he good of the vast human
whole is now acknowledged as the end of all social union. Humanity
embodies love; the object of our activity; the source of what we have;
the ruler of the life under whose span we work, and suffer and enjoy.

All religions, all social systems worthy of the name, have sought to
regulate human nature and perfect the organization of society by
proclaiming as their principles the cultivation of some grand social
sentiments. Philosophers, moralists, preachers have united in saying:
"Base your life upon a noble feeling, if you are to live aright; base
the state upon a generous devotion of its members to some great ideal,
if it is to prosper and be strong." All have agreed that the
difference of life could only be harmonized by placing action under the
stimulus of high unselfish passion. Odd-Fellowship has grown strong
under this governing law. The banner it bears aloft proclaims
sentiments that are attractive to all the nations of the earth. We are
strong in as far as we truly interpret, for the good of humanity, this
elevated aim, this devotion to fraternal ends.

Compte defines religion as consisting of three parts--a belief, a
worship, and a rule of life--of which all three are equal, and each as
necessary as any other. As is truly said, "Society can not be touched
without knowledge; and the knowledge of social organization of humanity
is a vast and perplexing science. The race, like every one of us, is
dependent on the laws of life, and the study of life is a mighty field
to master." Enthusiasm of humanity would be but shallow did it not
impel us to efforts to learn how to serve--demanding the best of
conduct, brain and heart. The power of Odd-Fellowship lies in its
fraternity. It goes forward with irresistible magnetism when its
fraternal principles are truly interpreted. It furnishes to men a
strong union, where general intelligence, by attrition, is increased;
it provides a high moral standard; its objective action is such as
touches the common heart of humanity; and by its grand co-operative
system it gives the finest means of securing those advantages that tend
to the securement of material comfort and mental and spiritual peace
and happiness.

Drummond says: "Love is the greatest thing in the world." Read what
Paul says about it in I Cor., xiii: "Though I speak with the tongues of
men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or
a tinkling cymbal. And