Advice To Young Men

Author Unknown Pacific States Watchman - reprinted in The Canadian Craftsman,
Oct. 15, 1882

Every young man ought to belong to some first-class fraternal organization. In
no way can he gain so many substantial advantages, mentally, morally and
financially, at so small a cost of time or money as by forming such a
connection. The teachings he will receive in the lodge room are of a high and
ennobling character. It is line upon line, precept upon precept; and not only
this, but he will see numberless instances of the practical application of the
lessons taught. Men naturally love to see a noble act well performed, and love
to feel, in its performance, they have had something to do. Human nature is not
altogether bad. It is safe that 999 out of 1,000 would prefer to do a good act
rather than a bad one, all other things being equal. But all men abhor
hypocrisy, and moral lessons supplemented by immoral practices bear the sure
fruits of iniquity. If there is any class of organizations under the sun that
practice what they preach, it is fraternal societies. It is almost impossible
for a young man to grow up surrounded by fraternal influences without becoming a
better man because of the fact.

The lodge room is a good school. It teaches how to conduct debates, the value of
discipline, the strength of combined numbers, social customs, mutual dependence,
and the necessity of promptitude and fidelity in the discharge of every duty.
Moreover, it accustoms one to public addresses and ceremonials, and if a person
is so inclined, it affords the best possible means to acquire the art of
oratory. Thousands of our best speakers today got their first and most valuable
lessons in the lodge room.

The benefit one gets, financially, by lodge membership, is usually of an
indirect character, rather than otherwise. It does not come in the way of wages,
or contributions for his individual benefit, unless perchance, to guard him or
his against actual want; but it comes in the way of a wide and valuable
acquaintance that afford him an opportunity to help himself, when otherwise he
might be a stranger in a strange land. It gives him the advantage of confidence
when else there would be distrust. A good name is better than gold or precious
stone, but a good name is only valuable where its possessor is known.