The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-04-16

HOSTILITY TIE CHURCH TO BENEVOLENT IN
srr1UrIoys.-The religious papers still keep up
their attacks on what they call secret societies,
and direct their shafts against the association
known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
in the most malignant and reckless manner
Now, what is at the foundation of this hostility
on the part of the organs of the church-Catholic
and Protesant-aganst this and other excellent in
situations? fthey were societies, the members of
which were bound together by vows or oaths, or
affirmations, inconsistent with Christianity-with
the principles and preceps of the great founder of
the Christian reigion-there would indeed be
abundant reason But is it of that character! So
far from Its being so, from what we have seen and
heard of it, friendship love, and TRUTH to all the
world-to men of every nation and clime-compose
its corner stone On friendship, love, and truth, as
far as our knowledge of the institution goes, the
whole fabric of Odd Fellowship rests and it is by
practising these virtues, are informed
by visiting the sick, relieving The distressed,
burning the dead, and educating the orphan
that the order has increased to such re-
markablc extent as it has in this and other coun-
tries Go where you will-visit the smallest vii
age or hamlet in the thirty confederate States-and
you will see an altar from which the principles of
friendship, love, and truth are preached, and "A
sanctuary in which they are practlsed. There isno
parade in its illustrations, as we have heard-the
applause of the world is not sought for its good
acts-ts deeds of goodness and mercy are known
only to Heaven and to the recipients The same
may be said of other benevolent institutions of a
similar character. Is there anything antChristian
in this?
But it is said that it is secret sociey-that its
benefits are extended only to the brotherhood.
Admit this, although it might be denied we suppose;
but the portals of Odd Fellowship and of similar in
stitutions, open to all the world The order seeks
not, as we are informed, to conline itself within any
prescribed bounds. 1t desires to expand, and to
keep expanding until it embraces within its fold the
whole human family. 1t desires to make every
man living an Odd Fellow, and will extend the hand
of fellowship to him, without requiring any sacrl-
flee in religion politics. or anything els'. All
that it demands is, that he be good man, that his
character be without stain, and that he have
sense of an overriding Providence. Is his anti
Christian! Is there any immoral tendency in this!
But it has secret signs, tokens and passwords,
known only to the inflated Let the whole world
be initiated, and there will be no need of such.
As for their secrets, we are assured one would
care to know them Another objection to this
and other excellent institutions is that their power
may become go strong as to be dangerous, even to
the government Nothing couldbe more absurd than
this. Any person who knows anything about these
benevolent institutions is aware that political sub
jects could not even be preached, least of all,
discussed, in lodge room; and that any MEM
Der who would so far forget the end and aim Of
them, as to introduce subject in any way con-
nected with such topics, would be instantly slenced.
1t is said, too, that they are immoral societies; but
who ever heard of immortality being proved against
them! Ask the widow, who lives in comfort, and
supports her children, on their bounties, whether
they are immoral Institutions! Ask the strong
man. on the bed fsickness, visited daily and hourly
by his brethren with open hand, whether they
immoral societies! So far from their being i'm
moral societies, none but good men can be MEM
bers in spirit and in truth.
But we know the reason of this sectarian hostility
to the Odd Fellows and other benevolent institu-
tons, and we are sure that it arises solely from
sense of danger. The church is alarmed at the
rapid progress which they make, and fears that if
they increase as they have done for a few years
past, they will rival, in members well as in
Importance, the church itself If they were inn
moral institutions, they never could have made
such rapid progress as they have made. AS it ls,
they rival the church in deeds Of charity. But the
church needs fear, unless the practice of friend
ship, love, and truth can injure it, There is room
enough in the world for all and instead of being
hostile to snch associations, the church, to be con-
sistent with its prophecies should encourage them
ly every means.