Call not this, then, a Godless institution, rioting in selfishness and
infidelity, as it has been denominated by certain super-excellent
Christians, who appear to have fully persuaded themselves that no good
can possibly come from such a Nazareth. For, with the constant and
unvarying light of the Holy Bible, that illuminated lexicon of the
sweet Beyond, and of the approaches thereto--that trusty talisman of
all hopeful hearts--that competent counselor of the wisest and the
best--that inspirer of joy and satisfaction born of no other book--that
precious presager of immortal life beyond the river--that divine guide
to faith and practice, can by no means fail in the ultimate working out
of its sublime purposes.

In the ranks of Odd-Fellowship there are many of the truest, noblest,
sharpest and most holy men in the civilized world. None of these have
been able to make that "Godless and selfish" discovery. This brilliant
achievement is reserved for those favored mortals that never saw the
inside of an Odd-Fellow's lodge, and are entirely ignorant of its
character and practical workings. The order has increased largely in
wealth, power and influence. Large cities and towns, which formerly
paid little or no attention to us, now eagerly welcome us to their
hospitalities.

Judges and governors vie with each other in doing us honor, and well
may we be proud of the position the order has attained. Just think of
it a moment: when you clasp hands with an Odd-Fellow here in your own
home, you are really clasping hands with one million men who have
obligated themselves to stay with you through every trial and
misfortune. Wonder no longer, then, at the growth and stability of
this great fraternity, or that its votaries cling to it with such
unshaken and unswerving fidelity. Ah! it is no light matter, no small