The Washington times., 1894-09-24
PASSING THE LOVE OF WOMAN.
Rev. ]. b. Stitt's Sermon to knights of
Pythias on Friendship Toward Each
Other and All Mankind.

Pythias on Friendship Toward Each
Other and All Mankind.
Special service for the Knights of Pythias
was held in the Dumbarton Avenue Metho-
dist Episcopal Church last evening. The
pastor. Rev. J. B. Stitt, delivered an appro-
pirate sermon, speaking of the several princl-
pies of the order About 200 knights were
present from the several divisions OF WASH
ington, and occupied seats in the center OF
the church.
DIR. Stitt began his discourse by favorably
commenting on the number and character OF
secret organizations. The Knights OF Pythlas,
he said have proved their worth and are now
in thriving condition.
1.-The Christian church." he continued,
"holds intimate relation 10 ana mas VITAL
interest in the order The strongest impulse
to the highest benevolence springs from the
life and teachings OF Jesus Christ. and the
church therefore should take an interest III
such organizations.
DR.. Stitt announced his text in II Samuel
ia: THY love to me was wonderful, passing
the love of woman" The speaker told the
story Of Damon and Pythias. Upon the story
the order of Knights of Pythias was founded.
The Bible account of the friendship of Jona-
than and David matches the story OF Damon
| and Pythias. Jonathan and David became
| life friends at their first meeting.
What is there in Pythianism," said the
| speaker, ''that commends it not only to the
| community but 10 the Christian church. First
there must be belief in God. No man can be-
! come a member OF the order who is an athe-
! list, and the Bible is an essential feature OF
| every lodge room. Who are the people that
! march under the red flag, throw bombs into
assemblies of people and assassinate presi-
dents of great republics? They are known as
anarchists, but everyone OF them Is an athe-
list, and will not believe in God. 1t Is no
small thing that this order stands against
atheism. though it be only one OF the funda-
mental principles of the order. The Church
and the government of the nation ought to
rejoice in this fact
'Anotherthing for which this order stands is
morality All the noble virtues that go to make
manly character are insisted upon before any
one can enter the order. The world Is tull oil
bright examples OF this grace, friendship: II
| is not a name-it is glorious reality. 1t is
! one OF the elements that sound out strong and
clear in the Christian life.
"Charity or love is friendship at white heat.
! A man whose life is controlled by charity Is
| like a star. for God is love Whether your
charity be the gentleness of ones judgment
upon another, or that which covers up the i'm
! projections Of each other, or that with all the
richness and fullness OF the Bible term, char
! ity is one OF the most beautiful virtues in the
world Have charity one to another, to all
the world and 20 those VINO do not believe just
as you do. Haye charity TO all. Brothers.
cultivate the grace of charity.
The order you represent stands for love OF
country and loyalty TO the nation. Each one
of your members, if he be a true Knight, will
stand by the colors of the United States and
help TO uphold the dignity OF this govern
ment."
Dr. Stitt closed by relating the story Of the
cruciixion of Christ. and urged the assem-
bled knights to emulate such an example of
love for the great family of mankind.