never was the
field of human observation so unobstructed and expanded, nor the
ascertainment and sifting of facts so facile. Never were opinions more
diverse, nor was it ever so obviously important to detect and assert
the philosophical principle, in recognition and obedience to which the
laws of human government may be preserved and kept in view, and the
retrocession of mankind prevented. At no stage of history was it more
important to call to mind the great principle that government is a
means, and not an end, and is instituted to maintain those general
liberties which are essential for human happiness and progress. At
this time, Odd-Fellowship looks toward the future with longing eyes,
and its followers lift high their banner, on which is inscribed that
beautiful motto, "Friendship, Love and Truth."

After all, what lives in this world? Is it thought pulsations alone or
deeds done? If thought alone, then the lowest thought coordinated in
the brain of man would live. Something must be combined with thought
in order to have a lasting effect. There must be thought and deeds and
sentiment. Sentiment must go to the very existence of the race. On
these forces may be built up structures that live and breathe a
benediction on all mankind. I ask you to cast your eye over the world
and note the permanency of such institutions as have come down to us,
and are alive, and such as we say will live. I venture your first
question will be: "What is the foundation on which they rest? Why,
through the slow, revolving years have these institutions lived and
thrived and grown? Have they lived on greed, or a desire for pelf or
power, or out of human desire for adulation and praise? Or have they
lived because of man's needs, and out of human wants?" If we probe to
the bottom we will find this the corner-stone of all laudable
ambitions, because man needs man, and needs help into a higher plane of
usefulness and activities.

We find institutions coming down to us from a date which the memory of
man runs not to the contrary; indeed, some so old that the musty
volumes of the long ago reveal not their origin. But simply the need
of man for man would not entirely account for the duration of society
in its ancient form. There must be still other underlying principles.
There must be love and the acknowledgment of the brotherhood of man all
along the way of life, or the family would go to ruin, society would
dissolve, citizensh