is to the order what the sun is to the material universe--its
illuminator and vivifier, even as it also is the, guide to faith and
practice. A man may neglect his closet, his church, his Bible, but
when he enters the lodge he is bound to listen to the voice of his
Maker, as it thunders from His word; and while the lodge does by no
means lay claim to the possession of religious attributes, yet has it
been the means, by the constant use of the Bible, of turning many from
the ways of wrong-doing and sin, into paths of pleasantness and peace;
and by a unique system of symbolism and a comprehensive and practical
application of its sublime truths, the faith of the believer has been
strengthened, enlarged and rendered usefully active.

Odd-Fellowship's plan of benefaction addresses itself to the physical
as well as the moral nature, and, reaching out from its immediate
subjects, permeates by natural affinity every sphere in which active
sympathy may be invoked. Its mission and its results are not only
active and substantial, but often so effective by its consequential or
indirect influence as to penetrate entire communities. In this
connection I will say Odd-Fellowship is not a religious organization.
Our work pertains particularly to this life, educating the heart of man
to practical beneficence, alleviating the sufferings of humanity and
elevating the character of man. Odd-Fellowship was not organized for
the purpose of ridding the world of all its sorrows, but to ameliorate
and to soften the suffering to which the human family is heir. It is
an association of men who have united themselves for the purpose of
smoothing the ragged edge of want, and extending to those who are bound
down by the iron bands of misfortune a helping hand. Odd-Fellowship
holds no affinity with the classifications or distinctions of society,
but dispenses charity to all alike. It does not array itself against
the church, nor presume to arrogate its functions, or to supervise its
teachings. Its lodges are not the council rooms of enmity to
religious, civil, moral or social organizations. Far otherwise; all
its oracles and instructions in relation to these grave subjects find
their warrant and authority in the divine law, under the inspiration of
which it proclaims the Golden Rule as the sublimest illustration of the
law of love. Odd-Fellowship keeps a close watch over its subjects, and
constantly impresses upon their minds the fact that their