Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1898-08-27

you tonight. Let US have an eye sid 1
gle TO the interest and good of our
lodge and order. Always select good
men for the several positions and put
them on guar0 TO wave the banner of
Pythianism in our midst with feeling
OF impartiality that will draw US closer i
together in bonds OF true brotherhood. |
ythisnism is bssed upon Friendship, |
Benevolence and Charity. 1t COM
maDds those who have assumed it's !
VOWS to feed the hungry. relieve the !
distressed. aid the widow, care for and
assist the orphans. To do these things
the charity of those who do not possess
that virtue must be governed b. fixed
laws. There are knights who do not
need TO be- controlled aud they are
largely in the majority. but there are
Others who are Pythisns in name only
Knights who have never drunk deeply
at the fountain whence flows the pure
spirit of beuevoleDce and fraternal
brotherhood and they must be govern
ed by the plain requirements of law
Friendship pure aud simple should
be the strongest link in our fraternsI
chain. Each has pledged his word of
honor to shield a brother from any
danger which may threaten him not
to tie the knot IN the chain TO drag
HIM down, not to speak evil of him
under any circumstances but at all
times and under all circumstances ex-
ercise that endship which is the
foundation upon which our order rests
and ever warns the heart of man.
This virtue is the cornerstone of the
f, order and our members are sworn TO
exercise-it toward each other. Who
among you have violated this great
principle and obligation? You that
have, have done a great wrong. You
have betrayed our brotherhood and
violated your obligation before God
We should be able to say at all times.
I have been true to my pro mise, have
saved nv friend and brother. Ever
keep these thoughts in your memory,
that at all times you may be ready to
do deeds OF charity.
The future of the lodge depends upon
the acts OF each member. upon you
will rest the responsibility of what
will be the progress upward or down.
ward. You can SO train yourself to
right thinking and right acting that
uprightness shall be your nature and
truth your impulse. His head is sell
dom for wrong whose heart Is always
right. No one whose heart is filed
with tender thought for our brother
hood will carry brothers name from
idoor to door. We should not judge
each other for something to US by
strangers, we must have facts, pure
and simple, then we can Judge.
Brother knights. we are divided, we
must come together. that friendship
must exist amongst us like unto that
which bound Damon and Pythias; then
and not until then can we expect any
great progress. Nothing is impossible
for us to do IL we link firmly together.
Let US ever remember that, ~Whatso-
ever we SOW, that shall we reap" ii
we SOW discord it will return to Us
doubled il we SOW peace, benevolence
and charity, we reap contentment and
peace with all men
When we deal Justly with our fellow
man, God is pleased with US, His bless
ings will follow us then in the course
of time, we will take our place among
the Pythians OF Virginia again Ito lead
, and not to follow May these few
thoughts cause each member to think
and use his best influence to advance
, our lodge to the foremost place among
the lodges of Virginia. All ask of the
. officers and members is to do their du.
ty. In times gone by many members
of our lodge have been weaued away
from their castle hall. have been led Il
lose INTEREST III TytnlAntsm Oy IehsOt
. of the fact that other societies seemes
to offer superior social attractions, anC
not so much unnecessary cavil-
. 1t is during the dull times when
lodge has no work to do, the officer
: would arrange for social gatherings. j
: would doubtless result in better at
! tendance at lodge meetings. No on,
: can be a good lodge member unles
: you keep posted on the work and ad-
; vancement OF the order. The man who
: after he has been honored by all tn
: offices within the gift of his lodge, thel
: drops his attendance at lodge meeting
never was q Knight Of Pythiss in spir
it and in truth. And he who joins ant
. attends alone for pecuniary and not 70
the. 1--we of the principles advocated i
not, never was, and never can be
knight of Pythias in spirit and i
\ truth.
r The truth of the above is beyond al
r question. / would earnestly ask eacl
; member to study the meanings O
v Friendship. Charity and Benevolence
: then we will be able TO deal with on
members as the spirit and the laws @
o the order eDjoin.
4 am yours for progress,
+ S. @. WILLIAMS, &, O