Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1895-06-09

ure. with the same power to enjoy
and weakness to suffer that we pos.
sess.
Life at its longest is but a narrow
| span. and only a line marks the
boundary between the now and
the hereafter. The forms sleeping in
yonder graveyard heed rot and care
not for our simple rites. We can
neither harm nor comfort them by
any act Of ours. The lessons OF this
day are for us, the living, and its in
spiration is for us while living. II
no good comes from this hour, dedi
cateu to the hottest sentiments Of our
being and consecrated by the sacri-
flee OF death, then we are at fault
u obligations should be retaken.
In the secret chamber OF every heart
OF mature manhood and womanhood
there rests the memory of one lost
n whose life and labor was given
that You or ! might pluck a blossom
from the rocky pathSay Of time; that
you or ! might see a rift in the clouds
that cverspread our sky. One whose
exlsteEce was as a seraphic melody,
moulding into perfect harmony the
dlscordant sounds arising from the
conflict and struggle around us. Let
US this day, unseal that chamber and
for an hour call up the memory OF that
life. Let us remember all that was
good; all that was true and so remem-
bering shall we not return to our
homes and business softened and pur-
flied, with a charity that can forgive
and help.
know how easily good Intentions
are made; know how easily such in
tentions are forgotten. 4 thoughtless
word-half in Jest and half in earnest
has parted friends and estranged
brothers. A simple act misconstrued
set nations at war. With brides upon
our tongue and shackles upon our
hands, we offend and wrong as we
journey through life; butgoverned by
the spirit Of Fraternity, we ask par
don OF all and are forgiven by many.
The world is large; we are strang.
ers to the many and friends to the few
However circumscribed may be our
position in life. however few may be
our friends, opportunities have often
come to each to assist a worthy fellow
man. Standing in The presence Of our
dead, pledged n we are pledged
does our conscience tell us that we
have been blameless in the discharge
OF our duties and obligations as citi-
zens and Brothers? Does not retro.
spection bring some regret?
Well do we remember the command
visit the sick, relieve the distressed,
bury the dead, and educate the or
phan." but is that all the law, does
that embrace all our duty? No, back
OF that command, in the mystic rite
OF fraternity are the duties of Il
brotherhood, so broad, so exalted and
60 clevatipg, that il carried by each
into life would mark him as some
thing more than frail mortality. Our
ideal Is not attainable, but for that
reason We should not hesitate to make
the effort. Perfection may never
come, but il it comes at all, it will be
when we have thrown of 4this mortal
coll; when death has relieved us of
this load OF flesh and blood, born of
passion and fostered in every sensu.
GUS pleasure.
Let us then renew orr vows; again
make high resolves, in the name and
remembrance Of the dead, that our
lives shall in part be controlled by
the teachings OF our Order, and kneel-
ing at the shrine OF Fraternity, look
with hope throug., death to immor.
tality. Immortality The thought
OF thee alleviates every pain; cures
every affection. Thy gentle hand
has wiped the tears OF sorrow from
the eyes of grief. Thy whispering
hath soothed the troubled soul, and
faith in thee has been n balm for
every wound and u solace for every
care. Then weep not for the dead.
The still and silent form that rcnds
thy soui with grief 10 clay, cold, III.
animate clay, that soon must moulder
back to dust. Soon the worms shall
eed upon that fair lesh-their wet
and Tlimy bodies shall soon trail
across the round, white arms and ten.
der broast-unsightly things soon
shall crawl among the tresscs OF that
glossy hair and nothing shall remain
but duet.
The object of thy devotion lives DO.
yond, withcred by tho touch Of
Death to bloom in tho garden OF i'm.
mortality!
Friends, to you who have honored
us with your presence and assistance,
Igive our thanks.
Call it not presumption, whom /
appeal to all, in the names and re.
mcmbrance OF the loved and lost, who
rest from the trials and troubles OF
this sad, fair world, and in the namo
OF that Immortality that assures all n
meeting after this earth has become
a blackoncd cinder, to go forth from
this hall %consecrated to n life OF gen.
erous and noble impulse,
Brothers, let us romember that to
Danish poverty. stay crime. right