INTRODUCTION.

In all ages, societies have been organized, and institutions founded, having for their object the amelioration of the condition of man. Among these, none has more successfully withstood the test of time than the institution of "Odd-Fellowship." This institution inculcates benevolence and charity, and the practice of those virtues that elevate and adorn society; and reminds man, both by precept and practice, of his duty to his fellow-man; it teaches him to alleviate the wants of the desolate and friendless, to visit the sick, to administer consolation to the widow, and extend a helping hand to the orphan. The purity of its principles, softens the asperities of the human character and unites in the golden chain of Friendship, Love and Truth, men of every nation, and of every con dition of life. Odd-Fellowship is based upon the broad principle that all men, by the practice of virtue and morality, are equal; its members are alike entitled to its honors, and participate equally in its benefits. We meet, not to revel in conviviality, or to acquire political power, or to engage in religions strife. Ours is not a school

where politics are discussed, or harangues delivered to influence a brother's faith. Each individual is free to choose, both in politics and religion, the creed most in accordance with his own sense of right and justice. In a word, we associate as brothers, that by unity of action, the benevolent principles of the human mind may be brought into more active and useful exercise.

To the unworthy, the door of the sacred temple of Odd Fellowship is ever closed; but to the benevolent and humane, who would drink at the pure fountain of virtue and truth, the invitation is "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you."

CONSTITUTION.

PREAMBLE.

For the purpose of effecting as much uniformity as possible in the administration of the privileges, honors, and benefits of the Order within this Jurisdiction, the GRAND LODGE OF NEW-YORK STATE, the supreme tribunal of Odd Fellowship within its limits, without whose sanction and control no Lodge can exist, ordains the following Articles, as the Constitution of the Subordinate Lodges :

ARTICLE 1.

This Lodge shall be constituted by at least five members, including one qualified to preside at its meetings, and shall be hailed and entitled "HIN. MAN LODGE, No. 107, I. O. of O. F. of N. Y. S.," and shall possess the full powers and privileges of a Subordinate Lodge, holding a legal, unreclaimed Charter, duly granted and formally presented by the Grand Lodge of New-York State.

ARTICLE II.

OF MEMBERSHIP.

SECTION FIRST.

Admission, &c.,

Clause 1. No person shall be initiated into this Lodge under twenty-one years of age, nor for a less sum than Ten Dollars.

Resolved, That from and after the adoption of this resolution, no Lodge shall receive propositions for membership, of any person residing in a county different from that in which the Lodge is located, provided a Lodge be located within ten miles of the place of residence of the candidate.— In G. L. of N. Y., November, 1842, p. 201.

Resolved, That from and after the passage of this resolution, no Lodge, within this jurisdiction, can initiate persons residing in another State where subordinate Lodges are located.-In G. L. of N. Y., Nov. 1843.

Clause 2. The name of a person offered for initiation must be proposed by a member in writing, stating his age, residence, and business; which must be entered on the record, and the subject referred to three brothers for investigation, who shall report at the succeeding regular meeting, when the candidate may be balloted for with ball ballots; and if not more than two black balls appear against him, he shall be elected; but if three or more appear against him, he shall be rejected, and so declared.

Resolved, That propositions for membership can be made at regular meetings only.—Standing Resolution of G. L. No person is eligible to admission into the Order of Odd ellowship, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, except free white males, of good moral character, who have

arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and who believe in a Supreme Being, the Creator and Preserver of the Universe.-Adopted in G. L. of U. S. Sept. Session, 1844.

Resolved, That each proposition for membership must be referred to a special committee, appointed at the time the individual is proposed; and that a brother shall not be appointed on more than one committee on the same evening, provided a sufficient number of brothers are present.Standing Resolution, No. 18, of G. L. of N. Y.

Resolved, That it is irregular for any Lodge to allow a proposition for membership to be withdrawn after it has been referred to a Committee; and the Candidate thus proposed shall be balloted for; and that a reconsideration of a ballot cannot be taken.-Standing Resolution, No. 15, of G. L. of N. Y.

Nor can a ballot for membership be reconsidered by the Lodge, without the permission of the Grand Lodge, even though an unfavorable result be produced by mistake.-In matter of Harmony Lodge, in G.L. Feb. 1843, p. 284-5.

Clause 3. A brother of the Order, wishing to become a member, shall present his card from the Lodge of which he was formerly a member, which shall be referred to a committee of three, and in other respects disposed of as provided by Clause 2, for other applicants; and on being admitted, shall pay a sum of not less than one dollar. Resolved, That it is irregular for any Lodge to admit any brother as an honorary member thereof.-Standing Resolution, No. 17, G. L. of N. Y.

Clause 4. An ancient Odd Fellow, whose card is out of date, or which may have been lost, can be admitted by referring his application to a committee, and disposing of it in other respects as is provided for other applicants in the foregoing clauses, and on his paying into the Lodge Fund a sum not less than five dollars.