearts where charity unbounded reign'd;

And heads whose wisdom had our cause sustained
Through days of darkness which the firmest tried.
No limit had they for their kindly deeds,
The blind, the lame, the sick, their bounty owned,
While seemed soft Pity in each heart enthroned,
To plead the widow's and the orphan's needs;
To them I felt men's blessings would be given,

And theirs that richer gift, th' approving smile of Heaven!

BIRTHS.

February 7, the wife of F. G. M. Harrison, of the Lancaster District, of a son. -April 27, the wife of brother William Holley, of the Middleton and Heywood District, of a daughter.-March 15, the wife of Prov. C. S. William P. Cragg, of the Blooming Rose Lodge, Quorndon, of a son and heir.-March 21, the wife of P. G. Jos. Camm, of the Blooming Rose Lodge, Quorndon, of a son and heir.-April 9, the wife of brother Joseph Tittle, of the Honorable Booth Gray Lodge, Ashton, of a son.— April 20, the wife of brother John Kerry, of the Sitwell Lodge, Smalley, Ilkiston District, of a daughter.-February 9, the wife of P. S. Oldnow, of the Sitwell Lodge, of a daughter.-August 2, the wife of P. G. Allen, of the Sitwell Lodge, of a daughter. -August 19, the wife of P. S. Fletcher, of the Sitwell Lodge, of a son and heir.— August 2, the wife of brother Henry Ratcliffe, of the Sitwell Lodge, of twins, a son and daughter. The wife of brother Edward Foulks, of the above Lodge, of a daughter.-October 20, the wife of brother John Booth, of the same Lodge, of a daughter. -February 29, the wife of brother Richard Whittaker, of the Rainbow Lodge, Blakeley, of a son and heir.-March 20, the wife of William Peyton, C. S. of the Manchester District, of a daughter.-February 24, the wife of P. G. John Healey, of the Golden Fleece Lodge, Rochdale, of a daughter.-February 12, the wife of P. V. Thomas Healey, of the Golden Fleece Lodge, Rochdale, of a daughter.-February 19, the wife of V. G. Abraham Healey, of the Golden Fleece Lodge, Rochdale, of a daughter. April 12, the wife of brother William Hollows, of the Golden Fleece Lodge, Rochdale, of a daughter.-November 5, 1835, the wife of host Smith, of the same Lodge, of a daughter.-May 5, 1835, the wife of P. G. and now C. S. Alfred Ball, of the Devizes Independent, of a son.-November 30, 1835, the wife of P. G. Wilbee, of the Devizes Independent, of a son.-December 24, 1836, the wife of P. G. William Wallis, of the Devizes Independent, of a daughter.-March 16, 1836, the wife of P. G. William Phipp, of the Devizes Independent, of a daughter.—March 18, the wife of P. Prov. D. G. M. Samuel Brayne, C. S. of the Oswestry District, of a son.-May 18, the wife of P. Prov. G. M. John Phenna, host of the King Oswald Lodge, Oswestry, of a son.—November 15, 1835, the wife of brother Jabez Allison, of the Honorable Booth Gray Lodge, Ashton, Frodsham, of a son.-December 19, 1835, the wife of brother John Sutton, of the Honorable Booth Gray Lodge, Ashton, Frodsham, of a daughter.-February 9, 1836, the wife of P. G. William Tickle, of the Honorable Booth Gray Lodge, Ashton, Frodsham, of a daughter.-March 15, the wife of V. G. Abraham Waite, of the Honorable Booth Gray Lodge, Ashton, Frodsham, of s son.-May 3, the wife of C. S. Thompson, of the Stokesley District, of a daughter.-March 1, Susannah, wife of Secretary Fearnsides, of the Traveller's Rest Lodge, Norwich, of a son and heir.-March 26, the wife of brother John Dean, of the Lord Hill, Leominster, of a son.—August 31, the wife of brother Holsuer, of a daughter.-October 3, the wife of P. P. G. M. Mc Dole, of a son and heir.-Dec. 25, the wife of P. G. M. Pike, of a daughter.—January 9, the wife of brother J. Oram, of a daughter.-The wife of P. Prov. G. M. Green, of a daughter, all of the Brighton District.-March 11, the wife of Prov. C. S. William Hawkins, of the Bradford District, and of the Evening Star Lodge, Tong, of a son.-The wife of P G. Abel Armitt, of the Fountain of Friendship Lodge, Bollington, of a daughter.

MARRIAGES.

Brother William Dibb, of the Lord Byron Lodge, Pocklington, to Miss Mary Rispin, of the same place.-August 30, at Wolstanton, V. G. Thomas Phillips, of the Fountain of Peace Lodge, Newport, to Miss Mary Williams, of Wem.-March 24, brother John Moore, of the Travellers' Rest Lodge, Hebden Bridge District, to Miss Mary Binns, fourth daughter of Mr. William Binns, both of Warley.-April 30, at St. Mary's Church, Manchester, P. G. Thomas Kay, of the Rainbow Lodge, Blakeley, to Miss Sarah Fearon, of Rhodes, near Middleton.-March 21, brother John Lander, of the Furness Lodge, Spark Bridge, Kendal District, to Miss Betty Ormandy.-January 28, brother Richard Walker, portrait painter, to Mary Scott.February 1, P. S. John Richmond, cotton spinner, to Elizabeth Windle.-April 19, N. G. Thomas Cardus, overlooker, to Martha Lowcock; the three foregoing are all from the Skipton District.-December 6, brother James Hancock, of the Nelson Lodge, Golden Hill, to Anne, third daughter of brother William Walton, of Saint Martin's Lodge, Tunstall.-December 19, brother Isaac Dale, of the Nelson Lodge, Golden Hill, to Miss Sarah Critchley, of Endon.-April 5, 1836, brother Samuel Walton, of the Nelson Lodge, Golden Hill, to Miss Jane Ball, of Kidsgrove.-Dec. 28, 1835, brother John Williamson, to Anne, daughter of Samuel Mottram, of Trafford. December 24, brother R. Lonsdale, to Miss Jane Smith.-December 31, brother J. Stanley, to Miss H. Dyer.-February 4, 1836, brother Morgan, to Miss Elizabeth Irish.-March 6, P. Secretary Varley, to Miss Martha Crossley.-April 7, brother James Laycock, of the Globe Inn, Bradford, to Miss Sarah Atkinson.

DEATHS.

February 28, brother William Wheatman, of the Stokesley District.—March 21, brother Alexander Howarth, aged 23, of the England's Glory Lodge, Middleton: he has left a wife and one child to lament his loss.-May 4, brother Jonas Wood, aged 31, of the same Lodge: he has left a wife and two small children to lament his loss.March 29, brother James May, son of P. V. John May, of the Nelson Lodge, Golden Hill, in the Newcastle and Pottery District; he was unfortunately killed in a coalmine, at Ashton-under-Lyne.-May 4, the wife of Past Secretary Ayres, of the Brunswick Lodge, Brighton District, aged 22.-February 2, brother William Wheatman, of the Cleveland Lodge.-April 4, the wife of brother Anderson Shaw, and on the 25th of the same month, brother Robert Blackburn, of the Flower of the Tees Lodge, Yarm, all in the Stokesley District.-March 4, 1836, Francis G. Willbee, son of P. G. John Willbee, D. G. M. of the Devizes District, aged thirteen weeks.-Lately, brother William Cadman, of the St. John's Lodge, Burslem.-January 15, brother George Perkins, aged 28, N. G. of the Traveller's Rest Lodge, Tredegar District, after a lingering illness of about two months. The deceased was highly and deservedly respected by the members of the Lodge over whom he had the honor to preside, and by all others with whom he had formed any acquaintance: his mortal remains were followed to the grave by a vast number of brothers and friends, who were all equally anxious to pay him the last tribute of respect. February 4, aged 43, brother Phillip Powell, of the King William the Fourth Lodge, of the last named District, was killed at Cwrtybela Colliery. He was an upright and inoffensive man, and a worthy brother; he was followed to the grave by a large number of brothers, and the Rev. T. Davis allowed the funeral oration to be read in his chapel.-May 29, Robert James, son of P. G. William Johnson, of the Sir Oswald Mosley Lodge, Manchester, aged nineteen months.-April 26, the wife of brother T. Hunt, of the Lord Hill Lodge, Leominster.-May 5, Ann, the only daughter of N. G. Prince, of the Lord Hill Lodge, Leominster.-February 2, 1836, brother Joseph Ramsden, of the Britons' Lodge, East Ardsley, after a short illness, leaving a wife to lament the loss of an affectionate husband: his remains were attended to the place of interment by the officers and brothers of his Lodge.

(Births, &c. omitted in this Number will be inserted in the next.)

Manchester: Printed by P. G. M. MARK WARDLE, 17, Fennel-street.