The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-04-03

Brethren Of Luke Lodge, Il. IF H., Ladie'
and GentlemeR:
am indeed gratfed to meet so many OF
the brethren and the fair ladies of this com.
munity this evening. Your presence here,
/ notwithstanding the very inclement
weather which has been prevailing fol
several days, is the best evidence of the
great interest you all feel in the occasion.
In meeting with you this evening, l am not
unmindful of the compliment your invita-
tion has conveyed.
All sermons have texts, and most orators
and speakers select subject upon which
to discourse. 1t is quite the custom also,
for one who, called to speak on such Occa-
sions, to make apologies to his hearers for
his lack of ability and preparation, and to
ask in advance the indulgence of his audi
ence for any shortcomings in his discourse.
Regarding this too frequent custom as one
''mOre honored in the breach than in the
observance" have but to say that if,
after have finished what | have to say,
you should feel disappointed in the result,
it will be a matter for you to settle with
your committee on invitations, for having
allowed their kind partiality to lead them
to make so poor Il selection.
Without conining myself to any specific
line of argument, on any selected subject,
l shall be content with some general re-
marks, applicable to the occasion which has
brought us together. As this is an anni-
versary occasion, have deemed it but
proper that something should be said on
the subject of anniversaries in general, and
this one in particular.
Anniversaries are as old as time itself
dating back in human chronology, to that
eyentful hour when deep darkness brooded
over the face of the mighty deep, and
Earth was void and without form; the Great
Creator spake those momentOus words /:
-" Let there be light, and there was light"
From that hour we reckon the anniversary |
of creation, and the advent of man into the /
world. And though scientists may dis /
sent, and learned doctors dispute, it stands /
to this hour as our measure of time.
Since that date. anniversaries have null I
tiDlied until they have become almost As !
numerous and varied as the leaves on the
forest trees. All nations, kindred tribes and
tOngucS-ln TACT all INDIVIDUALS nave thelt
occasions.
Profane and sacred history furnish many
aud notable events, the anniversary of
whose occurrence have been handed down
from generation to generation through the
misty glamour Of many centuries, TO the
present day, for our Observance.
In sacred events we have the feast Of the
Passover, commemorated even in the pres
mt day by our Hebrew friends; the build
ng, destruction and rebuilding Of King
Solomon's Temple; the birth Of Christ and
he Inauguration OF the christian era, and
many other notable events, whose anni-
-ersaries are still observed. Nearly nine !
cen centuries have passed since the magic
words: peace on earth, good will to
men," proclaimed the birth Of the Saviour
# man, and to-day the anniversary Of that
went is celebrated by millions in all parts
# the civilized world. Christmas, with it,
ovOus greetings and good cheer, its gifts |
nd merry-makings comes but once year, ,
,ut with what joy and bright antieipations
he Young and the old, the rich and the
,Oor look forward to the celebration Of I
ach recurring anniversary!
Profane history records the rise aud pro- !
-ress Of nations, the deeds Of great war
iors. the accomplishments Of wise states |
len and mighty rulers, the teachings Of =