The union Democrat., 1869-05-29

/
capabilities. while educating him for the per-
furmance of the important duties devolying
upon him In the various relations of life.
PROGRESS.
| True, her infant aspirations did not, per-
haps, embrace so large work as this, but
a. the principles embodied in her orgauiza-
zion germinated and gained strength among
her members, the field of usefrlness became
enlarged nobler and more expanded views
of her capabilities were opened up before
them. Her power for good became more full
iy demonstrated; great principles were sug-
gested and measures for carrying them out
were successfully improved. and thus in the
pr"gress of years Odd-Fellowship has be-
cume powerful agency in the great work of
moral reform wherever its principles have
been faithfully reduced to practice.
Fifty years ago to-day marks the initial
ooin: in the history of our order in America
In the year 1919 Odd-Fellowship set on foot
its mission in the cry of Baltimore under the
auspices Of FIVE plain and unpretending citi-
zens. who met for this purpose on the Goth
Of April pursuant to call issued bv Thomas
Wildey who is justly recognized as the found
er Of our order, and who for several years
lived and labored 10 promote its interests.
Fifty years ago Odd-Felowship entered the
lists upon the great arena nf human conflict
feeble, it is true in its beginning. but under
the inspiration of a noble purpose she has
been gathering strength, until to-day she
numbers more than half million among
whom are some of the noblest and best of our
nation.
Thus, introduced and organized in our own
favored land where fewer obstacles to its pro-
gress existed where poverty and oppression
were less frequent ; and where industry and
toll we've more hountifully rewarded imbued
with the spirit of our free institutions, and
sharing in the blessings of the rapid spread
cf general intelligence. f,stered and promoted
by means of the pulpit and the press. it has
grown and increased in it's power for good
beyond the anticipations of its earlier friends
and admirers.
1t will arpear obvious to every candid
mind, that men associated together for the
purpose Of fcGrrying ont the objects Of our in
stitHtion, cannot fail tn realize an elevating
and ennohlng influence upon their own
hearts. while the cultivation Of the principles
of Friendship, Love and Truth, nv such as
sociation, cannot fail to make them hetter
men in every relation they sustain in life
that is : as husbands fathers and citiznns. II
must be confessed, however, that while this
c"mes within the range CT possibilities and is
the aim Of our Orter these results do not al
'cdys appear. In every snciety there may be
found those who do that society no honor
who convey to the uninitiated erroneous i'm
pre~sions Of its character and efficiency.
Odd Feliewship IL mt an exception. 1t
NAV he that some cling to it merely for the
oaves and fishes. 1t is possible that men
NAV and sometimes do attach themselves to
| eo1E E.,h
who think their whole duty pcrfnrmod if thpv
visit the sick. keep themselves clear of all
charges on the books, and occasionally wear
the regalia, or the badge of Office.
We pray you. judge us not by these. The
man who stops here. and rests satisfied with
this merely legal performance, must have
verv contracted and unworthy views Of the
noble aims of our Order, and has prnfted
| little bv the various lessons of instruction
which he has received during his soiourn
among "a. Years ago. such an one might
have passed for good Old-Fellow hut it is
not 40 to-day. The advancing intelligence of
the present dav makes demands on Us which
we must not ignore.
| MORAL STANDARD.
As an evidence of the high standard of
moral excellence which our order is endeavor-
ing 70 maintain among her members through
our oil her bnrders have taken from III latest
statistical report, list nf the causes for
which members have been expelled from the
varions Lodges in the United States. Intcxi-
catinn or Drunkenness. Felony, Forgery,
Deserving family. Adultery. Dishonesty. Keep
ing house of i'll fame. immortality, Abusing
his wife, Biuamy. Dafraniing creditors,
Gambling. Licenti"usness. Selling liquor to
drurkard against the rpmnnstrance Of his
wife. Selling liquor in v"ntion Of the law
Offering insult to lady. Living. and thus we
might continue to enumerate ; sufficient how
ever has been said on this point to throw
raw Of light upon the objects which we aim to
accomplish, and the moral sentiment by
which we are guided.
LESSONS.
At the very threshold of our institution the
candidate is reminded that the All seeing
/ Eye. from which nothing can b. hid, is upon
him. As he advances. the lessons impaired
to him are calculated to deepen this impress
sion. and to lead him on to a knowledge of
himself, his duties and his destiny The
glorious principles which we cherish. finding
their clearest illustration in the we'll anthem
ticated records of inspiration, and harmonic
irg with the law which our Creator has
stamped upon our nature, are eminently cal
culated tn make men social and humane and
10 elevate them above the influence of every
sordid motive.
EQUALITY.
Our order recognises human equality.
That we may meet upon a common level and
all stand shoulder to shoulder on this broad
platform, all distinctions in classes and
conditions are obliterated or ignored the
rich and the noor stand on perfect equality :
Political differences are not known in the
Lndge-ronm. and while respect for religion is
incnlated. seetarianism is not permitted 20
enter her courts.
| In the lodge room we meet as members of
one family. and bv interchange of sentiments.
and mutual counsel. we seek to develop those
qualities of head and heart which are calcu-
lated to make the true Oid-Felow a blessing
wherever he NAV go-a friend to humanity.
and living rebuke to the spirit of selfish
/ ness.
We are commanded to ''visit the sick. re-
lleve the distressed. educate the orphan. and
| hurry the dead - II 10 tr1n thar theso dT>tleS