Page:Oration Delivered on the Occasion of the Dedication of the New Hall of Cooper Lodge.djvu/7



In ancient Thebes a phalanx of warriors was formed, numbering a thousand members composed of veteran soldiers and youths. It was called the Sacred Band of Lovers and Friends. They were pledged never to forsake one another no matter what the emergency. In a battle with Phillip of Macedon, they all perished together—side by side like brothers with piles of their foes around them. After the conflict, Phillip who recognized them as they lay dead together, was so affected by the scene and the sublimity and grandeur of their devotion, that he exclaimed with tears in his eyes—“The simplest and plainest as well as purest policy only requires that the whole world should become a sacred band of brothers to stand by, defend and die for one another; helping each other, and assisting each other. Then,” adds he, “the world would be a vast brotherhood of love, friendship and peace.”

And now, my brethren and audience, this is the subject of my address to you this day—called upon as we have been by your courtesy and distinguished consideration to address you on this interesting occasion.

And what subject so appropriate for the tongue or pen of the minister of the Gospel that speaks love and good will to all; what subject or theme so suitable to the statesman, the patriot, the moralist and the, as that uttered by Phillip of Macedon on the occasion referred to—as love, friendship and peace?

And now, my brethren, were there ever a time, in the history of our world, when these heavenly principles were so much needed as now? To be as brief and summary as