ing. But, from certain sources, the order has been the
recipient of a peculiar kind of consideration, so long that "the memory
of man scarce runneth to the contrary." Inflamed appeals and bristling
denunciations have gone out against it, "while great, swelling
words"--swollen with hatred, bigotry, prejudice and superstition--have
assailed it relentlessly and almost uninterruptedly. Mainly, these
assaults have been met with the terse and pointed invocation, "Father,
forgive them; they know not what they do."

That this great and potent brotherhood may not, in all its parts and
jurisdictions, have so deported itself, and so carried forward its
work, as to be justly free from unfavorable criticism and merited
censure, is probably true. As with organizations, there is sometimes
too much haste displayed in gathering, and too little discrimination
exercised in selecting, the materials that are brought as component
parts of the great superstructure of Odd-Fellowship. Too much daubing
with untempered mortar--too great a desire for the exhibition of
numerical force, and the multiplication of lodges--too much regard for
the outward trappings and paraphernalia, and too little regard for the
internal qualities of those seeking membership in the fraternity. Such
deplorable departures, as well from the primary as the ultimate objects
had in view, are not fairly attributable to anything that may be
reasonably considered as an outgrowth of the order, but come despite
its constant teachings and warnings. Bad work they of course make, and
so at times and to a limited extent bring the fraternity under the ban
of popular displeasure, but shall the world predicate unfavorable
judgment upon a few and unfair tests? If so, and the principle
logically becomes general, pray who shall be appointed administrator of
the effects of other social and moral organizations, and even of the
church itself? For in these regards all offend, if offense it be.
When the principles of Odd-Fellowship are carefully studied it is
apparent to every candid mind that it is founded upon that eternal
principle which recognizes man as a constituent of one universal
brotherhood, and teaches him that as he came from the hand of a common
parent, he is in duty bound to cherish and protect his fellow-man.
Viewed in this light, Odd-Fellowship becomes one of the noblest
institutions organized by man in the world. If the beauty and grandeur
of universal brotherhood cou