Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1919-11-14
Presentation Speech.
To Rockingham Lodge of Odd
Fellows No. 178:

Encampment No. Z to present
you the emblems of the Initia-
tory, first, second and third de-
grees. These you recognize upon
sight as the mathematical teach
ings of'this grand and noble or
der, and believing that it is well
for us to steadfastly keep in
mind their significance as wor-
thy and well founded funda-
mentals, l shall in a brief way
again explain them.
The three links are emblemat-
ical of the chain by which we
are bound together in Friend
ship, Love and Truth. We are
anchored by them to the stead
fast purposes of our covenant,
and are cautioned to keep them
untarnished and free from rust,
remembering full well at all
times that a chain is only as
strong as it's weakest link.
Friendship, Love and Truth
are represented by the letters
F, L ard T and their significance
should ever remind us of the
solemn obligations under which
we are bound together. We are
taught the Importance of con-
centrated effort as expressed in
the axiom, "In union there is
Strength" and if we wish to
obtain success commensurate
with our efforts we must united
ly and with one purpose pursue
the end for which we strive. Dis
union and uncertainty of aims
is the most certain source of
weakness.
The first link Of the Chain
contains and is the covenant of
Friendship. The fundamental
qualities of true friendship are
constancy and fidelity. Where
constancy is wanting there can
be no fidelity, which is the oth-
er basis of friendship. The first
of the Orders "Three Links"
therefore, presumes entire conf
dence.
The second link of the Chain
is the covenant of Love. In its
fullest sense this not only en-
braces what man owes to his
brother, but what he believes
himself he owes to a Higher
Power and comprehends those
primary principles of right and
wrong, which are of general, if
not absolutely universal, ac-
ceptance. Upon this broad plat
form men of diverse positions in
religious, social, and political
| life are brought to cooperate
without regard to birth or
worldly circumstances. These
two links are so closely allied,
that by adhering to the teach
ings of either we would be safe,
but the founders knew that they
were nlaced in proper order for
Friendship sometimes turns to
Love, but Love to Friendship
never" And so we accept the
order in which they are placed
as unquestionably the best and
apparently sufficient for all pur-
poses, but if we doubt, then we
know that the next and last Gov
enant, Truth, completes the
strong chain.
The practice of Friendship
prompted by Love must be up
held by Truth. Nothing NOR
tai is comparable to the al
mighty force of Truth. 1t alone
is Interchangeable and everlasting
and the benefits we receive from
it are subject to no variations O
vicissitudes of time or fortune
In her judgment is no upright
eousness, and she is tn
strength, wisdom, power an
majesty of all ages.
So my friends and brother
we present you these emblem
with the hope that being boun
together by the triple links !
Friendship, Love and Truth, "
, may ever keep the covenant
fresh and clear in mind, to pre
!. tect the widows and orphans
Us to bury the dead; to help eac
other in want; to counsel eac