Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-04-27
ODDFELLowsaIP.

Fraternity.
A large number of Odd Fellows from all
parts of the city filled the main audience
room Of the First Baptist church last even.
ing to listen to Rev. G. NJ. Shott's eloquent
sermon on the Order. The text was
/ Samuel, xviii; 4: "And Jonathan strip
ped himself of the robe that was upon him,
and gave it to David, and his garments
even to his sword and to his bow and his
girdle."
81 congratulate you" said the minister,
ION your Sixty sixth anniversary. Nothing
but the love which knit the love OF Jona-
than to David has kept you thus far. Your
good works are well known. Your heroic
leaders are well known. Interest in COM
mon sufferipgs and needs have kept you
from falling, through all the scenes OF cloud
and opposition to your grand career.
Though working in common channels tor
the commonwealth of your brotherhood and
their widows and orphans you have i'm.
parted and received material aid, manhood
and truth.
Jonathan stripped himself of the robe
that was upon him and gave it to David
anu nls ShrmeulS.
"Crying need coming from worthy sources
appeals to our sympathies. / am glad in
this day when multitudes of trsmps and men
with invisible means of living crowd our
streets and beg at our doors that secret as
sociatiops at least have means Of tolerable
accuracy in deciding who is worthy. The i'm
poststiGn of material aid leads to deeper in
erests. it prepares for higher type of man
hooG and the reception of the truth OF Gods
SorG
"Junathan gave David his sword and
boS. Put within his grasp the implement,
of selfdeiense and protection. Nothing so
helps man as au unimpeachable manhood.
True manhood is impaired by imitation.
We read OF heroic deeds and initiate our
hero. We look at brave warriors and grow
brave ourselves.
Zone man by social relations may impart
courage and bravery to others. Whe n ell
bows touch the drill is perfect. Marching is
best done to music and time Singing
must be in time or it is noise. Gods crea
ton is harmony of different aud some
times antagonistic elements in one complete
order. The shining spheres are on drill 10
night marching in their orbits to the order
of heaven, each dependent on the other
The church itself is organized that the di.
vine hight might be impaired to men more
rapidly as they touch hands in the work Of
saving souls, laying their hands on the altar
of God for inspiration.
IF the church would require more strict
account OF its members it could achieve
wonders but we are mad with our volunteer
principles, and have more who volunteer to
do nothing than to be heroes in the strife.
Let those who can impart examples Of true
manhood 90 forth. There is mighty giant
in the land, hydra headed, mailed, and
armed to the teeth. True Davidic courage
TO use the means we have at hand, though
humble, is in demand. Jonathan gave
David his guide. Paul, in spiritualizing,
makes the guide represent truth. Having
YOUR loins girt above with trnth.'
ITO impart truth is best done by familiar
association with others while laboring in
common interests and is the highest calling
Of man.
"True Oddfellowship is based on belief
in God. Christian Odd Fellows have q
great work to do in impartiug truth TO their
fellows in order. The society should never
be taken for the church. God wins souls to
himself through the means Of grace pre-
sented by the church, You can christian
ize your order and consecrate your benevo.
lsnce in proper channels by giving your
selves to Christ Society is good, but not
enough. Divine truth binds men as moth.
inp else. 1t binds earth's burdens TO heav.
ems rest, earths sorrows TO heavens joys,
If each one hearing my voice would impart
all the uplifting aid in his power TO cover
the naked and shivering with the robe OF
Chrisl's righteousness. live lives Of noble
manhood, and teach the truth OF Gods
word, the society joining with the church
would girdle the world with the power OF
divine truth Sailors, clasp hands and swing
luring rope to the dripping sailor, Oh,
men and brethren, clasp hand with the
church, and together we will impsrt by ex.
ample and teach by precept the great Prin.
cipfes of truth and manhood IN Christ
Jesus our Lord
"InpaIt the Christ life as you receive it,
lifting men 10 the highest sphere Of life, and
when your work is done the Master Of As
semblies will welcome you to an eternal re-
ward. May God bless and consecrate your
noble work, till We meet in the heavenly
society"