Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-05-09
ADDRESS.
Fcllo,c- Citizens and Brethren Of The Independent
Order of odd FcuOws


Fclop- Citicens and Brethren of the Independent
Order of Odd Feiiows
On this first occasion OF a public demonstra-
ton by our Order, in this section of the country,
it is matter of regret, that one better fitted to
represent it's interests and unfold its principles,
had not been assigned to such service. 1t Is too
late however, to correct an error OF this sort !;
and while the duty is approached with diiiidence
in our own powers of advocacy or exploitation, it
is with full confidence in the cause we shall en-
deavor to sustain.
In addressing the two classes which compose
this audience-those who do not, and those who
do belong to our Fraternity, it is respectful to
the one, and due to the other, that some OF the
preludices and objections commonly existing a.
gainst associations of this kind should be briefly
reviewed
We do this from a regard 10 public opinion,
which under the operation of our free institu-
tons, based as they are, upon the grand postu-
late that all power is with the people, is potent
in its awards upon all questions coming within
its proper jurisdiction. We are led TO consider
these prejudices, Also from due regard to the
Order itself lest unfounded and unanswered OBJ
jectons might obstruct its progress OF usefulness
and beneyolc,rce After we shall have disposed
of these hindrances TO a just appreciation OF our
Institution, we shall proceed to deVeope its prin-
cples, and submit their soundnes; 10 the test of
practical results; in which, if we shall succeed
according TO The measure OF our own convictions,
that portion of this assembly, which does not be-
long to us will go away better satisfied with
Odd Fellowship than VIXEN they came.
The first objection we notice IL, that Chris
tianity claiming Divine Orgin-reflecing the
wisdom of Heaven, and breathing its benevo-
lence, embodies all the good which man requires
for his present and future well-being-a1id that
to put forth other SYSTEMS OF human device, for
anell0ratIon and reformation, is to pluck the
Jewels from the crown OF our holy religion. The
force of the objection depends upon what that
other system is. If 1t proposes new articles of
religious belief, or a new moral code, the obec
ton is a valid one: but, certainly it finds no APP
pication III our Order 40 no such claim is set up.
Far be it from us to tread upon hallowed and for
hidden ground, or infringe upon jurisdiction
whose processes reach the heart, and whose
mandates lay hold upon the conscience in its
most hidden retreats. Ours is not religious in
sttution, and, therefore, not to be tried by reli-
gious tests. 1t has nothing 10 do with the Pc
culiarities of Christianity no substitute
for the Church or for civil government-and in
tereres with no Obligations to the one or the
other. II does, however, inculcate and enforce
upon its members all the great principles of
neutrality-suspicious. as old as the Bible and of
the Bible-which the Church approves, and
which no human government can cOntravene,
without breaking down the very pillars upon
which 1t rests. All this, however, subserves m
portant ends of civil government and religion
also, and is, therefore, ancillary to both. But
why waste time i'll refuting such an objection.
Religion has nothing to fear from our Order. In
the alesty of her own sublime origin and de-
signs she need fear no enemy. The ruin OF
crushed worlds would only drive her back to her
home in Heaven, with the trophies won on earth;
proving by her departure that her mission had
ended, and ended only i'll the winding up of all
things. Far be it from Odd Fellowship TO rival
Christianity, or moralize the world by stereo-
type process of sayings and doings. Yet we man
be permitted TO enter the great field of Charity and
aid, at least, i'll work, which neither the Church
nor the State have effected, commensurate to the
pressing wants of afflicted and suffering human
ity But more of this hereafter. Seek not TO
create antagonism between the Christian system
and this Order Drive us not from admira-
ton OF the Law or the Gospel; and when i'll com
pany with any, we visit Smd for the one pur-
pose, or lion Tor the other-wfile they, through
privilege aspire to the summit, we linger at the
base and there pitch our humble teuts-think
not that an enemy turks within. Why then
throw the veil of secrecy around your Order A
question presenting another objection and ano-
ther ground of prejudice. On this point we are
happy to say that the society of Odd Fellows
lay no stress upon WGgnum Ignottp,, or grand
the magic power of this and other associations.
We lay claim to no sovereign panacea for the
whole round of human ills-no philosopher IS
stone converting the baser elements of human
character into standard gold. We seek TO excite
no vain speculations, and feel assured that we
cannot awaken suspicion. 1t is true our pro-
cecdings are private, and in this, there is the
most obvious propriety, hamonizing with the
best features of the Institution. Associated to-
gether for humane and benefirent purposes, pri-
marily affecting our own members, we escape a
thousand erubarrassments, by excluding those
from our deliberations not directly interested
therein. The heart too, is kept freer in the
tlrobbings of its own benevolence, and more o.
pen to just conception of obligations, volunta-
rily assumed, when the world, with its criti-
cisus and intermedding, or lis promptings to
pride, ostcntation; and yain-glory, are shut out
from our contemplation.
Charity, also, under the operation of such a
system; can be dispensed, without subjectiug tc
tire broad gdze Of the public eye, some uniortu-
rate or afflicted victim of wrong or disease-and
il can be enioyed without woundlno some of the
niceet Scnsbilitie8 of the human heart. Besides
we look upon our Lodge in the light OF a family
association. Here we communicate freely with
one auOthcr-counsel, adnonish and sympathise
oniy because we know that whatever transpires
i'll this circle, iscorfned within its own crcumier-
ence. Take away the covenantcd privacy, and
much of the confidence departs with it.
From what has Just been said, it might readily
be inferred that like policy would be observed
in regard 10 the means and modes of recogni-
ton, adopted by this Order, including also, the
signals by which brother can be aPprized or ap