The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1894-02-22


that shine like burning stars through the
gathering gloom, hold him until, ere he
knoss. the last hour OF his respite is
fastening by. Giving q las, fond en-
brace to his loved ones. last longing,
lingering look around his once happy
home, he starts for Syracuse, to redeem
his promise and save his friend. The
hour Of execution is at hand; Damon
has not returned. and bis hostage 10
brought to the block to suffer in his stead.
The evening sun shines golden on the
towers aud temples Of ancient Syracuse
as Pythias looks out on the vast tbrong
who taunt him with the seeming false
ness Of his friend Relying upon the
honor Of Damon. trusting In bis word,
proud OF his friendship. he calls upon
God to prevent his return; and in re-
sponse to the cruel jeers OF the mob, pre-
claims the fidelity OF Damon and turns TO
meet his fste. At the last moment,
when the headsman's Ak Is raised, o
horseman is seen in the distance coming
with the speed Of the wind. II Is Da-
mon. He has been true 20 his promise
he has saved his friend. The air resound-
with the shouts Of the populace in recog
milton OF virtue long buued under the
weight Of human selfshnees.
At the strange scene the tyrant looks
in wonderment; and as lie looks tn.
cruel purpose Of the hour passes ava,
and friendship sits upon the throne wear
ing n crown that "ne'er encounters nor
can be transferred"
These heroes still live, and will live
while friendship warns the heart OF man
This virtue is the corner stone Of thin
great order. Knights of Pythias, aud ou'
memb, r. are sworn TO exercise 1t towarc
each other. The brave knight takes it ~
his duty, that when the night OF sorrow
enters the home Of friend. lie it ever o,
humble, this true knight Of Pylbia,
comes with sympathy and love, and h.
deeply feels duty TO his family and hi,
fellowmen.
The two great commands which Jesus
Christ has given to Us, Of love TO Cos
and man, this society builds Its work
upon and impresses upon every knight
that u fraterual love held all bound, how
beautiful this world would be. Where.
ever in your power. guide the steps Of
those who trrst in you to goodness aud
to truth. From out your heart cast ever,
grudge; Danish every nnkind thought
put away every personal prejudice; and
remember that only stainless garments
befit q knight of Pythias. Evil exists.
Let it not be known in your heart, bu,
from lis presence learn to know the valu,
Of the good and true.
Why should any person lift voice
against such noble order. A man win,
is not knight knows nothing of the
many beautiful lessons taught in the ga
cred order, lessons which abide by mar
during life, and beautify his character
for the life beyond; and any man who
abuses this order does It through ignor.
ancc and weakness, for il he knew tn,
workings Of this great society he would
render words Of praise to you brav,
knights and members OF other secret or.
ders for your many acts of charity.
A blessed thing II is for any man OF
woman to have friend. one human sou
whom we can trust utterly; who know
the best and worst of us, and who lover
us in spite Of all our faults. and who will
speak honest truth to US, while the world
flatters us to oar face and laughs at us be.
hind our back; who will give us counse
and reproof In the day Of prosperity and
self-coDceit, but who again will comiori
and encourage us in the day Of difficult,
and SORROW, when the world leaves u,
alone to fight our own battles as we can
II is at such time that the Knights n
Pythias come as good Samaritan TO ful
Gil the commands OF Jesus.
Brother Knight. keep these great les
SONS which you have learned in the orde,
ever in view, an II you live up to then
you will become truly noble followers
not only Of Pythias. hut, above all. o.
Jesus Christ, who died in our stead r.
save us from our great guilt.
When the rich and the proud and thu
hypocri'e turn away from the poor man,
door, we find you there. In sickness yor
care for him, and when death enters hi,
humble home you are there; you follow
him to the grave; then yon turn tn ths
widow and the fatherless and provide 70,
them.
Friends may part, not merely in body
but in spirit, for awhile. In the bustl.
of business and the accidents OF life the,
may lose sight OF each other for wears
and more, they may begin TO differ Ia
their success in life, 10 their opinions, in
their habits; there may for a time be
GOODNESS and estranRement between
them but they will be friends forever il
each will be trusty and true.
For then, according to the beautiful
figure OF the poet, they will be like two
ships which set sail at evening from the
same port and ere nighfall lose sight Of
other and go each on its own course and
at its own pace for many days, through
many storms and seas, and yet meet
again and find themselves lying side BY
side in the same haven after their long
voyage is past. Brother Knights and
members Of the secret orders here to-
night, remember the only power opposed
to evil is love; strong, enduring friend
ship; a benevolence which no crime or
wretchedness can conquer.
Just SO far rs you live up to that deep
sympathy with your suffering fellow
creatures will you become true and brave
knights Of Pythias-worthy members Of
your secret order.
Go forth with the noble teachings of