Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1868-04-09


H. q literal matteroffact age, like
ihe present, Institutions and individu.
NJ members of such bodies are scanned
uith closeness, Of scrutiny that pla-
ccs their pretensions upon proper
level. High professions will not GOV,
rr up moral dclinquenciesj nor will
thc mere declarations of adhesion TO
thc principles of Benevoence, Philan-
thropy and Brotherly Love, be acoep-
fed by the world as substitutes for the
nb>ence of all practical action, in ac-
cordance with these principles.
Ne have never held any visionary
opinions regarding the influence Of
our Order; we are not believers in
nc Utopian theories sometimes pro-
mnIgated by jealous, but mistaken
members of the Order upon this sub
jett We do not anticipate any per-
Visibility of man to be achieved by
the agency OF Odd Fellowship, for we
know how deficient must be every
means employed by human energies.
But while thus divesting Odd Fellow
ship of any identification with trans
ccDdental notions or ultraism, we
UI&im for it world-renovating mis-
sion that places it among the tore
most of the Philanthropic Institutions
of.the age. The practical character
ofonr Order entities it To this pre-em-
incnce. In its corporate capacity,
the great governing principles of char
ity, on which it is based, is carried
,out with systematic and well ordered
action. On this fundamental point
ct bur Order, we stand impreguabie
aeainst all theshafts of our opponents
AZ is, indeed, a spectacle TO com
mand admiration, TO see an association,
comprising over two hundred thou
eand members, scattered over every
portion of the vast extended continent,
all guided by one handspring Of action,
aud that the heaven-directed principle
of CHARITY The amount Of human
suifering that has been alleviated by
this consolidated effort, could it be
known, would astonish even ourselves,
fhmiiar as we are with the practical
Vibrations of our Order. Co-existent
With our main design of Charity, Fra
tcrnization. These two great objects
form the fundamental basis of our or
9anization snd collectively as a body
we have faithfully and efficiently per-
formed the duties enjoined upon us in
our affiliated connection and have
heretofore stood before the world in
vulnerable, on these leading principles
ofOdd Fellowship. ll1il sIatI
4Such is the character of our Order,
and its results, when viewed in its
aggregated form. Our enemies and
opponents now yield to us all have
assumed on this broad ground OF col
(ecfive usefulness and high-toned prin-
ciple. But while conceeding this,
they peint with bitter sarcasm to the
unworthy acts of individual members,
and sneer at the dissensions and diff
forences which are occasionally ex-
hibited in our councils. 1t is worse
than folly to deny that those charges
bisve no foundation in truth. We can
not disguise facts as they exist among
us We may lament the existence
Of all these defects in our individual
fnembers we may deplore the want
ofunanimity in our councils; nay, we
may palliate our objections, by as
ecrting that our Institution is but a
human invention-that its members
are subjected TO the common infrmi-
ties of humanity and that Odd Eel
ioEship as an Institution, is not just
" chargeable with defects, which are
alike common to all human societies,
either collectively, or individually I;
and we shall, to a certain extent, be
warranted in making such defense.
AND yet when we return to the great
fundamental principles, which should
govern us as body, and can ade-
quately realize that CHARITY and the
cultivation Of THE FRArEsSIzIEa SPIR-
17s are the governing laws Of Odd
Fellowship, we must place our hands
upon our mouths, and remain dumb
before the accusations to which we
are justly exposed, for we must feel
the consciousness that every individ-
aaunl member of the Order might act
up TO the true character of an Odd
t'cllow, as well in his private rela-
tons as in his affiliated position with
tie Order. What would be the char
hcter Of such member acting upon
the principles cnjoincd by Odd Eel
I6ws? 'w
Tie leading traits of such a char
acier may be better described by neg
stiyes than by Alternatives for the
eabt extent of individual duties and
responsibilities devolving upon faith
fuI and worthy member of our Order
cannot be definitely laid down.
We say then that the true odd Eel
i0w is not man who allows the nat
ural selfshness of bis nature to pre-.
dQminate in every movement he takes
10 The Order. He is not the carping,
irritable opponent of any act of gen
erosity and benevolence left dscre-
tionary in the powersof the members.
1t IL not the petty leader of tribes
IN bis lodge. He is not governed by
feelings Of personal excitement toward
his brother members; for such feel
ing are incompatible with our pre-
fepfions, and might be assuaged by a
timple regard for our characters as
Odd Fellows He is not an ambitious
and intriguing aspirant for Office and
honors, for charity and brotherly re.
CARDS are merged in these contests.
lio values and estimates these distinc.
tloEs, but be will not be desirous of