pose, and watch over their interests with paternal care, provided that such widows are of a reputable moral character.

It is not proper for the N. G. to make or second any motion or resolution, nor to take part in any de bate, while in the chair. Neither does it appear well for him to leave the Lodge in charge of a brother, for the purpose of taking part in a debate. He has

the right to advise and to speak generally, from his place, on any subject of a general nature, for the good of the Order; but he should not enter into the arena of debate, and make himself a party in any question before the Lodge

In the selection of his subordinate officers, the N. G. should be circumspect and discreet. He should endeavor to judge, from an observation of the intelligence of the brothers of his Lodge, which of them are best qualified to fill, with credit to the Lodge and themselves, the various duties expected of them. Especially should the Conductor and Warden of a Lodge be men of capacity and intelligence-men who are competent to give the charges peculiar to their office in a dignified and impressive manner.

The N. G. should by all means be attentive to the sick or distressed members of his Lodge. He should be the first to call on his brother in trouble or adver sity, and sympathize with and aid him by his counsel or advice. Nor should be consider that this duty is not required of him, but only of the committee appointed for this purpose. Such is an erroneous impression, which ought to be at all times corrected. wherever it prevails. It is as much consistent with the duty and obligations of the head of a Lodge to visit weekly his sick or disabled brothers, as it is for him to be present each week at the opening of

his Lodge. And such sick or distressed brothers may properly feel aggrieved, if neglected by him to whom, as an Odd- Fellow, they naturally look for sympathy and condolence in their time of trouble.

NOTE. The N. G., if a P. G. be not present, may deliver the P. G.'s sharge; and no person, save a P. G. and himself, may deliver it.

THE VICE-GRAND.

HE Vice-Grand, who is second in authority in U the Lodge, and who, if he conduct himself with propriety, is always sure to succeed to the highest place in the gift of his brethren, should regard the situation he occupies as one in which he has abundant facility to make himself acquainted with the duties and requirements of the office he will, in a short time, be called upon to fill. During the term of his occupancy of the "lower chair," therefore, he should make it a part of his business to acquire a correct understanding of the laws he will be expected to enforce, and to study the dispositions and qualities of those he will be called upon to govern. By so doing, he will be prepared to perform, with credit to himself and advantage to the Lodge, the duties we have, in the preceding pages, described as those appertaining to the office of a Noble-Grand.

It is expected of the Vice-Grand, while in the discharge of his office as such, that he will assist the N. G. in the execution of his duties, and use his utmost efforts to promote the harmony and welfare of the Lodge, and to increase love among his brethren; and that he will check or restrain every improper sentiment that may be uttered by any brother, in or out of the Lodge. He must also carefully attend to the support of order in the Lodge and it is his duty

and his privilege to advise with the N. G. and to remind him of any omission of any thing appertaining to his office. At all times, when the N. G. is absent, or otherwise engaged, the V. G. takes his place and assumes his duties, and is, for the time being, the head of the Lodge, with all the authority of a principal officer. It is also his duty to appoint his own assistants (two in number) and a minority of Committees of Investigation; to assist in examining the ballotings for members; and to take especial charge of the ingress and egress of brothers to or from the Lodge.

The V. G. also should make it his business to visit weekly his sick or afflicted brethren. He should not esteem this duty so lightly as to suppose that it attaches merely to the Visiting Committee and to his superior officer; but, as he is second in his Lodge, and must soon be first, he must remember, not only that much is expected of him in his present position, but that a visit from him, and a few words of encouragement, to a brother in pain, will lighten that brother's burden, at the same time that they raise him in the estimation of all who appreciate such conduct in those on whom honors and authority have been conferred.

THE SECRETARY.

HE office of Secretary has been esteemed, by some, to be the most arduous and responsible

situation in a Lodge. We would not wish to say that we agree with this opinion, nor would we underrate the usefulness and labor of a Secretary; but we are of opinion that every office, while it requires abilities suited to its nature, is more or less

arduous, if it be faithfully filled. Yet the Secretary's is a most important post, and one which requires a capacity which comparatively few men possess. A correct record of the proceedings of all public bodies is most desirable. The Secretary of a Lodge should be quick of comprehension, and possess the quality of writing, or in some way placing ideas promptly in his memory, so rapidly as to obtain an accurate record of every subject suggested or acted upon. For, frequently, matters of the greatest importance must be decided by a reference to his minutes of the proceedings.

The Secretary is properly considered the third officer in a Lodge; and although he has no power or authority, yet his opinion has great weight with the brethren. It is also the case that, with very rare exceptions, he is, at the end of his term, elevated to the chair of the V. G., whence, in due time, he of course goes up to the head of the Lodge.

It is the duty of the Secretary to keep a correct and impartial record of all the proceedings of a Lodge; to fill up summonses; to write all letters and communications that may be ordered by the Lodge or the N. G.; to fill up certificates and cards; to keep securely the seal and books; to attest to all moneys ordered to be paid; to furnish to the Grand Lodge (at the end of his term) a correct account of the condition of the Lodge; and to answer, by direction of the Lodge, all communications that may be addressed to it.*

* In many of the Lodges, the business being too much for one Secretary, there is a second elected, who is called the Permanent Secretary, and who usually receives pecuniary consideration for his services. Ordinarily, he is elected for one year. It is his duty to keep just and true accounts between the Lodge and its members;

The Secretary of a Lodge should endeavor to exercise toward his brethren, who may apply to him for information relative to matters in his charge, the utmost courtesy and forbearance. He should be willing to take some trouble to enlighten them on all subjects connected with his business, into which they have the right to inquire; and in no case should he allow himself to be offended at what he may consider unnecessary inquiry. There can be no secret rightfully kept from a brother of the Lodge.

He has the right to demand information relative to every thing that is done therein, whether it be in his presence or absence; and as the Secretary is the servant of the Lodge, he must expect to be called upon for information concerning its transactions.

We would also say, that the Secretary of a Lodge should not consider that his duty as an officer is merely to perform the requirements we have here noted; but that he too (although he may not be bound to do so by the regulations or official desire of his Lodge) should make his weekly call at the bedside of his sick brother. As an Odd-Fellow simply, he

to collect all dues, fines, and assessments, as soon as imposed; and report to the Lodge any brother neglecting to pay the same when duly notified; to enter the charges as they become due, and credit the amounts as paid, giving a receipt for them; and to pay them to the Treasurer immediately, taking his receipt. Ile must, at the close of each term, notify every member who is thirteen weeks in arrears, of the amount due by him to the Lodge, adding thereto twelve and a half cents extra for serving the notice. At the end of each quarter, he must render to the Lodge an account of the state of his books. He must keep his accounts regularly posted, and be ready at all times to render statements of the arrears of the brethren, so that their rights be not abused. No person, how ever, is at liberty to interfere with his books, except the N. G. of his Lodge, or the Grand-Master or his Deputy. In Pennsylvania, the Recording Secretary is called "Permanent," and the Permanent otary "Assistant."