an imperial consciousness of strength that laughs at opposition. It is
this depth and weight and power and purity of character that I would
have you resemble; and I would have you, like the waters of the ocean,
to become the purer by your own action. Men are sometimes ruined
because they aim not at virtue, but only at the reputation which it
brings. Odd-Fellowship teaches its members to be brave, honest and
diligent. If we have these attributes, victory must surely crown our
efforts. How often in the history of our country have men of humble
birth come forth in time of danger, and, nobly risking all, even to
death, or disgrace worse than death itself, stood between their country
and defeat, and built for themselves a glorious name. Nor, alas! is
the opposite case to this unknown. Some of America's proudest sons
have, by their own acts, sunk themselves into the inner-most depths of
infamy and vice.

"Virtue alone is true nobility.
Oh, give me inborn worth! dare to be just,
Firm to your word and faithful to your trust."

Knowledge is a mighty rock in a weary land, and to you, brothers, 'tis
permitted to smite this rock, and from it gushes fountains of living
waters, which form rivers of wisdom, flowing to the uttermost parts of
the earth, carrying the proper idea of life to the souls of men. The
river of science flows in a deep, straight course, searching out the
hidden mysteries, and demonstrating facts, while Truth builds her
defenses on its shores, and Love rears her fair palaces and calmly
enjoys the result of labor and research. History, with its broad
stream bringing knowledge down through the vanished centuries,
revealing many a lost art, which avails us much in these later days.
Mysteries which magicians have left behind them--secrets for ages