The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1881-05-28
An Address

LECTURER.
Worthy Master. Bruheyc AMI
SISTERS: | would respectfully solicit
your earnest attention for short
time while | attempt, to the best of
my ability, to discharge a duty
made incumbent upon me by virtue
OF my otflce as Lecturer of this
Grange.
In the performance of this duty l
snail claim no originally as TO the
matter Which | may present, but
STA endeavor to stir up your
minds, by way Of rcmembr by
directing your attention to some of
the cardinal principles IF our O..
der, believing it will not be unprof-
liable tor even the oldest mem btls
OF the Grange to be reminded, oc-
casionally at least, that there e
certain vital principles pertaining
to our utilization which give charac-
ter and permanence to it. Whilst
TO the younger members, or those
VINO have more recently become
associated with us, it is matter of
the very first importance that they
should be thoroughly informed in
regard to the ground work of our
organization, its objects, aims, and
duties, in order that they and we
may be enabled at all times to give
a reason for the hope that is in us.
AS reasoning and accountable be-
ings we have no right without vio-
lating the attribute of free, moral
agency to pin our faith upon the
tPSe 3fxit of any man or set of men,
however learned or digni6ed they
may be. For this is an age of en-
lightened reason, demanding the
closest scrutiny and investigation of
all subjects which are presented for
our consideration.
1t would be the height of folly in
any one who should attempt to
navigate the trackless ocean with
out chart or compass. Would it
not be equally unwise in an indi-
vldual to enter upon any business
enterprise of which he had no def
mite knowledge? Nor is success in
any degree attainable until the bust
ness is learned. In order to derive
the greatest benefit from associa-
tons of this kind it is necessary that
we should thoroughly acquaint our,
selves with the objects and princi-
pies of such institutions. In order
to become good and useful Gran
ger we must study diligently to ac-
quire thorough Knowledge of the
principles it teaches and Of the du-
ties it enjoins.
Your attention is therefore in
vited in the first place to the fol,
lowing questions:
[. What is the Grange?
II. What are its cardinal prin-
ciples?
III. What duties does it enioin.
I. WHAT IS THE GRANGE?
The Grange is an organization
composed primarily of farmers and
their wives, Gf they are fortunate
enough to have wiveS), their sons
and daughters when of a suitable
| age.
Secondly, of such other persons
of both sexes, including artisans and
professional men, who, though not
engaged directly in agricultural pur-
suits are nevertheless more or less
| interested in them, or at least have
no interest in conflict with agricul-
ture. We believe, however, that
the admission of professional men.
artisans and laborers was rather an
after thought, and was not contem
plated in the original declaration oil
purposes.
The members are united together
by certain form or ceremony oil
| initiation, which binds them to-
gether in mutual fraternity, as with
band of iron; and yet SO gentle is
the influence that it may be repre-.
sented by a silken cord.
1t may be well to pause here and
inquire into the significance of the
term Mutual Fraternity" Frater.
nifty signifies brotherhood, and mu
tual fraternity denotes mutual OIL
equal brotherhood. And hence the
terms of our union are indicated by
one of the most endea-ing ties o.
our nation, that of brothers-equa
brothers-no entailment of specia'
rights, titles and privileges. AL
stand OF common level, brother:
and sisters, with equal rights anc
equal privileges, mutually resolved
to labor for the good of our Order
our country and mankind.
In the normal relationship O
brothers there is felt something
more than a passing interest in tha
which concerns each other. Every
one is interested in everything tina
relates to the best good of every
other one No discord, no heart
burning jealousies, no hatred, NJ
backbiting nor slandering. Willis
mutually pledged to each other ii
heart and hand to labor for tn,
good of each other, we are promo
ting our own individual good; ant
being thus united together our tru'
aim is to foster and promote the in
terests of each other in our OWL
Grange first; and secondly, the in
terests of the members of our siste
Oranges; and thirdly the good o
mankind in general. But we ar