Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-06-02

1
In this hour, men are forsaken. even
by those of their own blood, brother for
sakes brother, children neglect, complain
of and forsake their aged parents, and
they are left to die in abject misery and
want. Seeing these things on the right
and left, men have exclaimed: this may
be my lot, this my own individual histo-
ry; aud so, taking one more step, men
have said: come, let us defend ourselves
against these threatening ills. Let us
organize protection, that, while 1t
makes us wiser and better men in our
lives, shall, at the same time prove wall
between us and this terrible disaster-a
shield between the heart of those dear
and near to us, and these poisonous ar
rows of misfortune.
Such is the purpose of Odd Fellow
ship, and such are the considerations in
which it had its origin. 1t is perpetuated
and sustained, because it is an organized
and disciplined order, and because it is
founded in Friendship, Lore and Truth.
Ny friends, while | knew this to he
the purpose of this order, and while [
know that these are the divine principles
upon which, and in which it is founded,
and by which it is to day thriving among
US, | am however not surprised that
many good men and women look upon
it with suspicion, and many others pro-
nounce it child of the darkness and
the night.
/ am not here to make proselytes to
this order; yet if l could not in my own
mind conscientiously answer the objec-
tons that are brought against 1t, | trust
you know me well enough to know, that
l would unequivocaly renounce it. l
hope you will do me the justice 20 notice
carefully the exact language | may use
in answering the objections. ] will no
tice the principal objections, and in doing
this, must necessarily be very brief
l cannot expect to remove at this time
all your objections. do most certainly
expect that you will accept as true my
direct assertions.
|. 1t is said that Odd Fellowship is
dangerous order; because it may be
used for political purposes.
/ answer: First, men of all parties, are
in about equal numbers members Of this
order; and hence each man acts as
guard over the words and the acts of
each other.
Second, on tho opening of every lodge
in America, for the transaction of bust
ness, each individual present is soIemnly
warned by heavy fines against the intro
ducIion in any form of the subject of
politics.
Third. any lodge in America that
should at any time,-even during one
meeting-present, argue or discuss in
any way, any party issue or political
question, would Immediately forfeit its
own existence, lose its charter, and from
that moment every member would be
absolved from its authority and jurisdic
ton.
Second objection. 1t is said That we
administer unlawful oaths and threaten
unlawful penalties. | am, | hope, sufli.
GENTLY well known in this community, to
be able to answer this Objection with a
mere assertion.
assure you then. upon the sanctity of
my calling, that this objection has 10
foundation in truth. have passed from
the threshold Of this order. / have re
ceived many of its honors, and have
both in this country and in the old world.
been the recipient of its care, its love and
sympathy; have listened attentively
and prRyerfully to all its teachings. and
now | am able to say, that It's teachings,
its principles, are drawn from this Bible,
and its great purpose is in consonance
with it.
| have never heard an oath that placed
me 10 antagonism with my duty to God,
to my fellow men or to myself; nor have
| ever been threatened with any penalty
more terrible than a fine, reprimand,
or expulsion.
Sd objection. 1t creates distinctions
in society. If this objection were true,
it would, and ought to have some weight.
Society distinctions are at present quite
too numerous. There are distinctions
founded in letters, in wealth, in politics,
in religion, which, in one sense ought
not to exist. Odd Fellowship does not
necessarily increase the number.
In the lodge room and out of it, every
member is in all things entitled to the
same privileges, the same consideration.
We meet everywhere as heirs to the same
inheritance of sorrow-the same reverses
in life. liable to the same needs. We
meet in the lodge and out, 10 encourage
each other on the stormy sea of life. We
meet with the mutual promise on our lips,
TO smooth if possible each others path to
the grave; and if possible to mitigate tho
sorrow of bereavement, by giving to the
widow and the fatheress the practical as
surance, that they are not left desolate
and neglected-not left quite alone in
their night of gloom. Surely there is
nothing here that creates dangerous class
or distinction in society.
4th objection-It is secret society.
We asked; in what is this secret soci.
etvl In who are its members? No!
They sit before us. In its place of meet
ing? No! In its time of meeting? Mol
Has it secret purpose and object9 Has
it secret constitution and by laws upon
which it is founded, and by which it is
governed? No! Books in which its