1912–13 Volume 37 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

346 THE SCROLLDelta Theta," which every member admitted to the Fraternity pledges himselfto uphold. The same pledge has been taken by every member since theorganization of the Fraternity in 1848; and, so long as Phi Delta Theta shallexist, the Bond will remain inviolate and' unalterable, without the unanimousconsent of all who have accepted it.Primarily the Fraternity is a social organization. It is the duty of allmembers to render mutual assistance to one another in all honorable undertakings.The intimate intercourse between members results in much social enjoymentduring college life and in many friendships which continue during after years.Secrecy concerning the organization is perpetually and wisely enjoined in theBond, not because secrecy is a vital factor, but because it is important wherethe relations between members are so close and confidential. The Fraternityseeks to throw around its members the influences of a home. A proper degreeof privacy concerning itself is essential to the welfare of the Order. Theprivacy of the home circle renders possible the development of character, whichcould not be attained without it, and for the same end Phi Delta Theta carriesthe element of privacy into the associations of the young men who have comefrom their Homes and united with this College Brotherhood.A reading of the chapter of "The Olympian" devoted to "LawsGoverning the Fraternity" gives the Phi a new vision of his Fraternityand he understands why the society has lived and prospered andwill endure. The Bond comes down to this day unchanged and unchangeable.The laws enacted in the beginning have changed littleby subtraction but have been added to as growth demanded. Thefoundations are the same. Realization comes that the splendid growthof Phi Delta Theta is a result of the keen foresight and the wisdomof the Immortal Six who planned and enacted all. One feels thatno word of praise given the fathers of the Fraternity and no eulogyoffered to their memory can be considered extravagant. BrotherPalmer says:On December 30, 1848, the parent chapter adopted a name for the Society,a motto, a Bond, Articles df Union and a Constitution.Whatever there may be to commend in Phi Delta Theta, the Bond aboveall things is first. Its elevated sentiments must meet the approval of any rightthinking man. Its threefold purpose is to cultivate mutual friendships amongthe persons who have subscribed to it, to stimulate them fo attain to a highdegree of culture, and to inspire them with the principles upon which uprightcharacter is based. Its style is stately, its dignified diction beyond criticism.No one has ever suggested wherein it could be improved. By its own terms,it is "forever inviolable and unalterable," without "the unanimous consent ofall who have accepted it"—'an impossible condition. Unquestionably it hasexercised a beneficial influence on the lives of the thousands who have acceptedit. In his initiation vows, everjy person who joins Phi Delta Theta pledges himselfto uphold it. The same pledge has been taken by every person initiatedsince the organization of the Fraternity. So fat as is shown by the literatureof the various fraternities, no other fraternity has an instrument which embodiesits principals and fundamental laws, which, has been unaltered sinceit was founded and which is practically unalterable.The Articles of Union specified that such persons as were contemplatedin the Bond should be elected to membership, and no others; they prescribeda preliminary pledge of secrecy, and they included an initiation ceremony.The Founders of Phi Delta Theta intended that it should be not a localbut an intercollegiate Society. The Articles of Union provided for the establishmentof chapters, directed how they should be chartered and organized,specified how they should be entitled, defined the relations which should existbetween them, and provided the means whereby their charters might be with-