5 Barb. 556 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1849
The avowed object of the association of Rechabites “ismutual benefit in the exercise of temperance, fortitude and justice ; receiving sympathy and relief in times of sickness and distress, and in the event of death, the decent observance of the necessary funeral obsequies for the brethren and their wives : and is based upon and seeks the extension of the principle of total abstinence from all intoxicating .drinks.” The funds of the society are consecrated to the furtherance of these social, moral and religious objects, and cannot be constitutionally diverted by a primary tent, except a sum not exceeding fifty dollars for the purpose of furnishing a tent room. They are purposes which challenge the favor of the uninitiate, and if accomplished, their effect upon the moral character of the members, and their ministrations at the bed of sickness, the chamber of languishing, and in the house of mourning, seems to me to constitute the highest of moral obligation on the part ,of the recipient to redeem the pledge of cheerful obedience to the constitution and laws of the order, which he made upon his matriculation. This court, however, cannot treat the question in the cause ethically. It belongs to the department of