La Junta tribune., 1908-12-12

- 1~fs~N>S@ Asrhhe- Atb oO~& 10k Ahtau
that our Order II substitute for re-
iigion- Our lessons are the lessons
of religious conduct. but not rcligi-
GUS creed: while our work is planned
executed and accomplished in far
different msnner. Religion and the
Elks have each their particular place
and mission In the world. They are
not rivals. and either can perform
its duty without harming or inter
fering with the other. We deem a
belief in the existence OF Supreme
Being as an essential to rustwor;hI-
ness--a staff upon which 10 lean in
the hour of need can no better
illustrate the consolation OF such a
belief. especially upon this occasion.
than By relating the story OF Beru-
riah. Taimudic tale, which is now
one OF the most fragrant flowers in
al The fields of literature.
Beruriah and her husband had TWO
ehi.dren-bright and beautiful boys.
the sunshine OF the home. the nope
u tAf paAtbf@ Ah tlfA Oid d-s'- Cht
day. while the father was away from
home, teaching at the school. the
TWO sons were suddenly stricken ~
and died. Beruriah was griefstrickcn
but even in the midst of her srea,
sorrow. unselfishiy thought what a
shock this would be to her husband.
and brayely suppressing her grief.
with her own hands, carried the mani
mate bodies of her children to their
rooms. laid them upon the led. and
covered the still forms with sheet.
She then expcctantly awaited, vet
feared and dreaded. the coming of
her husband Upon his arrival he
asked: Where are my sons." Beru-
riah. with fainting heart, but face
composed, Answered: They have not
yet come home. perhaps they are
al the school" Nay" he replied.
Il have just come from the school
and they were no; there" A short
silence ensued- Then the nob1e-heart'
ed wife spoke Husband" she said
"A few years ago someone placed in
my keeping two jewels Of priceless
value. To-day he came and demand
ed back his treasures. Shall I return
them?" The husband gazed at her
in wonder Il am surprised at you"
he said, You well know there can
be but one answer to that question.
The jewels must be returned" Then
the brave wife took the old man by
the hand. and led him To that silent,
darkened room where Death held sway
and where those treasures OF their
hearts lay side by side. Slowly, she
removed the sheet and showed the
Mortified father the marble features
OF his beloved children My sons!
Ny sons" he cried. and fell upon hts
knees beside the bed. Can you see
that scene? Can you see that old
man. his spirits crushed as his face
/ was against the bed! Canyon see
/ that heroic mother bending over him
as she calmly speaks these words
of comfort: Husband, when asked
you whether or not should return
the jewels entrusted to my keeping
did you not say. Return them?'
Husband these are the jewe;s. God
gave them and now He asks them
back" And. Oh, the pathos. the
sublime moral courage, the magnifi
cent faith Of that old man. who. ris-
ing to his feet, with hands and eyes
toward Heaven. while the tears dried
upon his withered cheeks, murmered
with Infinite faith: THE Lord has
given; the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD
/ The Lord has given; the Lord
has taken away: blessed be the
name Of the Lord! In this blind
cry OF our fellowman. that comes to
US through many ages past. In praise
of One who guides both Life and
DEATH. who. gives and takes away. We
AS E1lu and a. men. find the great
fest .comfort known 70 the world. III
| with love in our hearts tos the
living: With hope in our hesrtsS for
the dead. the Benevolent md Protect
i've Order of Biks has Get aside this
day for memorial service. Looking
backward We can feel the Inspiration
of the past. and from II gather
strength and courage to bravely meet
the scenes and trials Of the present
We can profit BY the stories Of the
lives OF many people 30 ~ to mold
our lives and actions that we be not
vain Of fortune or cast down by ill.,
timed failure. Looking forward we
can see on the ever broadening hori-
ron Of our lives fairy graces. beckon-
ting ma from suunv yistas green with