The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-03-13
TO THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS-
GREETING
From Wednesdays Daily:

Ocala feels distinctly honored in
having the privilege of entertaining
the Knights of Pythias of the state of
Florida. The very fact that the order
has grown from a membership of 13
in 1864, when it was organized, to
750, 900 in 1914, tells its own story. 1t
could not have grown to such num-
bers unless it was distinctively meri-
torious.
Charity in its broader sense is ex-
tolled by st. Paul as the capstone of
all other virtues, and in its narrower
limitations-the mere gift of giving
it touches the heart-strings as few
other virtues do, and is as sweet and
uplifting to the giver as to the receiv-
er.
Perhaps we could not do better
than to quote here from an address
by Mr.. Bryan, which was delivered
several years ago.
Speaking of fraternity he said:
Among the great forces that are
at work drawing men closer together,
teaching them to recognize the tie
that binds each to every other, the
fraternity occupies an important
place. The equality that is taught in
the lodge room would in itself justify
the existence of the fraternity, espe
cially at this time when we need to
learn over and over again that the
worth of the individual depends not
upon what he possesses, or upon dis
tinguished lineage, but upon the man
ner in which he performs the respon-
sibilities that rest upon him; and our
fraternity teaches this idea of equal
ity. Hospitality is one of the virtues
of our fraternity, and | think | can
say without offending those who be-
long to other fraternities of which
am a member, that no fraternity in
this land is more distinguished for
hospitality, At home we can measure
man by what we know of him, and
his position can rest upon his merits.
But when stranger comes among us
we must assume the existence of vir-
tues before we have an opportunity
to test them; and throughout this
land the homes that have been estab-.
lseH LOT
string ever out. And no order that
exists among us extends a more cor
dial welcome to the visiting brothehr
or shows to him more constant
courtesy and care.
Charity is virtue, and this fra
ternity is conspicuous for what it
does in the name of sweet charity.
And it is a gracious thing in this fra
ternity that while it gives, gives will
ingly, and gives freely, it does not
record the name of the one to whom
it gives, that no humiliation shall
ever come to one who has been the
recipient of this fraternity's bounty.
In charity no other order surpasses
ours.
"Brotherly love is another virtue
upon which one might dwell. For
brotherly love lies back of equality,
and hospitality, and charity. 1t is the
idea of brotherly love that the fra
ternity everywhere is attempting to
teach, and it is this idea OF brotherly
love which, growing, as believe 1t is
growing throughout the world, is ce-
mankind more and more
closely together. And it is this broth
erly love which in my judgment is go
ing to throw light upon our path
way, and make it easier for US to dis
tinguish the duties which we owe
one to another"
AS your order exemplifies the vir-
tues here so beautifully given by this
gifted member, this paper bids you
welcome, and God-speed.
It hopes that you will find the
hanging on the outside Of
every home in our. city. and that the
given you win be as cor
dial as II is boundless.
The city is yours. and while you