The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1903-04-28
ODD FELLOWS ANNIVERSARY.
Sermon Preached to Pulaski Lodge by
Rev. S. II. Zimmerman Of
Central Methodist.

Sunday was the eighty-fourth ami.
versary Of the foundation of the order
OF Odd Fellows. In obedience to a
proclamation issued by Grand Master
Davis, in conformity with proclama-
tion of the Grand Sire, the day was ap-
propriately observed by all subordinate
lodges throughout South Carolina.
On Sunday night an anniversary SER
mon to Pulaski Lodge of this city was
preached by Rev. S. H. Zimmerman,
| in Central Methodist church. The
members of the order attended in body.
Notwithstanding the very disagreeable
weather, large congregation was
present.
Rev. Mr.. Zimmerman's theme was
Friendship. His text was taken from
l Sam. 1871: '"The soul of Jonathan
was knit with the soul of David, and
Jonathan loved him as his own SOUL"
The speaker said that the poet must
have been thinking of the love of these
lovers when he wrote:
"Our souls by love together knit,
Cemented, mixed in one,
One hope, one heart, one mind, one voice,
lis heaven on earth begun.
For surely the spirit bond that links
the angel with humanity is love! 1t
was far from his purpose on this occa-
sion, however, to measure the love
which knit those noble souls. This is
impossible.
'As well might'st thou
Attempt to purchase heaven,
TO vend the stars,
Make traffic of the skies
Or measure out what is immeasurable.
But we may from this example draw
some lessons which beautifully illus
trate the principles of our beloved order,
and which may be helpful to us all in
all the walks of life. The speaker re-
ferred to the fact that we never think
of Jonathan as prince, but as man.
The prospects and the crowns of princes
may be destroyed, but the character
which made them true men is imperish-
able. If you would know the best of
history, know the best men and women
of history. History is enriched with
manhood and the great ages of the
world are known by their names.
The speaker said that man is made
for fellowship. Friendship is one of
the laws of our being. In other words,
fraternity is natural. 1t is one of the
essential qualities of real manhood.
Selfishness, envy, ETC., are unmanly
and hence unnatural. Soul quality con-
stitutes true greatness, Hence man is
capable when he is kind. Friendship
is seeking the society and welfare of
another or others. 1t is an essential
quality of real usefulness or greatness
Mr.. Zimmerman gave some of the beau
tiful instances of friendship in history,
that of Epaminondas and Pelopidas,
Pamon and Pythias, Orestes and Pyla-
des, Jonathan and David. Of all these
the friendship of Jonathan was the
brightest because it possessed most
clearly the quality Of disinterestedness.
Whenever men have exhibited real
friendship, they have also shown their
belief in God, and the Immortality of
the soul. Friendship tends to develop
manhood. Our intellectual and active
powers increase with our affection.
Hence Friendship is in the world, be-
cause God is in the world.
Christ died for those who loved him
not. Pythias loved Damon, and David
loved Jonathan. but though the sinful
world did not know Christ as its friend,
yet Christ died to save men. Greater
love hath no man than this, that man
lay down his life for his friend, but God
commendeth his love to us in that while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us!