Daily Kennebec journal., 1902-06-02
Was Appropriately Observed by
Knights Of Pythias.
Members from Augusta, HaIIoweII and
Gardiner Lodges Join in Ceremony,
Eloquent Sermon at Methodist Church
by Rev. VIM. Cashmere.

loWell arrived on thc o'clock car an
went directly to the hall of the loce
order in Vickery block. At go the pro
cession was formed. the Uniform Ran
acting as escort to the subordjnat I
lodges. The Augusta Cadet Rand To-
the procession, which was i'm charge n
Marshal George w. Merrill. King &C
of Augusta. was commanded by Cant
Charles +. Sturtevant. The HalIoWel
contingent was commanded bv Cant
J. f. Stearns. First Lieutenant Thoma
Jones and Second Lieutenant Howar,
Andrews. and the Gardiner Companv h,
Acting Capt. T.. p. Dill and Secon,
Lieutenant f. w. Black. Major Franl
kittredge of Halloweli, of the 1st Bat,
TALON. was in the line.
| Tie procession marched IN Water
street to the Methodist church. where
| keF. VIM. Cashmere, pastor of the
| Methodist church. Gardiner. delivered
| the sermon. 1t was an eloquent Dro-
duction and was finely delivered. The
text was John Xv:13, and the subject
was THE Pythian Ideal" In part MIR.
Cashmere said:
The teachings of Jesus declare that
the highest service one can render is
shat of self-offering. In this as i'm all
other of his teaching he compeIs the
assent of all minds. Service to ones
fellows is not only 81 privilege, it is
one of the essential principles that en-
ter into the truest development of the
soul. SelfIShneSs is impossible without
self destruction.
PythianiSm in its nOblest form is no
Indifferent type of self offering. 1t is
based upon one Of the most illustrious
examples of pure self abnegation,
given us in those fertile pages Of classic
lore.
Pythianism in its lower form is mere
ly commercialism. 1t is a considera-
ton of profit investment. This lower
form is proper and right. But the
lower form is proper and right. But
tie Pythian ideal is not only different
from this low form. it is utterly op-
posed to it. BY all that Pythianism
holds dear. it is in perpetual conflict
with commercial and mercenary mo-
tivcs. Pythias, the patron saint and
PATTERN of our order, was satisfied to
give his life for Damon. not only not
knowing. but not asking why he whose
place he had taken in the Syracuse
dungeon did not return at the appoint
ed hour.
The Pythian ideal is. first, sincere
and honest manhood. The Pythian is a
man who has no fellowship with
duplicity, fraud or cunning dealing
He is man with high sense of
honor. who would rather suffer than
break an honest and rfghtful agree
ment. He does not catch the secret
signs and passwords of his order that
he may use them for selfish ends, but
that he may join his strength of char
actcr. love of right and power of as
SlStdnCe with the brotherhood and so
BRING about a more perfect realization
OF the sublime purposes for which the
order exists. Unless the high ideals of
Fythianism shall be in a large degree
realized. we shall have no more right
70 considerate treatment at the hands
Of the public. the press or the pulpit
than have the mutual insurance com
panies of the land.
Tie Pythian ideal. in the next place
Is. true citizen. a loyal defender of
his country's interests and institutions
The Pythian is taugh to believe in the
fundamental principles for which the
government of his country stands.
Whatever this may mean to others. to us
1t means the right of self government.
the right of public speech, the right of
untrammeled thought, the right of re-
ilgiouS liberty, the right of personal
conduct for every individual. i'm so far
as these things do not trespass upon
the rights of Others, or menace the
welfare of the commonwealth. The
Pythian is also taught reverence for
the laws by which the country seeks
the protection of those principles. The
laws are no less sacred than the
principles. Pythianism in its attitude
to the laws of the country knows no
favored class or individuals Law is
too sacred a thing to be prostituted to
color. rank, wealth, intrigue or re-
ligion.
The Pythian is taught to hold sacred
those Institutions by which the state
seeks to foster those principles of law
and government. 1t is possible for a
man to be a nominal Pythian and be
small, selfish. untrustworthy, and, in2
deed. immoral. 1t is possible for man
to be a nominal Pythian and be an un-
worthy citizen, and out of sympathy
with the principles and institutions of
his country. But, ] submit, he either
does not know or has not the power OF
moral perception to realize, or else he
stultifies himself in the presence Of that
most exacting and exalted ideal ever
upheld by any person in all the ages
our Lord and Savior alone excepted.
Pythianism is founded upon brother
hood. high honor. strict integrity, un-
selfish life and lofty citizenship. It's
aim is benevolent, fraternal. sacrificial.
1t is not only the duty, but the privi-
lege of every Pythian to lend himself
to her service. until the Pythian ideal,
which is among the Christ ideals is
universally realized throughout the
land.
After the sermon the procession was
again formed and marched up Green to
State. over State to Bridge, down the
latter street to Water to the nall, where
the companies were dismissed.
The affair was one of the most sue
cessfnl ever had in this city and the
members of the order are delighted
with the outcome.
|
| Petitions in bankruptcy have been flieL
| by Moses Wedge Augusta, Lucfe Breton,