Each person is connected with every other person by some bond of
attachment. It may be by the steel bond of brotherhood, by the
silvern chain of religious fellowship, by the golden band of conjugal
affection, by the flaxen cord of parental or filial love, or by the silken
tie of friendship. One or more of these bonds of attachment may
encircle each person, and each bond has its varying strength, and is
capable of endless lengthening and contracting. Brotherhood is a
general term, and as it is used here, comprises the fellow-feeling that
one human being has for another, this is universal brotherhood.
Brotherhood comprises the fellow-feeling that attracts persons of the
same race, nation, or community, this is racial, national, or community
brotherhood; also, it comprises the fellow-feeling that exists between
persons of the same avocation, calling, or work, this is the brotherhood
of profession; it comprises the fellow-feeling that joins persons of the
same order or party, this is the brotherhood of order; it comprises the
fellow-feeling that joins brothers and sisters of the same home, this is
the brotherhood of family. Religious fellowship includes that spiritual
intercourse which is held between persons of the same religious faith
and practice. Conjugal affection comprises that feeling of mind and
heart which unites husband and wife. Filial and parental love exists
between parent and child. While friendship comprises that soul union
which exists between persons because of similar desires, tastes, and
sentiments. Each of these bonds of attachment has its characteristic
mark, its essential feature. The essential feature of universal brotherhood
is common origin, present struggle, and future hope; the essential feature
of racial, national, or community brotherhood is patriotism; the essential
feature of brotherhood of the order is mutual helpfulness; the essential
feature in brotherhood of the profession is common pursuit; in brotherhood
of the family, common parentage; in conjugal affection, attraction for
opposite sex; in parental and filial love, love of offspring and love of