The religion of Odd fellowship

Preface

THIS book is the outgrowth of several years' experience with the work of secret societies. For a number of years the author has deplored the lack of information upon the secret-society question by people of great intelligence on other questions.

Much has been written against secret societies by men who have not taken the time to make proper investigation, and in this manner some have been prejudiced against these organizations, who, if they knew the truth, would not offer criticism. This book is intended as a partial reply to the bitter attacks made upon the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and other societies of like character. It is right that the public should know the truth, and this I have endeavored to set forth in as clear a manner as possible.

A great portion of the material contained in this book has been used by the author in lecturing to secret societies, but more especially to the Odd Fellows. The cordial reception given 3 these addresses has in a measure encouraged the writer to prepare this volume.

It is not the intention of the author to say or do anything that would alienate men from the church, or cause them to think less of that God-ordained institution. It is his object to show that there is a place for the lodge and its work.

It is hoped that this little book will serve as an encouragement to every secret-society member, also that it may be the means of helping the non-member to see the light.

— Author.

Chapter I. Odd Fellowship And The Church

P UCH has been written and spoken against secret societies. Men who have no conception whatever as to the true inner workings of these societies have condemned them bitterly. In the great majority of cases we find only men who have no true knowledge of secret societies heaping tirades of abuse and slander upon them. An honest man cannot consistently condemn the work of a society like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, or the Masonic fraternity, when he once knows what these organizations stand for, what they attempt to do, and what they really do accomplish.

Some men have written books and quite long articles setting forth the sin of becoming a member of a secret organization; they have gone so far as to tell about the treasonable and irreligious obligations one must take in order to become a member. We need only consider that these men never have been members of the societies which they are ridiculing and abusing, and therefore they know nothing, or next to nothing, of the thing about which they are trying to inform the public. If these same men could see a degree conferred, and have the privilege of witnessing the decorum and splendid disciplinary work exemplified in a lodge room, nothing more in the way of condemnation would be heard.

Ignorance has been one of the obstacles encountered in all true advancement and progress, and no doubt will continue to exert its influence in the future.

Ignorance and superstition have as much to do in bringing secret societies into disfavor as anything else that we may name, perhaps more. There is as much superstition and ignorance connected with the assertions that secret societies are wicked and sinful as there was in the belief in ghosts and witches. It makes the heart ache and the blood run cold to think of the punishment inflicted upon innocent persons who were supposed to be witches. In this day of civilization and education, it would seem quite impossible that any member of the human family could become so superstitious;

but some in the twentieth century, this age of books, magazines, colleges, lecture courses, and everything else intended to enlighten the mind and bring man to complete development, manifest just as great a degree of superstition in the condemnation of secret societies.

It seems quite unreasonable to think of any man or woman condemning organizations that have in them a tendency to make men better, to solve some of the perplexing problems of society, to edify the human family; but such is being done by every individual who stigmatizes the secret society. There is just as much good common sense in condemning the church as there is in placing condemnation upon these organizations.

If there could be found one principle in these societies, or one characteristic that would have a tendency to mar the character or make vagabonds, scalawags, or infidels, then a good Christian person would have some ground upon which to base his censure; but, as long as it can be demonstrated conclusively that the tendency is to make men better, and to lead them to God and the things of God, there is no reason for condemnation.

It has been urged time and again that the secret society is against the church, and that its chief object is to supplant the church of Jesus Christ. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Odd Fellowship does not have a fight against the church ; rather does it have interests in common with the church. The business of the church is to save men, to lift them up, and make them better in every conceivable way; but the church is not the only instrumentality through and by which God can accomplish his purpose in regard to the preservation and salvation of his children. Our Heavenly Father works through various organizations to bring about the present and future welfare of his sons and daughters. If a man can be brought into fellowship with God through the secret society, well and good. In many instances the church fails to reach men at all. It is immaterial through and by what means good is done; the individual, organization, or society bringing about such good will be rewarded. We must get away from the old-fogy idea that there is but one organization upon which God places his divine seal of approval. In this century we need to be broad and liberal, and to accept good for its full value wherever found. If good is done by the secret society, let the Christian man take cognizance of it and place his sanction and approval upon it.

It seems hardly necessary to say that all the teachings of Odd Fellowship, as well as of every other secret society of which I have . knowledge, is purely religious and in strict accord with the teachings of Christianity. To the uninformed and superstitious this may seem idle, and like a fairy story; nevertheless, thousands of secret-society members will bear me out in this assertion. It is to be considered that many, if not the majority of secret-society members, are also members of the church and are faithful attendants. Some of the best men in the church and public life are connected with Odd Fellowship, and will testify gladly to its good qualities and splendid work. It is evident that, if anything humiliating or degrading were connected with this society, or anything that would subtract from the influence of the church, these men would not remain members. I do not find anything in the Bible or the teaching of Christianity that disapproves of Odd Fellowship or secret societies in general. Odd Fellowship does not have a principle or a lesson that will make a man less Christian or less religious. The initiation, instruction, lectures, and obligations have a tendency to inculcate a veneration for religion and the higher and nobler things of life. A man cannot be initiated into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship without becoming a better man, without holding the Bible in greater reverence, and without appreciating the goodness and greatness of God with a higher degree of intelligence. If the splendid lessons taught by this noble fraternity fail to bring man to think seriously upon his mortality, and to think of a life beyond the grave, then there are few other things in the world that will influence him.

It is not the intention of the author to say anything disparaging to the church, but rather to hold it up as the greatest institution in the world. We recognize the home as first in our lives, and the church as second; but after this there is a place for the lodge. The church always will hold a supreme place in the hearts and lives of all good people, and the institution or organization that tries to subtract from its influence and supplant it in its work is destined to criticism, and eventually will meet its fate, and rightly, too. The church is of divine origin, and has the sanction of the Creator, who rules over all in a wise and prudent manner, and is appointed to endure until time shall be no more. All good Odd Fellows believe in the church, and will not by word or deed try to teach otherwise. If the church had done its full duty, such organizations as secret societies never would have existed. We shall see in another chapter why this is so.

The fact that Odd Fellowship has prospered in the past, and is prospering more to-day than ever before, is evidence that it supplies a need or desire of men. Men do not, as a usual thing, connect themselves with a society that has a tendency to corrupt morals and alienate them from their homes and families. Taking this into consideration, and looking upon the marvelous growth of this organization, we can but believe that Odd Fellowship also meets with the sanction and approval of Almighty God. To some it may seem sacrilegious and ridiculous to assert that every lodge of Odd

Fellows is a religious organization, but I say it with a clear conscience and without fear of successful contradiction. It may be urged by some that some lodge members are not Christians; on the other hand, I may urge that some church members are not Christians, which is a recognized truth. There is a wide difference in being religious and Christian, but this is a theological question, which I will permit the theologians to discuss. I do not say that all Odd Fellows are Christians, but I do insist that the organization is religious and founded upon religious principles, and that its work is carried on in a religious manner.

Upon what ground can any one condemn Odd Fellowship? Who can condemn wilfully such an organization? Surely, it is the height of folly and a mark of ignorance to try to bring into disrepute and disfavor a fraternity like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

However strange it may seem to some, there are no infidels among Odd Fellows. In many of the churches we find all manner of false doctrines. Men who are ordained to preach the glad tidings of great joy disbelieve the

Bible, deny some of the essential teachings of Christ, and have only a vague idea concerning the Deity. This is not true generally, but in many instances it is the case. But go into an Odd Fellows' hall wherever you may, and one of the first principles found is the instruction relative to the existence of a God who rules over all; who created the world and holds the reins of the government in his hands ; and who doeth all things well. The first question asked an applicant seeking membership and desiring to know the secrets of Odd Fellowship is, "Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?" If this question is answered in the negative, the applicant never knows what a lodge of Odd Fellows is like. Some might think that this is a non-essential, and never is practiced ; but suffice it to say that every applicant travels over the same road in exactly the same manner. No favors are shown and no bars are lowered for the benefit of any one. Man has in his nature a thirst for God. Wherever men have been found, notwithstanding their ignorance, they have had an idea concerning a Supreme Being, a God who rules over them. It is not very probable that a body of men, who hold God in such esteem and reverence and veneration as the Odd Fellows, will teach principles or doctrines that are detrimental to the welfare of the family, home, or church. The wife and children of an Odd Fellow may rest assured that the husband and father never will have instruction imparted to him that will destroy his love for his family. Belief in God is essential to church membership and it is essential to lodge membership. It is very apparent that there is a similarity existing between the lodge and the church.

But the principles already enumerated are not the only ones that cause us to see the similarity existing between the church and the lodge. There are many features that are very much alike. It is strange how some church members, and especially ministers, seemingly take delight in ridiculing the secret society. There is about as much consistency in a man's heaping tirades of abuse and slander upon himself as for the church member to condemn the lodge member.

In every lodge the Holy Bible is spread upon the altar, without which the lodge cannot transact business legally. The Bible is given as the rule and guide of our faith, and cannot be dispensed with in the halls of an Odd Fellows' lodge. A great portion of the work in the degrees is taken directly from the Bible and is conducted in a beautiful manner. The lessons taught at this time are written upon the mind of the candidate so indelibly that they become a very part of his nature. I do not understand how it can harm a man to go to a lodge and witness Bible lessons any more than he could be harmed at church. Many men who work in the degree teams of the various lodges can put most of preachers to shame in quoting the Bible. The great essential of this life is to know and appreciate the Word of God, and it is not essential where we learn it, whether in Sunday school, church, or lodge. The great Teacher has exhorted us to "search the scriptures ; for in them ye think ye have eternal life." Is it not much better to read and study the Bible in the lodge than to neglect it entirely, as some do? If men read the Scriptures and hear them read, they will learn to respect them. It is the man who is ignorant of the Bible and its teachings who holds it in disrespect and ignores its instruction. Let a man become acquainted with this splendid book, and he will become a better man. If this is so, and none will doubt its truth, why should lodges be condemned? Is it not possible that they may be the means of bringing some skeptical men to a knowledge of the truth and to true salvation? If the skeptical could stand in a lodge room and see the candidate weep when taking his degrees, he could but believe that the lodge accomplishes a great deal more good than it does harm. I have been a minister of the gospel for fourteen years, and am frank to confess that I have received some Biblical lessons in the lodge room that have revealed a new phase of many things relative to the Bible and the teaching of Christianity.

The splendid lessons inculcated in a lodge room in the exemplification of the ritualistic work are most impressive and edifying. If church services were made half as interesting and impressive, there would not be so much difficulty experienced in getting and holding a congregation. The lodge meetings are opened with prayer and song — another thing that the Christian man and woman should not fail to recognize. I cannot conceive of a man's going very far astray when under such influences and when reminded constantly of Deity. I can but think that many men have been brought into the church through the influence of the secret society. Surely none have been entirely alienated from the church through these organizations.

Odd Fellowship is calculated to bring man into a closer relationship and fellowship with God. Every good and honest man ought to take into consideration that it is his duty to promulgate the organization or society that has for its object the elevation and betterment of the human family. There are not too many influences at work to develop society and bring about the golden age for which we all pray and work. That which will bind men closer together, and make them feel an obligation to one another and to society at large, is doing a commendable work and should have the encouragement of all men. Odd Fellowship does attempt to do these things, and for this reason should have the hearty cooperation and influence of all religious persons.

The most unwise thing that the church can do is to abuse the secret society and pronounce it irreligious. When skeptical preachers and church members will take the time to make proper investigation of the work of Odd Fellowship, they will readily ascertain that the work done by this organization is truly religious in its character and influence. The conduct of this society will bear the most rigid and scrutinizing examination. After most thorough examination, it will be held in higher esteem by those who have been doubtful about the good work purported to be done by this fraternity.

Let the reader bear in mind that this institution is founded upon faith in God, that it holds the Bible in sacred reverence, and that it places its seal of approval upon everything of a Christian and religious nature. Odd Fellowship will make man more religious rather than less religious. It will draw him to God rather than away from God. It will bring about an appreciation of the divine Word, and cause men to take delight in its lessons and sublime truths. Do not be too severe in your criticisms until you have taken the necessary time to ascertain the truth about the principles of this good and noble order.

The non-member who is going about the country trying to get the public to disbelieve in secrecy is simply making a display of his ignorance. He does not know, and cannot know the truth about any society until he is initiated. After that there will be no disposition to criticize or find fault with Odd Fellowship. The public is warned to beware of the individual who is going about the country telling of the sins of secret societies. His arguments are without foundation and his assertions fallacious.

Chapter II. Odd Fellowship And Morality

IN THE previous chapter the assertion was made that Odd Fellowship is a religious organization, and that it stands only for noble principles. But some religious principles and religions are not good. It might be urged that, if Odd Fellowship is a religion or a religious organization, it is not good, and therefore ought not to have the right to exist, or should not, at least, be held in respect and esteem by those who are truly religious and adhere to strict moral teachings. Some of the most indecent and preposterous things recorded in history have been done in the name of religion.

We do not care so much, however, about that which is termed religious as we do about that which we denominate Christian. The principles of some religions are everything else but moral and edifying, but those taught by the great Teacher are always of a moral character and always have a tendency to make the world better. I desire to go a little farther here and make the assertion that the principles of Odd Fellowship are not only of a religious nature, but are in strict accord with those of the religion of Jesus Christ. Lodge members are taught the Golden Rule, which by the way is a good rule, and is conducive to good results in every one's life who applies it to his everyday transactions. If every man who takes the obligations necessary to become affiliated with a lodge of Odd Fellows lives up to the lessons taught, he cannot be a bad man, but will be a good, upright, moral citizen.

The world seems to be thirsting after every society or organization that will help men to be better. We have temperance bands, civic and philanthropic organizations, humane societies, and institutions of every type, each purporting to do its full share toward bettering living conditions for the human family. While Odd Fellowship does not sound a trumpet and declare in a loud voice that it is the only society, yet it does declare that it is doing as much as any other society to alleviate human suffering and distress and to make men better. Nothing connected with the work of the lodge, and nothing in its instruction leads to immorality.

Men who belong to the lodge have been accused of everything vicious and immoral. It has been suggested very frequently by skeptical cranks who take delight in telling about the sins of secret societies that the lodge room is an indecent and immoral place and ought not to be countenanced by good citizens. The reader, no doubt, has heard it said time and again that drinking and gambling are carried on in the lodge room. There is not a word of truth in such an accusation. The laws of Odd Fellowship positively prohibit such conduct in the lodge room. A mighty temperance wave has been sweeping over this entire country, and thousands of saloons have been eliminated from our cities. Various influences have been at work to bring about this victorious achievement, ft might be suggested that men are more alive to this question to-day than ever before. It may be startling to assert that secret societies have had as much to do, if not more, in bringing about these splendid things as any other organization in the world, yet I believe such to be true.

Secret societies do not advocate liquor or the liquor business. Odd Fellowship is far ahead of some churches in this respect. A saloon-keeper, bartender, habitual drunkard, or a professional gambler cannot become a member of this order. If a member of this society becomes a drunkard, or drinks excessively, he is reprimanded severely, or perhaps suspended ; or, after the third offense, may be expelled from the order. This surely ought to convince any one that this organization is doing great good, especially along this particular line of work, if nothing more were considered.

Nothing is done or said in the initiatory work that would shock the modesty of the most highly cultured or refined man or woman. The work is beautiful and sublime in its nature, and is intended to teach moral and religious lessons. A man who has taken the lessons taught in an Odd Fellows' hall surely will become a better man, citizen, husband, and father. We war against vice in all its forms. There is not a sin that Odd Fellowship places its sanction upon. Like the church, it condemns wrong in all its forms, and seeks to make man what he should be in the sight of God. Odd Fellowship does indeed seek to improve and elevate the character of man ; to imbue him with a proper conception of his capabilities for good ; to enlighten his mind ; and to enlarge his sphere of affections.

I look upon secret societies as character builders. In the great majority of cases we become like those with whom we associate. We try to model our life after that of some well-known person. The acts, deeds, and examples set by this person either will make or unmake an associate. If we all were to try to assist our fellowman on the upward path, our lives would be fuller of blessings and we would be more Christ-like.

I have seen more than one demonstration of the fact that the teaching and principles of Odd Fellowship do help men to live better lives. Those who are in doubt need only to look about them to find practical examples of this truth every day. Thousands of men owe everything that they have and are to the splendid influence, counsel, and advice received in a lodge of Odd Fellows.

No one need be ashamed to wear the badge of Odd Fellowship. It is an honor that we may feel proud of, indeed, a distinction. I feel that every influence which will help my brother to higher ideals in life, and draw from him that latent force for good that is possessed by all, is accomplishing a noble work and rightfully deserves the prestige and influence of my life. I thank God that it is possible for me to see good emanating from a lodge of Odd Fellows. How grand it is to see brethren dwelling together in unity and meeting as brothers for the purpose of mutual assistance and protection. Some of the most impressive lessons of my life have been learned in the lodge room, and I do not hesitate to say that the lodge is doing great things for men.

Along every line of religious thought and life Odd Fellowship teaches its splendid lessons. This great and noble order, as a society, respects and honors the Sabbath day as divinely appointed for rest and worship. It is not possible for a lodge of Odd Fellows to hold a Sunday picnic in the name of Odd Fellowship, or to go on a Sunday excursion in the name of the society. This is better than some churches do along this line. I have known of churches and Sunday schools chartering boats or trains and going upon a Sunday excursion or picnic, but I never knew of an Odd Fellows' lodge doing anything of this character or being guilty of such gross Sabbath desecration.

Men are scrutinized more carefully for goodness, greatness, and quality to-day than ever before. More is required of a man now than in any preceding period. Some people look upon the past and there find patterns and models by which we are to endeavor to live, but it is not necessary to go into the past for splendid examples of moral and Christian life. Men are better to-day than ever at any previous date in history. The noble men of this century are far better than the patriarchs or any other men of the Old Testament days. A higher standard of morality is advocated by the world in general than ever before. Corporations, business houses, and all concerns of any importance require more of men, not only intellectually and in a technical sense, but in a moral way in this twentieth century than at any previous date in the history of the human family.

The past century has witnessed marvelous development along all lines. Art, science, invention, and discovery come in for their full share of honors, but there has been greater development along religious and moral lines than any other. Things that were countenanced fifty years ago, even looked upon as being Christian and religious, would not be tolerated now. The standard is so much higher to-day, and so much more is required of a man morally. Men have a clearer vision of right and morality, of equity and justice, and are doing more in this present age for the benefit of humanity than has been done up to this time. The teaching of Odd Fellowship, as well as the splendid instruction of other societies of like nature, has had no little part in bringing about these splendid things. We should give proper credit to every influence and organization that has had anything to do in establishing this high standard of Christian morality for the present age.

We cannot speak too highly of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, nor confer upon it too much credit, nor give it too much honor. It has done its full share, and should receive the encouragement of all mankind. God bless this organization that stands for the encouragement, development, and edification of the human family.

Moral force is greater than military distinction and honor. The man who can fight against the tide of evil and temptation and gain victory deserves greater credit than he who goes out with cannon and musketry and conquers a nation. The conquest of self is the greatest possible victory. Man cannot do very much alone. He needs the assistance and encouragement of his fellowmen. This is true especially in relation to the great moral issues.

The Holy Bible teaches us that man is naturally inclined toward evil. If this is true, he needs everything that can be of assistance to him in the race of life. He needs the Bible, Christ, a church, and every other instrumentality that can be of service in procuring his salvation and happiness. If the lodge can be of assistance to any man, let it render such aid without hindrance from any one. There is no question in my mind about the lodge's being able to help man to higher and better things in this life. The advice and instruction given by true brethren always is wholesome.

The man who denounces secret societies by saying that it is not possible for a Christian man to be a member of such an organization and keep his religion does not know the first principle of a secret society. The man who would lose his religion by becoming a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows does not have very much religion to lose, and would be more religious after having taken the initiation than he was before. There is nothing in the lodge to subtract one virtue from the true, devout, earnest Christian man. On the other hand, many things will assist him in his Christian career, and eventually will open to him new avenues of thought, inspiration, and usefulness. The lodge opens for the Christian minister an avenue to the heart of a brother Odd Fellow that cannot be gained in any other manner. If I thought that anything about the lodge would detract from the influence of the church, or that would keep men out of the church, I would not remain a member another day, but would ask for a withdrawal card immediately. Until I have evidence that the lodge is an injury to the church, and that it does corrupt morals, I shall remain a member and shall do all that lies in my power to make the work of the society a success.