The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1875-04-24

interest outside Of the Grange than in
side of it; for now a: ever selfpreserva-
ton is the first law of nature.
1t is much to be regretted that some
individuals claiming to be ministers
of the Gospel have SO far transcribed
their spiritual duties as to assume to
dictate as to the management of tenn
poral affairs, by attacking the Changers,
with the intention of retarding its efforts
under the plea that it is secret
society, and as such, is not conformable
to the laws of Christianity. For the
sake of Christianity we regret that they
have assumed this position. The decline
of more than one church can be traced
directly to the assumption of temporal
power by the ministers thereof. We
corcede that society organized for a
secret purpose is questionable; but the
purpose of the Grange is not secret.
1t is organized for the known purpose of
ameliorating the condition of the labor
ing classes, (the mass of mankind), and
enabling them to become better citizens.
1t is composed of men and women of all
political creeds and of all religious de-
nominations-people who earn their
bread by the sweat of their brows-peo-
pie of character-and its purpose is well
known to be the elevation of mankind,
by FORMULATING such principles as tend
to subdue the passions and harmonic
society.
When restitution overlook the unfor-
tunate of Nebraska and Kansas, then the
Grange was tested. Where is the Grange
that did not contribute to the relief of
the sufferers? Where is the Grange that
refused to aid the needy (when distribu,
ting food and clothing) because OF their
not belonging to Grange? When the
Oranges from South Carolina to Massa-
chusetts sent aid to Kansas, they knew
no distinctive features-They knew not
politics, or churches. They knew only
the needy and the Changers of Kansas
lin the distribution) knows only the
needy. Can the wouldbe dictators say
that such action is not conformable to
the laws of Christianity. If their dicta-
ton is admissible in this case where
shall it end. Does a few tokens whereby
we may know our frieii Is from our ene-
mics, (whereby we may prevent imposi-
tion), constitute sec:et society? God
forbid!
While we respectful: ask the aid OF
ali Far ners, in the G-tnge movement,
we ask no a5ridgemen; IF any truly con-
scientious scruples OF their part. To
those who hesitate We woall only say,
look well iato this rll~'r, and judge for
yourself.
Who are they who would thus en-
Tighten Us rs to our dniies rs Christians.
Are they or true friends? If so, why
do they wish US to remain IN the hand,
Of our enemies?
Is their Judgment in matters that per
tain to our worldly welfare, 81 superior
to our own, that we may be guided by il
without danger of further prosecutions
Are their natural anil educational
abilities so far in advance of the great
moral teachers who preceded them, thai
they see wrong where Others saw it not
Is their Christianity So perfect tina
they alone are gifted with the power o
truly interpreting the Scriptures?
The warning has been given to man
kind, that there shall be prophets, .,nc
false prophets.
Whenever it is made manifest tina
they are the true prophets and therefore
endowed with superior knowledge, wis
dom and virtue, then and then only cal
we safely bow to their decisions.
Until such proof is presented to GU
understanding, we cannot ignore, tina
| first and strongest, of Natures laws, i
"Self preservation" nor the fact, that il
Union there is Strength" Them
Farmers, what is our duty?
GRANGER.