son, for embezzling, or applying moneys to his own use, belonging to the Society, inasmuch as part of those moneys belonged to such delinquent as a member of that Society. But the law, in that respect, has lately been explained by the decision of the twelve Judges, in the case of a man belonging to several benefit Societies, who was convicted at the last March Assizes for Warwick for embezzling the moneys of certain Societies of which he was also a member. An objection was taken by his counsel on the grounds I have stated, and judgment was deferred until the last Summer Assizes for Warwick, when Mr. Baron Bolland delivered the opinion of the twelve Judges, by stating that the prisoner being a member of the different Societies he had defrauded did not make any difference in the nature of his offence, and he therefore sentenced him to seven years' transportation.

A case of fraud of a similar deseription has recently occurred at the Spring of Love Lodge, Derby, by the late N. G. and Treasurer pro. tem. of it, (Geo Robotttom,) and although the Lodge have tried every means to obtain the money, and have been treated with abuse and unpleasantness, and been told that he would never pay a penny of it, and that the Lodge could not make him, they have had no alternative but to expel him for the offence. But on my communicating to the Lodge, about a week ago, the decision of the twelve Judges, pronounced at Warwick, and considering the conduct of Robottom, towards a young Lodge, highly reprehensible and dishonest, I advised them to let the G. M. of the District and some of their members call upon him for the payment of the money, and state their determination to prosecute him for the offence; and I am happy to state that such a step has had the desired effect, for his father has joined him in a note of hand for the money, payable by five shillings per fortnight.

The Spring of Love Lodge have requested me to communicate these facts to you, in the hope that you will direct them to appear in your next Magazine, of which I am a subscriber, that the Unity may know that we are protected by the laws of our country from acts of dishonesty by its members. Sincerely hoping that this may operate as a warning to the many sad examples we have had, prevent a recurrence of them, and teach every Odd Fellow that "honesty is the best policy," I remain, with great respect, very sincerely yours,

Derby, August 29, 1836.

WILLIAM BALL,

P. G. of the Philanthropic Lodge, Uttoxeter.

P. S.-I must not forget to say that the conduct of G. M. Dunn, of the Derby District, and the other officers attending him on this occasion, was most consistent and praiseworthy, and proves that they are Odd Fellows, not only in name, but in truth. Robottom has paid the first instalment.

THE SUNDAY WATER-PARTY.

IN a village near town, on the banks of the Thames,
There liv'd a good couple-(I mention no names)—
This pair, you must know, had a son they called Ned,
And he to the trade of a Grocer was bred;

As good-humoured a fellow as ever I knew,
And in honour and honesty equall'd by few.

At church he was constant and always well-drest,

And of the psalm-singers 'twas thought he sung best.
Ned's person was neat, and his manners polite,
So the shop was well crowded from morning till night:
His master, who drew near the end of his life,
Had determin'd to give him his daughter to wife;
And Nancy was pretty, and good-and, 'twas said,
Had long look'd with an eye of affection on Ned.

About this time it happen'd some hard-drinking folk

Form'd a Club, at the sign of "King Charles in the Oak,"

To drink and to smoke, and of politics prate,

And, tho' drunken themselves, to take eare of the State; And tho' times were so hard, and provisions so dear,

Their newspapers cost them six guineas a year.

Of this Club a young fellow named Jack was the head,
A clerk to a lawyer, next neighbour to Ned;

For his wit and his humour admir'd and caress'd,
Tho' his morals and conduct were none of the best.
He was civil to Ned, and whenever they met
Tried to coax and to wheedle him into the set;
By what arts he prevail'd 'twould be tedious to tell,
Suffice it to say-he succeeded too well!

Soon a wonderful change this new company made,
Ned neglected his church, and neglected his trade;
He quickly became a deep politician,

Swore the nation was in the high road to perdition;
Was eager to find out the faults of the Throne,
The Lords and the Commons-but never his own!
He first learn'd to omit, then to ridicule prayer,
To laugh at his Bible, to drink, and to swear!
So alter'd he was, you could scarce think it true
'Twas the same honest good-humoured Ned that you knew.
His master in anger declared they must part,

And Nancy's pale face told the grief of her heart;

His parents reprov'd him again and again,

But advice and reproof were repeated in vain.

At times his convictions and sorrows were deep,
But a song or a bumper laid conscience to sleep;
While the feelings of virtue still left were repress'd
By the dread of a laugh or an infidel jest;
How many a soul has been ruin'd thro' fear,
Regardless of God, tho' afraid of a sneer !

The party had met on a Saturday night,

They had pretty well drank, and their spirits were l'ght, When Jack thus harangued them "Before we must move "I've a plan to propose, which I hope you'll approve : "To-morrow is Sunday, a dull tiresome day,

"When we're neither permitted to work nor to play;
"Yet trust me I'll find you no bad recreation,
"In spite of the law, or the king's proclamation,
"For a trip on the water to Richmond I vote,
"I'll treat you to dinner, and find you a boat;
"As for you who persist in frequenting the church,

"Do for once leave the parson and clerk in the lurch." The rest of the party agreed with delight,

The plan was arrang'd, and they parted that night.

In the morning betimes they assembled again,

The boat was prepar'd, and they set sail at ten. The church-bell now summoned the party to pray'r, Ned heard, and he sigh'd, and he long'd to be there: Jack perceived it and said, "What a pity it is, "Thou wilt never get rid of that sanctified phiz; "I see you are troubled with one of your qualms, "So I'll sing you a song, Ned, instead of the psalms." Then he sung of the folly and madness of thinking Of the pleasures of love, and the pleasures of drinking; That 'tis wisdom to cast away trouble and sorrow, To be merry to-day, and not think of to-morrow.

""Tis foolish," says Ned, "but I cannot but say
"I wish I were not of this party to-day;

"I am not very fond of the water I own,
"On a Sunday so often I've accidents known;
"I was once superstitious, and fancied it then

"A judgment from God, and a warning to men."

Nay, pri'thee," says Jack, "make an end of such cant,

"I'd rather by half hear a Methodist rant;

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Every Sunday that's fine I go the year round,

"And you see, Mr. Ned, I have never been drown'd;
"But if sometimes it happens why tell me, I pray,
"Of all the days in the year should it happen to-day?"
He embellish'd his speech with many a curse,
With which I don't choose to embellish my verse.

By such reasoning as this, Ned, asham'd of his fear,
Tried as thoughtless and merry as Jack to appear;
The spring just returning with new foliage was crowned,
And the landscape was lovely and blooming around:
For nature, like man, in her holiday vest,
Seem'd to hail with delight a new sabbath of rest.
Inspir'd by such seasons, the Christian will raise
His part in the general Chorus of Praise;
And the wonders of nature will louder applaud,
When he traces her steps to her Maker and God:
But frigid and tasteless the Infidel's mind,
Is not form' to partake of a joy so refin'd,—
Tho' his idol is nature, her power is unknown,
The blind worshipper bows to a stock or a stone.

Our party ne'er meddled with this train of thinking,
Their thoughts were engag'd about eating and drinking,
For the high hill of Richmond stood full in their view,
And they soon reach'd the bridge, where they landed at two.
They made haste to the inn where they'd settled to dine,
I've forgot, tho' I once heard the name of the sign;
From the landlord they met with a welcome most hearty,
When he saw his friend Jack at the head of the party.

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"These," says Jack, are some friends whom I've promis'd to treat, "You can give us, I hope, a good dinner to eat,'

I'll provide," says the landlord, "the best I am able,

"A good surloin of beef just fit for the table;

"It was dress'd for ourselves, but 'tis yours if you please,

"Tho' my wife and my children must eat bread and cheese. "But 'tis fair if I give up my dinner to you,

"You should e'en with my beef take my company too."

The terms were accepted, the table-cloth laid,
And the surloin soon fell beneath many a blade;

Then came ripes and tobacco, and wine too in plenty,
And a large bowl of punch fill'd as often as empty :
The toast and the bottle past merrily round,

And care and reflection in bumpers were drown'd.
The landlord who plainly perceiv'd their condition,
Said civilly, Gentlemen, give me permission,
"To entreat you to stay and take supper and beds,
You'll be better, I think, with a house o'er your heads
"You may see that it threatens a storm before night,
"And you cannot, I'm sure, reach home while 'tis light:
"If you don't like the quarters you're in, I'll engage
"To send back the boat, if you'll go by the stage."

Jack replied, "we have laid too much liquor within
"To fear any without tho' drench'd to the skin;
"As for danger, I scorn it, and all cowards too,-
"As for fear, 'tis a vice this heart never knew!
"A few heavy heads without loss may be sunk,
"I could swim like a duck, whether sober or drunk;
"Let those who suspect their pates are of lead,

66

Stay like cowards behind, and sneak snugly to bed."
Then he call'd for the bill, and the reck'ning was paid,
And each half-drunk hero exclaim'd," who's afraid?"
One only, less bold or less drunk than the rest,
Said, "he thought that the landlord advis'd for the best,"
And, unmov'd by the jeers of the party combin'd,

Declar'd he would sup, and would sleep where he'd dined.

They soon re-embark'd, tho' it blew a fresh gale,
And in spite of persuasion, Jack hoisted the sail;

'Twas not long ere the storm that had threaten'd drew nigh,
And clouds of thick darkness envelop'd the sky:
Th' Almighty insulted, commission'd the storm,
His power to assert, and His vengeance perform.

Next morning we heard the whole party were drown'd,
Too sadly confirm'd when their bodies were found;
I was present when all in one grave were interr'd,
And the heart-rending sighs of their parents I heard.
The old couple, weigh'd down by affliction, are dead,
And Nancy still weeps for the loss of her Ned.

These few simple facts, thus told without art,
Need no labour'd moral to speak to the heart;

Yet indulge me a moment, my friends, while I mention

A few hints, which I think you'll find worth your attention.

To rest from our labours, the goodness of heaven

Has kindly provided us one day in seven;

And He who forbade us to work on this day,

Never meant us to spend it in folly or play.

Dost thou grudge Him, who gives thee the rest of thy days,

This one set apart to his glory and praise ?

Know, thy good is the object and end of the plan,
Here the Glory of God is the service of man;

Improves him in piety, virtue, and worth,

And begins the employment of heaven upon earth.

'Tis a singular instance of man's depravation,
That he, the most favor'd of God's whole creation,
To win the low fame of a vulgar applause,
Should dishonor his Maker, and scoff at His laws.

Though fair is her face, and enticing her tongue,
Unbelief is from vice and from ignorance sprung!
Say-what is the sum of the Infidel's gains,
When exulting he loosens to pleasure the reins,
To riot in vice that enfeebles and cloys,
And leaves a sharp sting to embitter his joys?
While vainly he strives to prove Religion a lie,
He lives without hope,-in despair he will die.

In the Infidel's sight, and when view'd thro' his fears,
How deform'd and how gloomy religion appears!
Strip off the disguise, and her visage how bright!
How easy her yoke, and her burden how light.

Are you happy? Oh! thank the great Giver above!
Are you wretched? Oh! fly to the Fountain of Love!
You're a sinner,-the greatest of sinners,-'tis true,
Yet try, and you'll find there is mercy for you;
But presume not, O sinner, on mercy alone,

Lo! Justice and Judgment attend on His Throne!
Tho' the Thunders may sleep, and the Light'nings be still,
They awake at God's Summons, and fly at His Will;
And the wretch who has trifl'd with mercy shall know,
That His Judgments are sure, tho' His Anger is slow.
(COMMUNICATEd by Alfred SMITH.)

Ripon, August, 1836.

THE VISIONS OF HASSAN.

46

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The day faded into twilight; the flowers ceased to look upon the sun; the bulbul poured his notes of melody unto the star of the evening; and sleep stole over the sorrows and weariness of the universe. But while the eyes of a world were closed, Hassan the destitute woke to grief and meditated on despair. "This morning," exclaimed he, "I was great amongst the greatest, a prince among princes, an eagle on a rock; but mid-day saw me in the hands of mine enemies, as a gazelle struck by the falcon ; and evening beholds me as a wandering star, as the genii torch which is hurled into the vacancy of night: cast down from my throne, exiled from my land, wandering I know not whither. O Alla! Alla! great is thy wisdom, and merciful thy providence; suffer not my heart to blaspheme, nor my soul to doubt that thou art the Highest." Thus saying, Hassan cast himself upon the earth, and groaned in the bitterness of his misery. While he lay thus prostrate and grovelling like a slave upon the ground, he heard a voice, like thunder, echoing through the mountain. "Hassan!" said a voice, "weak child of clay, humbled in thy career of pride, dost thou murmur that God hath chastised thee? Now look into the valley before thee, and say, what dost thou see?" Hassan raised his head and looked into the valley. "I see," replied he, a great stream, and there is a cloud at its source, and a whirlpool at its conclusion, so that I see not from whence it comes, neither behold I whereunto it goeth." That," said the voice, "is the stream of life. The cloud is the time of man's birth. Beyond is the eternity past. The whirlpool is the time of man's death, and beyond is the eternity to come. All must float from the one to the other, and what man shall say that his lot is harder than another? for death is a cup of which all must taste, and life is a trial which all must endure. Therefore is God good from the beginning even unto the end. Now bow down thy head unto the earth, give praise unto Alla, and then look into the valley once more." Hassan did as he was commanded. "And now what seest thou?" said the voice. "I see," answered Hassan, "a cottage and a palace; and there is above them both a fearful storm of lightning and thunder; and, lo! the bolt strikes the palace, and the cottage is untouched." "That palace," said the voice, "is prosperity, and that cottage is adversity. The lightning strikes the proud and passes by the humble, and glory is due to God, for his name is the Impartial. And again, what dost thou behold?" "I see," said Hassan," a large nest upon a high place, and in it there lies a young bird. A fox approaches the nest, and the young bird is destroyed; and now behold an eagle drops upon the fox, and it also is no more.' "Thou shalt not hurt the smallest," said the voice, "lest the greatest frown upon thee; nor shalt thou injure the weakest, for the strongest beholds thine actions; and glory is due to God, for his justice is retributive. Now bow down thine head and pray, that thou mayest be able to endure." And Hassan prayed. "Once more, what dost thou behold?" "It is my capital city in flames," said Hassan with a firm voice; "and I see my palace crumbling in the fire, and I see a woman striving to escape;" and the voice of Hassan became weak, as with great fear. "O Alla! save her," cried he; it is her I have injured! it is Zelekah! it is my beloved!" And he started forward to snatch her from the flames; but as he was about to plunge over the edge of