Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-12-16

things which wealth can not buy; that
money alone can not purchase. and
that among them are the deep and
lasting friendships, and the heartfelt
sympathios which Genre from associa.
tions such as ours. These are quail
Ties which must spring naturally from
the fountains OF the human heart.
As an order the Elks recognize
these plain facts of life, these self.
evident truths of our existence, and
without quarreling with the works of
the Creator they bend themselves TO
the worthy effort of tightening the
burden which humanity is called up
en- TO bear, believing that after all
there Is much in life to be thankful
for; that there Is far more sunshine
than rain, more joy than sorrow, more
laughter than tears.
We are told by Thackeray in his
Vanity Fair" that the world is a
looking-glass which casts back to
each OF us the reflection of our own
face. II we smile upon il, il smiles
in return. IL we frown upon IL, IL
frowns upon us. II we hate ii, IL
hates us II we love II, ii loves us.
Our organization recognizes this vi,
tai truth, and so we are endeavoring
to smile upon the world, to love hu-
manity. to overlook and forget its
faults and foibles, to see only its good.
ness, its virtue, its generosity. to the
end that the world may smile back
upon us, and humanity love us in re-
turn.
Our order devotes much of its time
to social intercourse among its mem.
bers and TO a rational enjoyment of
life. But while our chief aim is to
dispel sadness. and, in our humble
way, to increase the sum total of hu-
man happiness, we nevertheless keen
ly appreciate that there is a graver
side to human existence. and that we
must cheerfully accept our full share
of the responsibilities resting upon us
in common with all mankind.
Notwithstanding it's h%eartaches and
discouragements. we may reverently
thank God that there is very much
more in this life that is beautiful than
otherwise. At times the world is fill
ed with joy. Gladness is in the air.
The radiant colors of the rainbow and
the glorious sunshine of happiness
dispel the mists of suffering. of disap-
pointment and regret. The roses Of
hope. of anticipation and realization,
shed their fragrance along our path.
ways, and a song Of thankfulness goes
up from every heart. But it Is well
for all of us to remember, while bask-
ing in the sunlight and gathering the
sweet smelling flowers of pleasure,
that life has its grave responsibilities
and solemn duties. that death Is a
debt all NUT pay to nature, and that
at the end of life's span there waits
for each Of us the silent tomb. There.
fore, today the sound of merriment Is
hushed, the joyousness of the social
session is stilled, and we gather as a
lodge Of sorrow" to pay a Just trib-
ute of respect and affection to the
memory of the beloved brethren who
have trod the unknown path which
leads to that mysterious gateway, be.
yond whose secret portals no mortal
eye has eve seen.
May the Christening and sanctifying
thoughts inspired by these ceremonies
go with US. ~elevating our natures,
broadening u sympathies, softening
our hearts, making us more tolerant,
more charitable and more ~forbearing
one with another, thus making us bet.
ter men, better citizens, better Elks.
In closing let me quote a poem by
a distinguished member of our order,
entitled,