The Jericho Road | Page 4

very
framework of human society. The purpose has been the elevation and
improvement of mankind. For, though the first product was pronounced
"good," it quickly degenerated; and there came an emphasized demand
for reform.
EARLY ORGANIZATIONS.
Human isolation is an unnatural condition. It antagonizes the highest
and best interests of the world. Its influence is never beneficent, but
always and necessarily harmful. If the truest well being of the universe,
and the supremest glory of Jehovah could have been attained by
conditions of solitude, it is not impossible that the good All-Father
would have given to every man a continent, and so have made him
monarch of all he surveyed.
Physically regarded, there is no limit to Omnipotent power. A continent,
and even a world, was therefore within the pale of divine possibilities.
Jehovah, however, is not only great, but he is the Greatness of
Goodness. High and holy ends were to be accomplished, and happy
purposes to be secured, by means of human instrumentalities, and be
jointly shared by Creator and creature.
Among the earliest of Deific utterances, therefore, we have this: "It is
not good that man should be alone." I concede that, primarily, the
companionship of woman is here intended. But the declaration is not
only good in this, but equally so in other regards. A lifetime of solitude
with no incentives to action--nothing to draw out, exercise and expand
the latent powers of the soul--no interchange of thought--no clashing of
opinion--no towering resolves to stimulate--no difficulties to surmount!
What imagination so fertile that it could picture a more hateful or
intolerable Hades than would be such a condition of affairs?
Hence, in the early days of the world's history we discern the principle
of association and co-operation, with plans and systems embodying its
practical application. Organizations came into being, obedient to the
summons of necessity. How well the various organizations have
wrought along the pathway of centuries, and how great or small may
have been the measure of their success, I am not here to discuss, much
less to determine. Each has done its work in its own way, and pockets
responsibility for results. Common courtesy and candor suggest that
each has been largely animated by highest and worthiest of motives.

ODD-FELLOWSHIP,
Reared upon the broad catholic principle of brotherhood, extending its
helpful hand from nation to nation, and from continent to continent,
linking its votaries together with the golden triple chain of Friendship,
Love and Truth, can afford to be friendly with each, and have a kindly
word for all societies that reach down after and raise up a fallen brother,
and if possible make him wiser, better and happier. Should a like
courtesy be extended to this order, while it would certainly constitute a
new departure, it would prove none the less gratifying. But, from
certain sources, the order has been the recipient of a peculiar kind of
consideration, so long that "the memory of man scarce runneth to the
contrary." Inflamed appeals and bristling denunciations have gone out
against it, "while great, swelling words"--swollen with hatred, bigotry,
prejudice and superstition--have assailed it relentlessly and almost
uninterruptedly. Mainly, these assaults have been met with the terse
and pointed invocation, "Father, forgive them; they know not what they
do."
That this great and potent brotherhood may not, in all its parts and
jurisdictions, have so deported itself, and so carried forward its work,
as to be justly free from unfavorable criticism and merited censure, is
probably true. As with organizations, there is sometimes too much
haste displayed in gathering, and too little discrimination exercised in
selecting, the materials that are brought as component parts of the great
superstructure of Odd-Fellowship. Too much daubing with untempered
mortar--too great a desire for the exhibition of numerical force, and the
multiplication of lodges--too much regard for the outward trappings
and paraphernalia, and too little regard for the internal qualities of those
seeking membership in the fraternity. Such deplorable departures, as
well from the primary as the ultimate objects had in view, are not fairly
attributable to anything that may be reasonably considered as an
outgrowth of the order, but come despite its constant teachings and
warnings. Bad work they of course make, and so at times and to a
limited extent bring the fraternity under the ban of popular displeasure,
but shall the world predicate unfavorable judgment upon a few and
unfair tests? If so, and the principle logically becomes general, pray
who shall be appointed administrator of the effects of other social and
moral organizations, and even of the church itself? For in these regards

all offend, if offense it be. When the principles of Odd-Fellowship are
carefully studied it is apparent to every candid mind that it is founded
upon that eternal principle which recognizes man as a