Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-07-16

there may be unity and harmony in
diversity. In landscape there is
every variety Of feature; yet, hill
dale, field, woodland, lakelet and run
ming stream, all combine into one
and the united diversity is pleasant
and beautiful.
How entirely different, too, appear
the eyes, the nose, the cheeks, the
chin and the lips, yet these diverse
features blend into the interesting
face ofman. So, also, one star differs
from another star in glory, as is ap.
parent to the naked eye, and yet
they combine into one whole and
form the magnificent host of the uni.
verse. Each star lends it's attractive
influence in keeping it's fellows in
the proper orbit, and they turn
about each other in harmony quiring
the praises of him who poised them
in the realms Of ether.
But bear with me whilst 1 quote
the language of the apostle, "The
eye cannot say to the hand 1 have
no need of thee nor the head to
the feet, have no need of YOU"
These are all Gods unities in di-
versities, and these are the kind of
unities that he has commanded in
the diversities of humanity. As the
features of the face blend into a
pleasing whole, so human beings
should blend into attractive society.
That unity which belongs to the
stars differing from each other in
glory should characterize men differ
ing from each other in physical,
moral and mental strength. The
stars do not collide one with another
nor do they exist from day to day
without influence one upon another.
So with men. They should study
the pursuits of life, liberty and
happiness 80 as not to come into COL
lision with each other, and yet al
ways to be exerting a happy influ-
ence on the affairs of one another.
No more should the eye think it
had no need of the hand, nor the
head of the feet, than one of us
should think we had no need of a
fellow; or one family conclude that
it had ho need of another.
Now it goes almost without say
Ing, my brethren, that such unity
as we have been describing is pos
sible only through Iope. Love
makes a true brotherhood. What
the great law of gravitation is to a
system of heavenly bodies love
is TO a brotherhood and to the
brotherhoods of mankind. Without
it families become to each other
worse than strangers. Without it,
neighborhoods are broken into fac
tions, clashing interests keep up
jarring discords, and the tongue of
slander becomes busy in the work of
defamation. Moreover the work of
true religion ceases for the gentle
Spirit will not brood over scenes of
discord. The effect upon states,
nations and the world Is equally dis
astrous. BE assured, brethren, all
order, harmony and beauty will de-
part from our lodges if love be not
cultivated amongst US.
Let us now take a glance at the
ptedsGntness Of that unity which
springs from love. The Psalmist
says it Is as pleasant as the ointment
poured upon the head of Aaron.
AS the cloud of odor rose from that
ointment compounded after the mi
mute directions given to Moses, it
was, no doubt, extremely pleasing
to the worshipers gathered about the
tabern acle. Pleasing as it was, it
was not as pleasant as peace and
harmony In brotherhood. To see
each member of a family discharg-
ing his duty ia the household In a
quiet orderly manner, and in perfect
good will, Is a most pleasing sight.
To see neighborhoods working har-
moniously, without discord or jar
from busybodies, Is not less pleasant.
Not less pleasing is the peace of a
nation. How unpleasant when
division comes and war prevails to
the overthrow of the institutions of
peace, the slaughter Of the brave and
the mourning of widows and Or
phans. And, above all things, how
pleasant Is o church working i'm
unity; the officers discharging faith
fully the duties that fall upon them,
each member doing the duty nearest
his hand In the fear of the Lord, and
all moving with har mony toward
one end, the glory Of God.
But the Psalmist calls attention to
the profitableness Of this unity. 1t
Is as the dew upon the mountains of
Zion. The result of dew falling
upon the soil Ia to make 1t yield its
strength. Without moisture upon
1t, any soil soon becomes as the
Desert of Sahara, a parched, dried
and blistered land-a waste and des-
olation. So without unity there is
no productiveness. A family does
not prosper, the affairs of a neigh