New Haven Daily Herald

FUNERAL OF AN ODD-FELLOW AND RECHABITE.

Messrs. Editors,—Last Sunday the remains of Mr. Wells D. Graham, who was a member of the above named societies, were followed to the grave by upwards of 400 of the brothers of the two orders. The services were performed, both at the house and at the grave, by the Rev. Enoch S. Winter, of this city, in a solemn and impressive manner.— The admonition given at the latter place was one of deep interest, and in every way calculated to impress on the mind of each hearer the importance of being "always ready" to meet the great king of terrors, when he shall say, "this night is thy soul required of thee."

Would that I were able, Messrs. Editors, to do justice to the eloquent and feeling remarks which fell from the lips of that excellent Divine, but as far as my memory will serve me I will give them, with the full assurance that when they are read by your numerous subscribers, they will show that the Rev. Mr. Winter is liberal and just in his opinions, and would lend a helping hand to wipe out false impressions that may be afloat touching such societies, and to sustain institutions that are founded upon true benevolence, temperance, "friendship, love and truth." This is proved, also, by the fact that, although brother Graham had not been a member long enough to make him free, the suggestions of the reverend gentleman were not lost sight of, but carried out and acted upon to the very letter. Fifty dollars and upwards were collected by the worthy brothers of the two societies, on their return to their respective lodges, and much more may be expected to be given by the brotherhood for the benefit of the afflicted widow and fatherless children. Such are some of the many benefits which arise from these noble institutions, and more might be named. But, Messrs. Editors, I will no longer dwell upon this interesting theme, but give (from memory) some portion of the address, and should any errors be discovered by persons more competent to write than myself, or blessed with a better memory, I trust they will take the will for the deed.

W. G.

ADDRESS.

It is not an uncommon occurrence that has brought this great congregation together.— Death is constantly bearing our friends to their last resting place, the grave; and as he is commissioned by our rightful sovereign, we would not offer a murmuring word, but bow in humble submission to the Judge of all the earth, who always doeth right. We have come here to pay our last kind offices to a departed friend." In that grave lies the husband, the father, the child, our brother and associate. Some of us have been touched in a more tender point than others. The most of us have come here to sympathize with those who are more deeply afflicted, and to impart to them such consolation as human kindness can bestow. This friend, that we now leave in his cold mansion, has only a few days the start of us, for we shall soon be inactive as he is. We have no fear in leaving him here. The Lord Jesus Christ once laid in the grave, but he soon rose triumphant and became the first fruits of those who slept. When he shall come the second time without sin unto salvation, the same voice that raised Lazarus from the grave, will bring this man back to life. This body that we lay down in weakness he will raise in power. We lay it down here in corruption, he will raise it in incorruption; and he who is now still in death will live through endless ages, more and more vigorous for ever. Let it be our object so to number our remaining days as to apply our hearts unto wisdom,—to lay up treasure in Heaven,—glorify God on the earth,—and spend our eternity at his right hand in Heaven.

Our surviving friends will soon need the sympathy we are now called upon to bestow upon this afflicted family. And let not our sympathy be in word only, but in deed and in truth. We were long since told by the voice of inspiration, that pure and undefiled religion before God and the father is this:—To visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. The widow and the fatherless in this instance need the prayers of all who have an interest at the throne of grace, that God would be her God and husband, and a father to her fatherless children.—They need also your munificence. Their circumstances are such that it is not only necessary to have a feeling heart, but to open to them a liberal hand.—

For the last year our friend who is gone was engaged in bringing back to the paths of virtue and sobriety the ruined and lost. His heart went after the intemperate man, and his efforts reclaimed him. Many through his influence have been rescued from a drunkard's grave. One of the societies here present to which he belonged, has for its object the reclaiming of those who have wandered afar off into the mazes of sin and wretchedness, and bring them back to their families, to reform society, and to the religion of the bible; and I trust you will not relax your efforts till every drunkard in the land is redeemed. The other society also here present has Charity for its object, and has always with an unsparing hand dealt its benefactions to the poor and needy. Our friend, it is true, had not belonged to either of these societies long enough to claim by right any thing for his widow. But under the circumstances, do we need to ask in her behalf that as individuals you will contribute to her benefit? There is no necessity for such a plea, for I feel assured you will act worthy of yourselves and worthy of the city you live in.

Now in behalf of the family, by their special request I return their grateful acknowledgments to their sympathizing friends, and especially to the societies to which he belonged, for their prompt and timely assistance. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.