The Mankato free press., 1891-02-13

the teachings OF the Holy book, as the
extracts so generously quoted by Mr..
Overn prove, and while the order has
ritualistic ceremonies of religious
character to be used at the burial of
a brother, this form is equally appli-
able to one who dies firm in the faith
Of the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyter-
ian. Episcopalian, Congregational or
any other denominational creed. And
still it does not pretend to be a religious
society, while teaching the word of
the good book, neither does it pretend
to supplant the church. We do, how
ever, repeat that the teachings of,the
order better prepare men to accept
and appreciate true Christianity, if
there is any virtue to be drawn from
ne Bible, as we believe.
Odd-Fellowship and kindred orders
teach man to be better; it gives him
lessons of ennobling characters, illus
trates instances of self-sacriflcing de-
yotion, inculcates" charity and broth
erly love-" assists to strengthen and
invigerate all the relations in which
man can be contemplated, toward him
self, his family, his neighbors, his
country, his God," and yet minister
of the Gospel has the temerity to
stand up in public print and say that
orders which teach these things pre-
pare men to ''reject and depreciate
true Christianity" Claims that they
are the gateway to hell and the damn
ing agencies of mankind. 1t hardly
seems possible that a man in this en-
lightened age can be found in the pull
pit preaching the word of God who
will so far expose himself to public
ridicule as to denounce as unchristian
an organization that teaches the
highest of morals, that exhibits prac-
tical friendship, and whose ''whole
scope and object is to make its mem
berS wiser and better men," Right
here we cannot more concisely state
our views than to quote the language
of contributor who, in writing to the
Northwestern Odd Fellow Reuiew on
"Why l am an Odd Fellow" among
other things says:
'"There has always been wide diff
ferende between the moral and religi-
Gus precepts of people and their
practices. A large majority Of man
kind act as if the Bible and the teach
ing of the pulpit were to be subjects
or though and meditation, but were
not designed to influence our daily
practice. The Negro is said to be
very full of amens, at a prayer meet
ing, and also to steal a chicken for his
Thanksgiving dinner on his way home.
The rich man hears sermon upon
the text, sit is more blessed to give
than to receive" and poor widow on
the same street is suffering for food
and clothing. SelfishnesS is too strong
for the best resolutions of the Sab
bath. But the higher man rises in
the scale, the more nearly do his pre-
cepts and practice correspond. Odd
Fellowship undertakes to make men
practice what the pulpit, the Bible
and conscience teach us are the high
est of human virtues. Happily, it is
very successful in it's efforts. At every
meeting, the words of the ritual and
the systematic work of benevolence,
to which all contribute, bring men to
feel that not knowledge of the good,
but practicing it, is what brings to
the soul that feeling of peace which
can come only from divine approval.
Our members cannot help but become
kinder, gentler and larger hearted.
The teachings of the lodge room must
be and are practical"
The writer concludes his remarks
with the following:
ut is Because in every way the in
fiuence on me is good, and in no way
bad, and because the world is being
made better and happier by the Order,
that give as my answer to the ques-
tion, why am an Odd-Fe1low."
If Mr.. Overn would endeavor to
''shake off" some of his prejudices and
let the light of truth regarding ''se-
cret orders" shine into his eyes and
through those orbs into his soul, he
could easily and satisfactorily answer
the question he puts to us, viz: "What
makes you think that mans mind is
incapable of grasping the fundamental
principles Of fraternal societies ?''
Lest he may not do SO, however, we
will give him our version why has mind
is incapable of grasping this fact, and
it is because man who can see and
won't: whose prejudices are allowed to
unman him; who has been shown the
truth and rejects it as false, is not
constructed rightly to grasp subject
so sublime as that which Odd-Fellow-
ship and kindred orders teaches.
Having asked for our explanation it
is freely given, and with this the cur
tain is rung down.
3N