The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 7 - Rituals
receives so many dollars as sick benefit and his family receive such and
such aid in case of his death. It is true that Masons are sworn to aid and
assist poor, penniless brethren, their widows and orphans wheresoever
dispersed around the globe, etc., but this is a general and indefinite
provision. The poor Mason may get something or nothing from his
lodge, but the Oddfellow if square on the books receives help. [...] If
dues are not paid before the time when the need occurs in either order
there is no obligation to assist resting upon the lodges. 1546
Finally, we would like to mention that Odd Fellowship, which now considers
itself as an ethical organization, 1547 in its original conception was some kind of a
beneficent organization, as we will get to know others like the Modern
Woodmen of America. Thus, Schmidt cites a passage from The International
Odd Fellow: "Lodges [IOOF] were originally formed by working men for social
purposes and for giving the brethren aid and to assist them in obtaining
employment when out of work." 1548 However, this idea of its founding times was
overwhelmed by spiritual and symbolical influences which invaded the system,
so that the order's "end" became its "means" to reach a higher target, the
improvement of the character of man, which is the purpose of Freemasonry. This
development can be supported by an introduction to the exposure of the Odd
Fellow ritual:
The order as founded by Brother Wildey was simply a humane
institution - its main objects were to relieve the brethren, bury the dead
and care for the widow and orphan. But gradually [...], there was
infused into its lectures and charges much moral and (unsectarian)
religious instruction; and at each revision these principles were
increased, and deepened and strengthened, until its beneficial and
relief measures, from being ends, have become means to a higher
and greater end - to improve and elevate the character of man; to
imbue him with conceptions of his capability for good; to enlighten his
mind; to enlarge the sphere of his affections, and thus to lead him to the
cultivation of the true fraternal relations designed by the Great Author
of his being! 1549
1546
Ibid, p. 155/156.
1547
Cf. homepage of the Grand Lodge of the Netherlands and Belgium at http://www.ioof.nl/
1548
Schmidt, p. 35.
1549
Revised Oddfellowship Illustrated, p. 22-23.