Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-05-31
VIEWS OF ODD FELLOWSHIP.

What is Odd Fellowship? This is a ques-
ton have often asked myself, and as often an
swered from my observation of the Order and
its practical workings. Odd Fellowship as
view it presents four great beauties; Friend
ship, Love, Truth and Charity. Out OF these
spring others, innumerable. But what can be
more beautiful than these ..
Friendshp-the social bond of union be-
tween man and his fellow. Love--the divine
essence seasoning all, and temperng all to the
perfect structure. Truth-the guide to holi-
ness, and Charity-thc first of all, which cover
eth multitude of sins-surely there is nothing.
With the exception of Masonry, Odd Fellow
ship differs in one respect from any other insti-
tuition in the world. In its principles it is nei-
ther political, sectarian, State or National. Its
country is the whole world its birthplace and
habitation is found in the hearts of men every
where, and beneath the ample shadow OF its
wings, all men become brethren.
have often heard the Order objected to be-
cause of its secresy; and heard this objection
very strongly argued too, by ministers of the
Gospel the very men who, of all others, should
be its most Jealous supporters and active CO.
operators Aas Have they forgotten the
grand accompaniment of Benevolence and Char
ity the scripture injunction that says to them,
Let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth."
Have they forgotten the words of Christ to
his Apostles, commanding them to do good Sc
cretly promising them the Father would re-
ward them openly? Have they forgotten that
all mankind are not alike; that there are some
feeble minded ones, who would willingly do
good, did they know where to begin; men of
vaclating minds, who require the most solemn,
serious and binding obligations, to hold them to
the path of duty? / think they must have over
looked these things and been somewhat hasty
in their conclusions.
Odd Fellowship proposes to elevate mankind,
and it does. 1t presents the truth to him in
forcble, serious, and never-to-be-forgotten man.
ner 1t arouses powers within the soul that have
been long lain dormant. 1t is grand incentive
to virtue, and has greater beneficial effect on
society than many are aware 1t relves the dis
tresses of the unfortunate administers comfort
and consolation to the afflicted, and looketh for
its reward in Heaven. 1t is not grasping in its
disposition, seeks neither power nor aggran-
dizement, but does seek to weave the silken
cord Of affection around the hearts Of men,
binding them firmly together in one common
bond
have never yet seen an Odd Fellow who
was sorry he was one, nor have seen one (who
abored to carry out the principles of the Or
der) who did not possess large share of be-
nevolence and generosity. From this have
argued there was that in the Order itself, which,
if properly dispensed and rightly acted upon,
would elevate and ennoble the character of its
members. have met with a great many per-
sons, and been on intimate terms with not a
few, who, like myself, have regretted that lack
Of years debarred from membership those who
loved the Order so well. But the writer bides
his time and if, before that time arrives, he
shall be summoned by the Grand Master to a
membership Of the great Lodge above, where
all are brethren, so long as life shall last, the
Order shall have the strong sympathy and
hearty cooperation of at least one.