Lyr. Add: IF THERE'S A PLEASURE ON EARTH
The Odd Fellows Song
Music C. F. Hupfeld(t), 1847

1
Oh! if there's a pleasure on earth that's more pure,
Or more blest than another, say is it not this;
To lighten the sorrows that others endure!
To hold out a hand to "A Friend in distress"
'Tis a pleasure that selfishness never can know,
A joy that no language, no pen cab express,
Ah who can forget, that once felt the glow,
That the heart gives while helping "A Friend in distress."
2
Since each has his trials, and troubles to bear,
While as pilgrims we journey along the same road,
When we meet with a brother with more than his share,
'Tis "Humanity" bids us to "lighten his load."
The richest today may tomorrow be poor,
If we've little how many there are who have less
Oh! ne'er should the heart then, the hand, or the door,
Be closed to the claims* of "A Friend in distress."

* Difficult to read- 'claims'(?)
Lyrics seem to belong to Hupfeld (title page).
C. F. Hupfeld & Sons, Philadelphia, 1847.
American Memory.

"My Initiation" to follow.