The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1902-07-01

speculation and despair, ngnt Wnlcn
shines unto this present day, and even
now renders this occasion one to cheer
the hearts of those who mourn, rather
than one to give vent to tears Of sor-
row.
This beautiful and beneficent hope
has sent its silent messengers through
the aisles OF time, with the balm OF
healing and gladness to the mourning
millions. Through its sweet influence
the night of gloom has been turned
into q sunkissing morning Of joy; the
misery Of the world fees from broken
hearts back into the shadows from
whence IL came, and the thistles and
thorns of distress and discontentment
spring forth as beauteous aowers OF
peace and happiness. IL this were not
true, the broken hearted mother kueel-
ing at the bier OF her lifeless child
would die in the very agony Of her
grief; to TO her burdened soul there
hastens the angel Of hope with healing
mercy in his wing; II this radiant prom
ise did not illumine the night Of death,
life would indeed be an empty dream,
and the soul that slumbers would in
deed be dead, and bring TO broken
hearts the ashes OF despair. "Dust thou
art, to dust returneth" was not spoken
of the soul, and these beautiful words
are q constant source Of strength, con-
ISOLATION and inspiration. II would in
deed be vain for me TO enter Q philo-
sophical discussion of the reasons why
we, as an order, believe in one Supreme
Being; IL would be idle for me TO bring
the thoughts Of brilliant minds to prove
that the friends whose memories we
brighten by our beautiful service are
at rest upon that deathless shore, where
peace and comfort reign forevermore.
In this sweet faith, We live and find q
rich coutentment, which inspires us
with high ideals and leads US to plane
where We are won't TO preach the gos-
pei Of good cheer TO the living and an
unending peace to our departed broth
ers. Let us muse In this memorable
hour on joys that will not cease, pure
spaces clothed in living beams, pure
lilies of eternal peace, and let us In the
light Of our high purposes, remember
shat man lie not as God, but then most
GodlIke, being most q man."
Secret organization, founded upon
principles Of truth and justice, as our
beloved order Is, are bright stars In
the ornament and by their light, men
are led to do noble things, and to be-
come better husbands, fathers, friends.
In Ohio, we have an army Of 5000
staunch knights, fearless, brave and
true; upon their banners bright and
shining, are those inspiring words,
"Friendship, Charity and Benevo-
lence."
And their awakening song, is the
fatherhood of God and the brotherhood
of man.
The influence OF this great company
upon society, the home, and the in
dividual, Is immeasurable. With loving
hearts, and minds fired by our noble
principles, they move, leaving JOY and
gladness in their path, and scattering
sunshine and good will to thousands
who have never known our lessons, MOI
taken our sacred vows. We do not 60
forth with implements Of wrath or with
wes pons of selfishness. but marching to
the music of fraternal love, we assuage
grief, bind up the broken hearted, pui
to flight the enemies of right, and ex
tend the cheerful hand to thousands In
darkness and distress. Napoleon march
ed with mighty tread the field OF wal
for glory and for conquest, his legioni
were subslterns ani veritable slaves
victory's wreath bought by the blood
and suffering Of his soldiery, was en-
twined about his own selfish brow, AND
the world and the nations, in ringing
out the welkin Of his praise, forgot the
men in the ranks who were tho rea
victors. Caesars brilliant campaigns
II
manhood OF the best blood OF Rome
and they suffered for his exsltation
they died for his glory; the music OF hi
triumphs thrilled the then know
world, but no wreath Of glory, no chap
let OF praise adorned the heads of thos'
who won his victories. Selfishness ant
mad ambition, against which our orde
fights, reigned supreme, and the com
mon people, suffered on in Ignorance
and, therefore, In contentment. Blu
our brave army, under the Leadership
OF our Supreme Chancellor, marche
forth with tokens Of peace, brotherl
love their watchword, equity,-thei
banners, ensigns Of good will. o
bloodless fields, they win triumphs 70
humanity and deathless fame, ever
private q general, every general
private, equal honors crown their head;
and q common fund Of glory is dispen'
ed with unselfish hand.
To belong to such an army, in tn
century Of high ideals and wondror
achievements, should be the ambitio
and the purpose Of every high-minde
citizen. 1t is noble to be good and tru'
and our beloved order inculcates le
sons which make men true and nobl,
No man can assume our sacred vow
without stepping up TO a higher plar
: of manhood. No truer soldier than Il
Pythisn soldier, no better friend; "
kneel at our mystic shrines and ari'
with holier thoughts, and noble
aspirations, We are devotees at Il