Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1879-05-03

tratcd In their conduct on that occa
sion, that tranquility and harmony
would have at once become triumph
ant, and that instead of strife ant
animosity ruling the hearts of men
white-robed peace with extended
wings like guardian angel would
have perched upon every mans
threshold.
This Order il one of the necessities
of the present era. In every hamlet
benevolent societies are formed, prov.
ing that every element Of man''
organization demands the sympathy
of his creatures. Such organ.
izations flourish during a period O
prosperity, bnt wither away in day
Of adversely, and are powerless t.
accomplish the objects for which they
are instituted. Odd Fellowship pos.
scsses all the requirements necessary
ts fill this vacuum in the heart, aDt
Is fully competent to accomplish itI
mission, ut home and abroad, brush.
ing from its pathway any obstacles
that may present themselves.
It's devotees claim no antiquity 70,
their Order; but the human principles
upon which 1t is built are those that
have been taught by the good and
wise in all periods of the earth.
That charity which it enjoius is the
same charity that was described by
the inspired writer as "rejoicing moi
in iniquity, but rejoicing in the truth,
bearing all things, believing all things,
enduring oil things, and never fail
ing.
That covenant which cemcnts its
brethren in one universal fraternity is
the same covenant which bound jon
ATTAIN the prince of Israel and heir ia
Gods chosen people to David the
humble shepherd boy, because he
loved him as his own soul.
That Friendship which it cherishes
is the same friendship by which Abra-
ham was constrained when he took
Lot out into the fields, and said to
him, "Scparate thyself from me; il
thou goest unto the left, then will
20 to the right; but if thou depart by
the right, then will 90 the left; but
let there be no strife between me and
thee"
That Love which holds its members
in one iDdissOluble bond of union,
working for the good Of the human
race, is the same devotion that i'm
PEELED the lovely Esther to take her
life in her hands and lay it ut the feet
of her royal husband as peace offer
ing, to protect the lives of her people
from the Vaccinations of Hannah, who
was striving to sweep them from the
face Of the earth.
That truth which it exacts from it's
adherents is the same that was pro-
claimed upon the mountains of Sinai
amid the thunder and lightning, and
for 1000 years has been cchoing down
the ages, "ThOu shalt not bear false
witness against thy ncighbor."
Guided by these human sentiments,
and fortified by these eternal princi-
pies it will continue its work, unfold
ing its banners to the North and the
South, to the East and the West, dis
seminating its teachings in all lands
where education and civilization have
an abiding place.
1t is q grand sight to witness the
erection Of it's magnificent temples,
dedicated to the diffusion of the prin-
ciples of benevolence and charity
upon the fallen monuments built by
fanaticism and devoted to the pcrpet-
uity of ignorance and superstition.
And now, in conclusion, time will
not admit of any disquisition into the
objections that are urged against Odd
Fellowship. Some are too frivolous
to occupy the attention of a caudid
mind others have no foundation in
fact.
The only one in which there appears
to be any substance is the so-caled
secrcsy appertaining to the work of
the Order. And yet, orr weekly meet
ings are published in the newspapers
of the day, our halls and temples in
villages and cities are notorious, the
names of our officers are printed in
the daily Gazettes, the proceedings of
our Grand Lodges arc published and
open to the inspection of any reader.
Our constitution and bylaws can be
had by any person who desires to cx-
anime them. Not one single effort is
made to withhold from the world ono
single fact that can be of any interest
to it.
1t is true that we have a mystic Ian
guage, by which we recognize and
prove ourselves as worthy members,
and prevent imposters from extend
ing their lank fingers into our treasu-
ries and robbing us of that which we
have stored away to aid us when u
day of sorrow will be upon us, and
we do not disguise that fact.
We object to no fair criticism. We
invite a thorough investigation into
our principles and conduct as mem
bers. We make no pretentions to in
falibility, but are subject to the same
temptations and illusions that draw
Others from the path of rectitude.
That we fail to accomplish much
that we should do, we do not deny;
that we fall short of many of the du-
ties incumbent upon us, we freely
admit.
When you speak of nothing extern
nate nor set down aught in malice,
but Judge of us as we are, condemn
or applaud as our merits warrant the
one or invite the other.
Investigate with candor, examine
with discretion, then base your decis-
ion upon facts, not upon the cant of
of fanatacism or the bowling of igno-
rant prejudices.
Progressive in its character, Odd
Fellowship adapts itself to the age in
which it exists. 1t has no utilization,
nor does il hold any connection with