CHAPTER XIX. 



DUTY OF THE MEMBERSHIP. 

 BY COLONEL R. J. SLEDGE, KYLE, TEXAS. 



THERE is always a duty which follows every responsibility of life. 

 This proposition will hold good no matter what station the individual 

 may occupy, be he rich or poor, learned or unlearned, saint or sinner. 

 That duties and responsibilities go hand in hand through all human 

 efforts, and stand side by side in all human achievements, must be ac- 

 cepted as a cardinal truth. This duty may relate to the individual, or 

 extend to those either near or far. It is always present, and, when prop- 

 erly understood, a faithful and unerring guide. Under ordinary condi- 

 tions a majority of the race will perform a duty when made plainly 

 known. The difficulties which prevent the performance of duty are 

 usually want of information, or mercenary and selfish motives. The 

 individual in his individual capacity can many times reconcile his con- 

 science to certain actions when he has proven recreant to his duty as 

 an individual ; but the difficulties of such a settlement increase when 

 this neglect affects the conditions or rights of others. When a person, 

 by his or her own volition, joins with others to promote the advance- 

 ment of any cause, or for the attainment of any purpose, this sense of 

 duty should become more enlarged because the responsibilities have 

 become greater. 



In all organizations there should be definite objects to labor for. 

 This should be followed by a unity of action on the part of every mem- 

 ber. The Scripture says that " a house divided against itself cannot 

 stand " ; neither can an organization with divided efforts continue to grow 

 and prosper. The duties involved in membership include a desire to 

 advance the best interests of the organization ; and this is only possible 

 where a full understanding, backed up by mutual responsibilities, exists. 

 It is true, however, that the degree of responsibility differs with almost 

 every individual, but it is none the less a mutual undertaking. In the 

 Alliance the duty of each member is, or should be, distinctly under- 

 stood. The motto of the order, " Equal rights to all, and special privi- 

 leges to none," furnishes a safe monitor for all who may wish an object 

 lesson in that line. It conveys the idea of equality, that condition which 

 is only obtained through brotherly love and fraternal solicitude. 



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