The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-05-12


his present conviction. .gsN = r.
8. Some objections thereunto an
swered. e .-ers- .s-.r.s a...i 81.
5. Some benefits of Odd Fellow.
ship. -f 81. z4.f: . 1,.Hr 81
1. Secret Societies may be such as
to conflict with no duty of man.
That we are correct. in this, we
| think can be clearly shown to all who
will candidly weigh the arguments by
4 which we wish to prove the same.
My first argument [ deduce from
their yoluntariness. There, is, no in
zfhence from without which compels
an Identification Herewith, but.strictly
voluntary in all their relations are
/ they found. .aav Is=i..a.f-.. Il, +.
2. Ny second argument / deduce
from the fact that the term secrecy
does not imply evil intended, w hile
we are free to admit that evil designs
are sometimes devised secretly, vet at
the same time there may be good as
well as evil secretly devised. l. :,
The proof of this, are ndant,
The Creator of the Universe has been
pleased to enjoin, reprove man the i'm
portance of this. " hen Jesus Christ
was upon the earth, after did he say
to his disciples, "Tell no man." .
But why need we discuss this point ?
Our enemies themselves concede the
same saying, "Concealment may be
| used as defense against enemies, as
in the case of the spies of Joshua, the
messengers of David, or the case of
Elisha, in hiding himself by the Brook
Chiseth according to Gods order.
See Secret Societies by Adediu, p. 80
On little farther in the same work
we read: Secret Societies may be
rightfully resorted to for common
1 council and united action in the fear
of God" '''i ..i'', rae
How then are the admissions of our
enemies upon this point? Admis-
sions cf such a nature as to foreversi-
lence them against in the future.
| With these before us it will not be
hard to meet any thing from such
sources hereafter or yirsI a-=
l repeat then. When Secret Soci-
eties are such as to agree with the
teachings of Divine Revelations, voice
of history, and admonitions of Nature.
My proposition is in very broad
terms stated. 'tNo duty of man is
conhicted Herewith" and hence for
our opponents it is to point out such
duties as are Herewith in conflict when
/ we will defend the. same. = a..
| 2. Secret Societies are demanded by
man in his present condition -.
Z ! This proposition will be found In
teresting in nature, metaphysical in
character, and practical in application.
/ At first view, its annunciations may
seem likethe fol hidden things of which
Poets have conjectured but never sung.
AT another we, find the same within
our sphere, and dare to maintain the
same. -. 80, --- .--.-.z -, sr,.i4,;
1. That such is true, appear from
the restraints demaned by man.
Mean, subject to be, by influence:
controlled we find, yet, prone to for
| get the heighth of his origin, sacredness
of mission, or Importance of all cul-
ture is he found, ~ ia4 la .
Voluntary associations, predicated
upon the honor of man, have been, as
the result of numerous experiments
adopted as the best means of meeting
| such a. demand of his nature. 1
p, The relation of man socially is
such as to demand something more
than ordinary in character, to cal
forth from him that which to his tel
EIow-man7 is due, Our all~wise Crea
tor has been pleased to.place within
us principles of: sociability, and equan-
unity, which we are too apt to alto
getler overlook, or let partially re
| spond unto Man voluntarily asstim
ing a response to such doing good to
ali men (''especially to the brethren')
thus finds. another demand of his ma
ture not with which could in no other
| way have been done. .''' ''''-' p. q
g.. The demand for sselt-cuIture
which man finds upon himself to be
passing, without something more than
mere selfgratifcation, would have il
tie case OF many remained in state
of dormancy. One of the most de
lightful occupations, is the culture ot
the mind, when placed under proper
directors. A desire to obtain posi-
1 ton among the more refined, is, by as
sociation developed, and thus praise
/ worthy emulation,' is inspired, ane
man enabled to feel himself such
among his fellow men are. equal. .,
4. Charity demands the same
Low there are ineulcated principles o
benevoIence in the scriptures of trutf
and the various Church organization.
of none of which would l say any
thing disparagipg, but. here then bring
no acknowledged criterion by which
to be governed, many n worthy mar
whose condition would become knowr
and wants relieved, is thus lett tc suf
fer. So many are desirous of crafty
ing themselves alone, that the fnel
feelings of their nature, are ,nevel
seen unless under some obligation
predicated upon their manhood. But
voluntarily assuming such obligations
they find the demands of their ma
lures met, and from the creature theil
thoughts are selivated to the Creator
j from selfshness their minds becoming
; freed, there is room made for other:
! wants, and thus the gifts of a merci
/ fu1, God, are rendered more equally
! distributed.
4 From these considerations, we SCI
4 that there is in the present condition
! Of man a! demand for Order of Fra
! ternities, which are to be perpetuatef
1 for the accomplishment of good
Morally, intellectually and physically
i g.. Some objections therehnto an
swered. Z s-''.f : = 'i'{'i''s'i e. T
Before entering upon the discus