Gilpin observer., 1902-12-11
though we may die as Lszerous died at
tho Palaca Gate vet in tho iud,amant of

though we may die as Lszerous died at
the Palace Gate, yet in the judgement Of
mankind, in the peace and quiet OF our
own conscience, and in that far greater
judgment that is yet to come, we will
be counted richer than Dives. We shall
be crowned with grander laurel berries
than wreathed the victor at tho Olym-
plan Games, and our names shall live on
amid the wreck of matter and crash OF
worlds.
That man in any calling who is tender
and true, who looks upon thus fraternity
as God given opportunity to do some
thing for suffering humanity; thar man
who feels that upon his head there rests
a crown perhaps Of thorns, but the
crown Of duty to discharge. will finally
in that judgement wherewith 1t is worth
his while to be judged worthy of the day
and age in which he lives, be counted
worthy of the ,portunity which he had,
worthy OF this ~ fraternity.
do not unders. md that this is lodge
of sorrow or that special effort should
be made to make the occasion sad or
mournful, but to those not familiar with
our custom. would say, that all over
the United States (for our lodge is pure
ly American) to-day, wherever there is
lodge OF Elks, solemn services in memory
of the absent brothers are being held.
BY our "absent brothers" mean those
who. by earthly duties, have been called
from our midst and are scattered far and
wide, and those whom the Almighty has
summoned to the home of peace and per-
feet rest, the eternal abiding place, from
whence comes no echo.
His tender touch has closed their eye
lids cold, and their peaceful sleep is IN
broken by words OF praise or earthly
honors. No wealth of tears nor need OF
praise can add lustre to their vistue, or
one star to the splendor OF their crows
The angels of love have shown them th
pathways of rest, and kissed them asleep
In their memory, we meet it is true. To
shrining the branching antlers in beau
tiful flowers, and causing sweet strains
of music, all of which are suggestive OF
the fragrance and purity and harmony
of their characters.
This is day of rest and peaceful re-
pose, day when business cares, per-
pexities and anxities should be laid
aside, the solemn Sabbath day. A day
when we should let our souls cease from
troubling. And while at rest, let us ask
ourselves these questions: What are
we? Whence came We and whittier are
we journeying? Ask the Atheist and he
will answer: There is no God, we are
matter, nothing more. From matter We
came, and, when we have lived the brief
years allotted, we will sink into nothing
ness forever"
In such belief there is no peace, no
comfort, no joy, no hope. No star illum-
mates the impenetrable gloom. 1t is the
doctrine of despair. All the hopes, all
the struggles, all the conqueste, all the
sufferings of the human race since the
birth of man have been empty and bar
rem if this be true.
l do not speak as member OF sect,
or the advocate Of any creed or OF any
religion. l am free to confess, however,
that l would rather believe in the dread
ful doctrine OF eternal punishment than
credit this fearful idea of annihilatIon.
believe there is God who rules over
the destinies of men and nations, who,
from time to eternity, holds the universe
the hollow of his hand, an omnipotent
God of infinite wisdom, love and COM
passion. A God without malice, without
revenge, without hate, the author, the
preserver and the protector of all, the in
finite soul, the supernal essence of the
universe.
/ believe that, within this frail human
casket, there is soul that will live on
when this poor weak body shall have
been dissipated in forgotten dust.
My friends, for countless generations
mortals have witnessed the ceasele 8
procession of earth's teemipg millions
from birth to death. Sages, philosophers
ana divines, have alike sought to solve
the problem of the future, and, standing
upon the turf beneath which was once
mighty sepulchre, have endeavored 10
extract comfort from a thousand diverse
theories.
Through all these puls.tions of life, OF
humble individuals, and mighty empires,
each replaced on the theatre OF action
by others, Who in turn have given place
to their successors, pass dreams as lovely
as visions from the Garden Of the Gods,
and sorrows as real MS the desolatlons