The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-04-22

up tho soul Of the bereaved and aged COM
panion OF his Joys and eorrows. with tho
blessed hope OF a reunion before many
years. that shall never more be broken.
Not long since received precious let
ter from Mrs. Brewster, breathing such
sweet spirit of resignation, and recounting
the mercies of God and the comforts that
surrounded her In her home, that made
my heart rejoice. II II can add any to her
comfort, sho can be assured that tho heart
OF evory Christian knight in this large ju-
risdiotion beats In warmest sympathy with
her in her sore affliction.
Brethren. I am sure you will pardon me
In dwelling so long on this great loss to
our Grand Commandcry aud to tho state.
and ! sincerely trust that while we VIII
ever revere he memory OF our loved and
departed brother. we may be led by the
good spirit Of God to so 1.-Two that we may
he prepared to meet him Sin that pure
world OF fearless Joy" to part no more FOR
ever.
While II was my purpose TO be brict In
this address. Il was my design TO talk on
tho principles OF the order, and portray es
well as | could the character and duties
OF the true Christian Knight. my mind
has been diverted from that line OF
thought. until I am admonishcd that my
time is up, and must forcgo many things
desired TO present before you.
We meet In annual conclave to counsel
and advise the best means to promote the
prosperity OF our order and TO lcgislate for
its highest good and the glory OF God. Let
us renew our obligations and VOWS. cherish
in our hearts the sacred teachings wo have
received In our asylums. and practice them
in our lives II has been the earnest
prayer OF your speaker that God in His
providence would 20 use us as to contrib
ute largely to tho final contamination OF
that glorious era when Christ and Hin cru
.,iF tal hal Ia gl.vI,, Ia, tssnr
and Prince Emmanuel. whose right 1t Is,
shall reign from the river 10 the ends OF
the earth; when tho fatherhOod of God and
the universal brotherhood OF man shall re-
joice our world and make II n type OF
heaven. l desire that such shall be my
last message TO those love so we'll. Hav-
Ing passed my four-score years, dare rot
count on the future. and this may be my
last.
hut we meet also to renew social ties
and thank God that In His wisdom He has
created MS social beings. and In His good
ness has surrounded us with so many
means to enjoy these blessings. How many
hearts have hoen made glad and TO bound
with Joy already since we have mot. rs We
have looked into familiar faces and greeted
In love once more those from whom wa
have been long separated. Let us then,
rejoice and be happy. We ought to rejoicc
and be glad. Lot us forget, II Wa can, Tor
inc tltnt NtlnE, our lTlNlS. IL VIZ nave lHtil,
and make this coming together bright.
cheerful and TO the fun enjoying this fcs-
tive occasion without abusing II, and when
We so to our homes carry with MS grateful
hearts TO the Giver OF all our morcies for
what we have here enjoyed.
l can not close without expressing tho
heartfelt thanks OF every valiant and
magnanimous Knight to the ladies' who so
kindly favor us with their presence today.
and on all similar occasions. We frankly
and sincerely acknowledge a debt of graft
tudc to you we can never hope to repay.
Outside Of our daily business sessions,
what n somber and uninterestng gathering
this wonlh be! SO long as you cheer us
with your presence and smiles Of encour
agement. we will be happy and prosper
when You withdraw your presence. il will
mark the decline in the interest Of these
meetings. THESE aro not idle words. or
words of flattory. Unlike some other or
ganizations, we have no orusty old bach
elurs in our number. but every bosom bears
within 1t a chivalrous noble heart. every
heat of which is expressive Of devotion to
your sex, and whose right hand is ready
at all times to grasp and draw his sword
in your defense should OCCASION demand It.,
God bless you, ladies. and may we ever
enjoy your cooperation. And now II it is
source of such pleasure to meet and
mingle together here. what estate bliss
will 1t be to all to meet In tho glory land.
where saints of all ages IN harmony meet.
Their savior and brethren transported to
greet:
While anthems OF rapture increasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast
OF the soul"
Is not this blessed hope? Hope? What
Is hone? An apostle described IL as IAN
anchor OF tho soul both sure aud stead
fast" and sweet poet has sung;
1T is the rainbows form, hung on the
brow OF Heaven,
The glory OF the passing storm. the
pledge OF mercy given;
II is the bright triumphal arch,
Through which the saints to glory |
march"
And now commend you to tho God OF |
all grace and truth. and may we all pass
through that arch and he greeted well |
done. good and faithful servants. enter |
thou Into the Joy OF thy Lord" and to His |
great name shall be all the praise. Amen. |
The continuation OF the services was:
Offering for Charity. Hymn. "AIleluia."
Closing Prayers. Benediction and Recess
SIGNAL Hymn.
The choir preceded the knights to the
door where the choir stood on either side,
the knights passing out and marching to
their hall, where they convened in regular
session.
The religious service was beautiful. tho
body OF about 200 knights going through
the devotional exercises as one man. II
was impressive and those who witnessed
it seemed moved to deep admiration.
Meeting Mt the Temple.
After concluding the services at Christ
church the STR knights adjourned to the |