oyed. I do not know of any act of humanity that calls
forth louder praise than to so act and speak and do as that humanity
shall not only catch the inspiration, but shall make material progress
on a better understanding of surrounding conditions. Odd-Fellowship,
in its essence, is no new institution. Its principles, practices and
precepts have existed from the beginning of the race.

When Abraham stood with the churlish Lot on the line dividing the
plains and highlands and said, "I pray thee let there be no contention
between thee and me, if thou goest to the right hand I will go to the
left, or, if thou goest to the left hand I will go to the right," he
breathed the pure essence of unselfish devotion to the founder of a
race. The acts of kindness shown by the traveler as the caravan plods
its tortuous way across the sands of the desert; the mission of the
wise men from the east in search of a Redeemer, all show forth that
trait that you and I, my brother, try to emphasize while vowing
devotion to the triple links. I said a moment ago that Odd-Fellowship,
in its essence, was no new institution, and so it is not. As we know
it in reality we have simply crystalized its workings. Instead of
humanity, by its individual exertion, seeking to perform the task, we,
as an organized band, have taken up the subject. What was paramount
with individuals has become a living force with the multitude. What
was before an invitation to duty has now become a command.

In seeking after friendship we do not court the beasts of the fields
and the fowls of the air as the hermit does, but we seek man; not man,
but men; not this little society or faction, but embrace all mankind in
the issue. If we seek for love it is not love for pelf or power, but
love for man and God. In truth we do not depend on the right conduct
of individuals, but accept truth as it is written in nature's open
book, emblazoned on the sky of hope that bends over us, and speaks in
all the higher attributes of life. Time was when the inclination of
men was to withdraw into clans. Ishmael stood in the desert by himself
with his hand against every man. His true descendant, the Arabian
sheik, draws his mantle about him, and surrounded by his little band
withdraws within his own circle, and woe betide him who attempts to
break through. But in this came no advancement, no progress. The
Ishmaelite of old is the same today. Wherever progress and advancement
has sh