The Republican journal., 1905-06-22
cost it's equivalent in honest, noble

effort"
TO the candid and thinking mind it
would appear that the good people in
many instances pride themselves on be.
ing interested in the welfare of others
with whom they are daily associated.
And viewing matters from their stand
point would feel that there devOlved
upon them duty about which they had
been dilatory, but which ought to de-
mand their attention. There are some
people who are interested in the cause
of temperance but who are not united
with our lodges, and probably feel that
there is no call for them to join heart
and hand and work together, but how
much more might be accomplished did
they but feel to unite their efforts with
ours. would simply say to all such,
come and join us in this great and
glorious work.
To the sluggish and inactive who
can say they have no appetite for
strong drink,-or no children to save
from the drink demon, and further
more, have no personal interest in this
matter,-I would to God that l might
be able to stir quickening spirit with
in you that should make you know fully
and truly that this life is not for self
alone, but that the great God of Ma
ture, which has placed us all here, de-
mands that we should edo unto others
as we would that they should do un.o
u.s. None of us are able to live for
himself, and the great and all wise
Father has so arranged the human
family that the best harmony prevails
where the least seltishness exists. |
wish to appeal to that class of men
and women occupying high social posi-
lions in life-thoSe whose standing in
the community upon matters OF lmpor
tauce, of means, and of influence, and
who have it within their power to aid
those who are today suffering from the
great evil, intemperance. | wish to I'M
press upon your mind that the commun-
ity holds you responsible for the con-
duct of its people. Noperson is justified
in saying, live in good community
unless he himself shall help to make it
such.
Let us all mutually pledge ourselves
that wherever we may find ourselves,
whatever may be our social position
here and elsewhere, and whatever the
popular opinion may be the cause of
temperance shall be the foundation
of all our work.
"Oh, vanished majesty of days, rise type
and mould today,
Teach our sons to follow on where duty
leads the way,
And whatsoever trials come defying doubt
and fear,
They in the thickest of the fight shall proud
ly answer, 'here'."
The District Lodge is second only in
Importance, influence, and member
ship, to the Grand Lodge, and is
the connecting link between the Subor-
dinate and Grand Lodges. Its men,
bership is composed of ardent, active
Good Templars, (who have built up All
Order extending to every land and
would urge upon every member the i'm
portance of taking this beautiful De-
gree of Charity.
You have joined the Order and your
name is upon the roll-don't stop there.
There is much to learn of the Order
and its work. There are its rules, by
laws, usages, history, traditions, and
what may, in all orders, be called Gland
marks "-learn them: you can't get
them by absorption, only by reading,
study and observation. In the Good
Templar lodge some of our greatest
orators, statesmen, lawyers, preachers,
etc., have taken their first lessons in
public speaking, and that confidence
that enables men and women to face
large audiences without fear-learn
this-practlce gives confidence. In a
word, resolve to do we'll everything in
a fraternal way, and in after years
you will bless the Order for the good it
has done you, because you did not stop
at the threshold and be content with
the huSks, when you might have had
the whole grain and been a complete
Good Templar product.
1t depends upon US what the future
of our Order will be. There are two
important points along this line wish
to mention. One is the kind of men,
beers we take in as our leaders and
workers. The other is those we put i'll
to office. Occasionally an unworthy
brother or sister is placed in the Chief
Templar, and other important chairs,
those who have not the Order at heart,
and who know nothing at all of its
workings. Let us avoid this by putting
our best members into office. Take
those who are calm and deliberate in
all they do. But let all be preparing by
study and observation, for these posi-
tions. Let the "ot1ice seek the man,
not the man the office" Beware of
the latter class.
In conclusion | would make a few
suggestions.
First would suggest we study we'll
our obligation, and have occasional
talks upon it by the Deputy or some
other member.
Second-That each lodge in the
District hold public Gospel Temper
ance meetings once each quarter thus
coming in touch with the general pub
lie.
Third-That each lodge appoint a re-
porter to send to our local papers all
items of interest in regard to the lodge,
thus keeping the sister lodges, as well
as the public at large, posted in what
is being done by our Order in different
sections OF the county.
Fourth-That we all pledge our
seves to greater interest in our
juvenile branch, as upon this work
largely depends the success of Good
Templary in the future.
Now, brothers and sisters, when we
leave this District Lodge session, let it
be to return to our several subordinate
Lodges, and our homes, fully deter
mined to do better in the future; and
let peace and harmony prevail among
you, remembering, "a kind heart is a
fountain of gladness, causing every
thing around it to freshen into smiles"
Let brotherly love continue. Take
courage, for
"Better days are breaking o'erus;
From the ring goal bafnrQ