BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS.
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BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS.


We wish 10 say a few things with regard 10
them in their different organized forms, SO far
as we have knowledge to speak adyisedly on
the subject tg sq.,s


10. OF. With regard to this institution,
/, we may say few words, We know, in speak
\ ing of it in any way, weshall give occasion TO
y remarks, but we are not sure that they will be
unpleasant. This institution, like many others,
has been condemned, without being examined
First, because it has signs, and pass words,
and obligations, some OF which can only be,
known to the members of the order. Secont-
", because it is not charitable institution be-
yond its own memberships. Thirdly, it is
dangerous because ofits combined influence and
may be used to subvert governments. Fourth
ly, because if its designs are benevolent, they
should not be kept from, the public.


These are the general objections urged
against this institution, and, indeed, against
many others Of like character; but there are al
SO particular objections, such as that it is de-
= moralizing in its tendency, and calculated to
subyert the faith Of Christianity, because it
substitutes the care and watchfulness over the
welfare OF its members for the provisions Of
Christianity, and claims to do what Chrstiani-
sty neglects. These objections may be well
urged, perhaps, in view the practice and Il e
opinions Of some who belong to the ORDER bnl
none OF them can ever be urged successful
against the order as it may be known in its
forms and ceremonies, by its members and its
published principles. The fact is, it has no
secrets that concern any one but its members
TO know, nothing that they pledge themselves 10
perform that will, or can, injuriously affect
others. All that they are, in their connection |
with the world or community in which they |
live, the world may know-the world does
.know-if they will only look and acknowledge
it. No combination but to relieve distress, no
obligation that will compromit any duty they
owe to Goo, to their country, their neighbor, or
themselves in any of their relations. II is the
same thing with regard to many other associa-
tions with which we happen TO be acquainted.
They all profess TO reverence the Divine Be-
ing; they do all profess to regard the Bible as
his revealed will, and 10 be governed by its pre-
cepts They all profess to favor virtue and frown
at vice. None of them, in their constitutions, or
forms, or ceremonies, make Christianity, as it
is TO be understood by the particular theology
of any Sect a test of becoming or continuing
member. But here we must be understood.
We do not mean that they reject Christianity;
far from this; they do acknowledge the Chris
iianity of the Bible, love TO God, and good will
TO man.