Weekly Trinity journal., 1868-04-25
From the NeiU Age.
Observe the Signs Of the Times.

We cannot close eyes to the signs of the
times, which call forth the hope that better
order of things is progressing around us. The
rapid spread of phianthropic principles is too
plainly visible in every part of the civilized
world for any to doubt the fact, that man
kind is advancing toward some great and import
ant change. The defects in the present organi-
cation of society are arrestng the attention of
the greatest and the wisest statesmen, equally
with the humblest reformer. Crowned heads
even, If not willingly are compelled to yield to
the onward movement, and give assent to ameli-
orative laws made solely for the benefit Of the
million. The masses may be said to be united
in body in the reform or progress question
Although the movement is divided into phal-
anxes, and radating into diversities OF shades Of
opinion, are one and indivisble on the leading
point, viz the general diffusion of philan-
thropc sentiments.
There is general feeling of determination
steadily increasing among men. Combinations
of this character now spreading in every d.
rection, all actuated by philanthropic principles,
and in their congregated capacity embodying
in action the great leading principles of Christ
anity, % Peace on earth and good will to men,
and love to our neighbor." Such organizations
of men have existed time immemorial, but they
had exclusive and personal views With but
few exceptions, they did not embrace in their
operation any general principle of universal phi
lanthropy. In many cases they were the scourge
of the human race, the sef-instituted avengers
of real or suppositious ills. The societies of the
present day, secret or otherwise, are all united
for noble ends, however ineffective or perverted
they may be. Indeed, the world is becoming
crystallzed in this particular, and men are sep
arating themselves into compact masses, for the
purpose of carrying out some theory of special
benefit to their fellow -men. We may lament
over the selfshness and cupidity of the age, but
it is a redeeming feature of the times, that, with
all its individuality of sefshness, there does ex-
list spirit of organized philanthropy, which
foreshadows the brightest hopes of the future
Every individual has an important work to per-
form, and more especially Odd Fellows, who
should illustrate by example the beautiful points
+ of our lectures and charges, and show to the
world the power of Friendship, Love and Truth
to mould the heart to goodness, and form the
whole character 10 excellence-his life should be
daily lecture in exposition of its principles and
teachings, daily exhibition of its beauty and
worth, and in time the world could no: fail to
see how glorious place this earth would be if
all nations and families should enter into the
work of Odd Fellowship and walk obedient to
its great law of love- Every member of the
Order should make himself thoroughly acquaint-
ed with the objects and aim of Odd Fellowship
the end it has in view, and the means by which
it proposes to reach that end. He should note
particularly the influence as beneficial and So
cal institution, and see what it is doing now,
and the power it is destined to exert in ameli-
Grating the condition of man in removing the
evils and wrongs of society, and quckening the
millions to a just appreciation of the great truth
of human brotherhood, and the necessity of such
an institution ours in the present condition
| of society. Reader you have duty to per
form-neglect it not. Attentively observe-re
fect-ponder it well, and nwardly digest thu
| important, prophetic and significant 'signs O
the times"