The Portland daily press., 1895-12-30

Some years ago, while student at
the University committee waited on
me to inform me that / had been elected
member OF an ancient and time
honored society called the Tall Cedars of
Lebanon. The name certainly had a
Scrlptural aspect. But from certain ru-
mors current it was suspected that things
were done and said at the initiation
which if not anti ScIiptural, were not
to be found in Scripture.
When the committee were asked why
had been honored with an election, they
gravely and courteously remarked that
had been elected to give dignity and
responsibility to the society OF course
after that there was only one thing to 90,
and that was to be initiated.
I need not say that I do not reveal any
secrets when say that the initiation
made q lasting and indelible impression
on my mind. From that day to this l
never look upon cedar tree without re-
calling that initiation.
But, Mr.. President, glance at the
gentlemen seated about these tables aud
look at the list of speakers to partic-
ipate in these festivities will convince
anyone that there is no need to invite a
clergyman to be present to give dignity
and responsibility to the occasion
Surely a society that includes among
its friends the governor of the common
wealth of Maine, the Mayor OF Portland.
and other distinguished men who might
be mentioned, need offer no apology for
it existence among US.
l heard not long ago of a colored
preacher who announced that on Ger
tain Sunday he would preach on eternal
punishment. He said, "My friends,
these are just two roads in this world.
One road leads to hell, and the other
leads to damnatiOn."
A hra& 80 49, II
and said, ''Well, Mr.. Preacher, if .1at
be de case this darkie takes to de woods. -
As many of your speakers seem to have
| taken to the woods tonight and I am
left almost alone, I will not take to
| the woods. but stand where the two
roads meet and do the best l can under
the circumstances.
some little dlffidence because l am aware
that am not only In the presence of
professional travellers, but takers as
well.
A minister talks that he may travel !:
sometimes he is called upon to travel be-
cause he talks too much. But members
of this association travel that they make
talk. AS a talker I think the CONNER
clal traveller takes the palm. He can
say more in given time than any man
on earth. The only commercial traveller
ever had any experience with has been
the book agent. l need not say that al
ways welcome him with open arms
For pure and unauthorized generosity,
for tongue that never tires, and a zeal
that never flags, give me the book agent.
There are tiGes in my life when I
have an ambition to do something for
my fellow men, when 1 would leave
name for future generations to admire
and venerate. AT such a time would be
book agent; and am only deferred from
that magnificent task by an overwhelm-
ing sense of my unftness and unworthi-
ness for that splendid mission.
We are often told that we are living
in busy and progressive age. The tai
low candle of our ancestors has long since
given place to the electric light. The
slow and numbering stage coach has been
superseded by the express train The lag
ging pen yields its throne to the type
writer. The old log sohoolhouse has
grown into the high school and the uni
versity. The world Of business has also
been revOlutionized.
In the days of our fathers the merch-
ant was compelled to take long and
tedi GUS journey to where the few whole
sale houses were located. to buy goods
for the whole year. Today all this is
changed. By the aid of the commercial
traveller the markets of the world are
brought to his very door.
oO W0 DOG uu0 WOIlu IAOFcS, AOU OHly
along social, scientific, moral and relig-
| ious lines. but along commercial lines as
we'll. The characteristics of the COM
mercial traveller are pluck. energy. per-
severance and enthusiasm, qualities
needed in every calling In life.
There is just as much need of the
traveller as there is of the farmer, the
mechanic, the lawyer the schoolm aster
and the minister.
Since receiving an invitation to this
banquet. ! have been wondering what
can do to help this society. The duty of
a minister is to preach long sermons, to
baptised babies, to. marry and bury
people.
Judging from present Indications, the
funeral of this society will not OCCUR in
| the very near future. There are sOme-
things and even some persons who
are tetter out Of sight and under ground.
But do not think that the Association
can be placed upon that list wish
your society the greatest prosperity and
success. hope It's membership may
increase and the circle Of its influence
may widen until time is no more.