Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1898-09-01
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! the LODGE CORNER.
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what is Back of the Badge.

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Every great thought has behind it
some society or organization. 1t is
the only way to effectively help hui
mainly. Every such society has some
badge, or emblem, distinctive in form.
At every turn we jostle some man with
badge on the lapel of his coat; they
are not all alike, but they all mean
some thing; they are the visible eX-
preston of some teaching, some prin-
ciple, some purpose that lies behind
them. The value of "a badge depends
upon the fraternal principles and
business methods of the society behind
it, and also upon the character and
upright conduct of the individual
wearing it. Every badge should mean
something, and that something should
be OF immense value to humanity.
The little bronze button worn by the
veteran has loyalty, sacrifice and
bravery behind it. Back of it is Shi'
loh Vicksburg, Stone River, Chick
amauga, Gettysburg, the Wilderness,
the March to the Sea, and hundred
other battle-fields where blood was
poured out like wasted wine that lib
erty might live.
1t does not need school-master to
! tell the world that back Of the stars
and stripes is loyalty and the sacred
rights Of freemen. Back Of every
badge worn by members of the various
| fraternal beneficial societies is the
| highest form of projections: the highest,
because they not only aid their living,
care for their sick and bury their
dead, but provide a fund from which a
definite sum of money is paid to the
| loved ones Of their deceased members.
The history of these societies is
marvellous. Less than thirty years
old: more than 100000 members;
| hundreds of homes saved; thousands
OF orphans cared for and educated, all
/ i'm the sacred name of Fraternity.
Back Of the badge of any one of these
societies is the best system of pro-
|
simple and so cheap that every man
may protect his family, if he will.
But best of all there is back OF the
badge the fraternal spirit, without
which these societies would not have
been and by which they must continue
To live.
But what should be back of the in
dividual badge of the members of these
various societies?
First, Character. Character that
stands four squared to the world;
character that would scorn to do "a
mean thing and rejoice to do right
eous act. If your character is bad,
the badge you wear is dishonored.
Second, Conscience. If you put this
back of your badge the obligation you
took at the altar will never be vio-
lated and you will faithfully, fearless
ly and honestly discharge all your OBJ
legations to the order and your fellow
members.
Third. Loyalty Loyal to your or
der, To its plans, To its membership, to
the system Of protection it represents.
If your membership is only that you
may get individual good, or as some
express it, "for the insurance only, '
you are not loyal, but selfish. The
insurance feature is only an incident
and not the best feature OF the frater
nal system OF protection. We are q
brotherhood, not an insurance com
pany. II you are loyal you will study
its history, master its plans and de
fend it against every attack YOU
will also never criticise "A sister order
OF which you are not a member; thi:
would be unwise, as they are "a par
of the Grand Army of Fraternity.
Fourth, Charity. Charity is so broad
that it embraces everything needful Il
make the world happy. II you put i
back of your badge you will honor it
: and make others happy.
Fifth. Cheerfulness One sunny fac,
is worth a thousand frowning, snap
ping, gloomy, misanthropes. BE al
optimist, always see the bright side o
things. Pay your assessments cheer
fully and thank God that you arr
J. alive. Better pay thousand assess
ments TO the bereaved loved ones of
fellow-member than 10 hare one pdit
= because goa died
; Sixth, sympathy. This is the hes
: of all. Don't fail TO put it behin'
I your badge. Trouble will come II
spite Of everything. IL lifts the latcl
I and enters all our homes-sickness