Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-01-19
20. the "oN-oEp DEWocGN
ODD FEIIOWS.

NJ. EJaor.
Since became 4 member OF the odd Fellows, ]
have Frequently been drawn into cOn'er''l'pH
with profcss clly religious per, on., respecting 'he
utility of such Institutions. and hnd that, gener
ally speaking, these parties consider such associ
atoms a, oms To- b. based on seih principles
chat We neither do unto others =, We would they
should 10 uuto us, nor love our neighbors A. our
selves Now, whatever may be the conduct OF
some inliyhlual-. | d,ny that our institution 10
based upon selfish principles. Where can we
lind any societies. even those protested rclgi
ous, wherein there are no selfish men 70 be found
would ak those entertaining such opinions, to
view Us merely a. individuals Independent OF our
Society and ,ly whether We cannot be rs chariia-
be A. themselves: if this cannot he coniroyeried,
is it probable We are less 30 a. Odd Fellows not
only protesting bat practising brotheriy love and
friend ,hp-rricnd,hip not only in words. but in
deeds | might ask these gentlemen, who u not
in some measure selfish, who does unto Others
he would be done by, who loves his neighbor
IA HIMSELF Let those who busy Themselves in
endeAyoring 10 produce erroneous impressions
with reference to such In ,ttuiions ~ ours
IL they can. II they cannot answer, let them learn
to be more charitable. ask those Of them who
fathers OF miliea, would It be justice on their
pant 10 neglect their children and give their food
TO Stranger They ought To bear in mind that
charity begins at home. anil whatever some mem -
beers 10, not all ret up to thai standard IL is not
the fault Of the institution but OF the Are
the dictates of the Bible followed, DO the whole
congregation OF any one minister act up 10 his In.
sIructon, Are the oljrctors Ia charity with all
men. il not Is the Bible wrong? Are the teach
tn.s OF the minister wrong. | answer these OBJ
icctors. ccn,urc not the cause OF Odi Fellow ship,
because It. working may in some parts be i'm.
perfect We ought 20 be charitable but it ought
to be with our Owa; that which belongs 10 any
Soci,y ought 10 De devoted to the benefit and pro.
motion Of %. purpose, OF such society. A. aso.
ciety, | deny TINT SO are more selfish ,haa the
Missionary or the Bible society they enleavor
10 promote their Object We ours. suppose te,o-
taller should invite all thc i0la.lcr who resided
IN the town or district in which he lived, 10 tea
party, would YOU con .dcr hun selfish because he
did not invite every pet..n who lived in such
town OF district. would you ,ly ol h.m that he
Iul not love o., ishb,r a. himself because lac
gave HE treat t. none but those with whom he
MAS joined ga fellowship: Tle idea j. absurd,
yri You appI, ths .anc language TO old Fellows
lnr acting u.,pn tlr .lm' pvucipl" have 40
hesitation 10 saving thU - % Fellowship j. cilcu.
l-tei suJ inteYdc, 90 b..,hi WanL lad Ia Pecu-
mar nilr.. aul rsii s.Ju- p,,at pt 'icN. We A..
.i-t ous fellow s.si'urr. ip ;ulc. Of ,.ckue-- Rnl
OF death. v, relieve The widow AMI orphan, aud
d. net forget that -, u' taught b. .hs rules Of
oar in-i.iu.sI 10; vily o. Deucds aHd assist each
other. bar 10 I' ~ ,hc srpd shaG we possibly can
80 Guy fellow mortal. Of whatever nation or coun
try -ay. .Aca. @ those Nhs are more religious,
come aad hcp ca ~ ear, on our punoplel. ia
stead 90 stAalias aloo. aud iLsowiug cold ~11er
upon -. ava firmly persuaded ,Aas were ihs
ohrI-tlaa .1Iauaaaity only 10 eNaa.ias Oh. p.tes!
ple- the ~1u!i Instead 81 &c 'up, iag .l.cir toe
aud tsicut- 10 opposition, join hAnc ia hand ia
our noble uu l,rttkiHE. remain, Yours &c,
Nj Abtam Lodge No 80. Bethel