Arizona republican., 1915-08-22
Odd Fellowship and Christianity

 l do not wish to enter into dis
 cussion of these two subjects, nor do 1 wish to place odd Fellowship to
 the front, as having the precedence over Christianity. I design only to present to you a few considerations for you to mediate on, show
 ing that the fears of those who, it
 may be- for want of information,
 CT possibly a better excuse, pretend
 that the interests of Christianity are
 endangered by the existence of secret
 societies, are without any foundation
 whatever
 We are all aware, no doubt. that
 this subject has been ably presen-
 ted by talented men and women, in many forms, extensively, and one would suppose, satisfactorily, and
 thoroughly discussed and every ob
 jection proved unsound.
 Moreover, l expect to offer to you, therefore, nothing new; but permit me to present d few thoughts found stirring in our breast. which 1 would fain hope might prove of acceptation.
 Let us view our subject, and ask ourselves, What, then, is Odd Eel lOwship, and what is Christianity" Considered in this light, these ques- tions are perfectly relevant to the subject of mans greatest interests, and legitimate for discussion in any work.
 But I do not wish to ask our op- ponents for an answer. because I really would suppose that not one of them, claiming even moderate share of information, could be so ignorant to outline something that would not bear with the purposes of what each proposes or what they separately effect. In answering them, therefore. l propose not only to show that Odd Fellowship is not Christi anity and does not claim to be; but to prove that if it did claim sucn identity, not q 'jot or little" of the real essence of the latter would be lost or endangered, as respects it's immediate effect upon mankind.
 Were it not for our confidence in the principles of our Order-a confi- dence based upon a knowledge of those principles-I would hesitate to speak in so positive a manner, q hes itation by the way. very much needed by many who so unceremOniously condemn them.
 Besides, the growing popularity of Odd Fellowship throughout the world renders an elucidation of its cardinal principles the more frequent and their discussion more unreserved, to keep pace with both public and priv ate incuiry.
 What, then, is odd Fellowship? I answer. the simple exercise of Friendship. Love and Truth. The first is the bond of our union: the h. our conduct, while the third enlivens and supports the union thus formed, thus guarding agalnst dissensions
 In our order. these principles seek no further influence than the direc- ton of individual conduct leaving the right of it as free as the wind which "bloweth where it 1isteth.'' It will thus be perceived that the claims of Christianity can never be 1 endangered by our institution but on 1 the other hand the enforcement of 1 its principles will powerfully aid it. 1
 I need not here enter into a dis cussion of the principles involved in | cur definition. because their exercise i will at once be seen to embrace the Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you. do ye even the same to them"
 This, then. is the great object of our order so far as it is designed to operate upon it's members or in fluence the community. That there is need of the exercise of these vir- tues among mankind, requires not a syllable of proof; and that even the pure principles of Christianity do not effect this-eVen among kindred | spirits to the extent necessary to the well-being of man, is also painfully evident
 Any system, therefore, which can n any degree add to their more gen eral development. it seems to me should meet with the best wishes If 1 not the hearty co o-operation of the community and be hailed as an aux liary to the efforts of the good and wise for the happiness of our race.
 I assume the following position as Only those truths that end and help to make man good, to purify, enrich, elevate and ennOble lis nature and character, are of any worth
 I believe, moreover. that with little exception this position will be ac- :eded to by all Christian denomina ions. were their real sentiments lnoWn
 All beyond the simple truth, and ' all short of it, is falsehood
 Experience is the only proper test: hat shows that the Creators good ness has made the really needful, essential too palpable o admit of disputation or denial. Hence, we find that it is only the common that is important, and that what is peculiar to a few is of little1 worth.
 Were these sentiments fully appre .iated l grant that there would be neither necessity nor use for any institution other than that of Chris ianity, in order to the regulation of reature conduct
 But they are not, and is nore, are unlikely to be as long as here is such dissimilarity existing, md operating among the different Christian sects of today.
 What we need today is a some