The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1900-05-11

| vOWs-they may rather be called the most Sa-
cred of all obligations. And yet there Is not
one sentence, not one word in any OF these OBJ
| legations which for one moment will Interfere
with our duty to God, our country. our neigh
Dor or ourselves. And he who violates his
obligations, either openly or in private. is not
handed over to any harsh tribunal, but rather
| is left with him who has said "Vengeance be-
longeth unto me, will repay saith the Lord
| What then, we may ask, are these great
principles upon which Oddfellowship takes its
stand and which it gladly makes known to
the world?
Oddfellowship is founded upon the eternal
principle which recognizes man as constit-
uent of one universal Brotherhood. 1t teach
es us that as we came from one common par
entage, we are bound to cherish and protect
our fellow-men. 1t thus presents to the world
broad platform upon which mankind may
unite in Offices Of human benefaction. Under
its comprehensive influences all the nations
! Of the earth may concentrate their energies
for the good Of the coming race. Based upon
certain truths which are alike axiOms among
all nations, tongues and creeds, it presents Il
nucleus which by it's gentle influences gath
ers within its orbit natures which may be ut
terly opposed to one another-puts the hand
of control upon elements Of discord and quiets
the human nassions, proceeding thus to di-
rect and harmonlze the united forces of hu-
man effort, so that the world shall be knit to-
gether by one common heartbeat This Is the
great principle Of Fraternity, which we put
forth upon tho hearts and consciences Of
men. The noble founders OF the order wisely
; made this the cornerstone of the superstruc-
turc. Upon this solid basis the whole build
ing, 'itlv joined together" has securely rest
cd an is doubtless destined to rest "till time
shall be no more'
Lying back Of this there are other truths
which teach US to believe that the Author OF
our existence is no less than "Our Father"
In whom we live and move and have our be-
ing" who desires that in our natures and re-
latonships shall be reflected the image Of
Him after whose likeness we have been form
ed. Oddfellowship then, recognizing the
great truths of the Fatherhood of God and
the brotherhood Of man, strives to illustrate
these principles in all OF it's activities, by re-
ciprocal relief and kindly offices to one anoth-
er in the day Of distress and trial.
Society to-day is rent asunder by multi
tude Of divisions, classfications and distinc-
tions, but Oddfellowship recognizes none Of
them. While it teaches and venerates relig-
ion, and calls for subordination to civil gov
crnment, yet it absolutely refuses to affiliate
itself with any system OF faith or sect, either
religious or political. Against vice or immor-
atty in all Of their unholy forms. it has set
its face in eternal opposition. Friendship to-
ward our fellow-mcn urges US to the conflict;
the gentle influences OF Love supplies the
weapons Of our warfare and Truth conse-
ties the effort and leads us on to final Vic
tory.
Such then, in very brief statement. are the
eternal principles upon which this great
Brotherhood presents itself to the world,
asking and giving no quarter to any form of
immortality or vice. and claiming buG the
smile and approval Of God and tho kindly
wishes of all good men upon its noble endeav-
Ors.
Continuing. Rev. Oaten REFER
red to the foundation of the Or
der and the lessons and scepes
of Holy Writ upon which its les
sons and teac hings are based: 81
the acts of kindness and benevo~
lence shown by the members OF
this and kindred institutions in
following out fraternal teachings
But while commencing the teach
; 'ings and virtues of these institu>
tlons of fraternal benevolence he
I'm mbued his hearers with the fact
that mans duty is not alone tc
his fellow-man, but first of all tc
God, through love and service
for His Son, Jesus Christ.