Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1851-11-26
THE cRAFTsMAN,s JUDGMENT


THE CRAFTSMAN,S JUDGMENT.
The truth when hid from wisdom's eyes,
Is by simplicity off found"
In the Jerusalem Targum it is record
ed that during the building of the Tenn
pie, the illustrious Solomon, King of lsra-
ell, had frequent occasion to exercise his
judgment in deciding cases of dispute,
which occasionally arose between the
workmen, and from the satisfaction which
his decisions invariably gave, acquired the
surname of the Wise, title, of which he
became at last so vain, that the Great
Architect of the world, by whom, doubt
less, he had been inspired, thought fit, in
his mercy and wisdom to reprove him
for as the Rabbinical writer, Tarasi, Justly
observes, VANITY is serpent that de-
voureth the core of wisdom.
One of the oyersecrs or men entrusted
with the direction of the works and the
payment of the men, being summoned to
attend meeting of his class, called to him
two of the craftsmen, and placed in their
hands a sum of gold, directing them, If he
did not return by the appointed time, to
pay the hire of their fellows in the usual
manner, duty WHICH they both promised
faithfully to execute.
AS several hours were wanting to the
time of payment, the two Craftsmen agreed
to bury the treasure which they had re-
ceived, and proceed to their different oc-
cupations. They, accordingly sought a
secure place, and committed the gold to
the guardianship of its native Garth
About an hour before the hour of paying
the people, arrived, the overseer returned
and demanded of the Craftsmen the trca-
sure which he had confided to them
They told him what they had done with
it, and conducted him to the spot where
it had been deposited. On their arrival,
they began to dig, and after removing the
soil, found that the treasure had vanish.
The oversecr Immediately charged the two
men with the robbery the men each ac-
cused the other, and finally were carried
by the soldiers whom the officer summon
ed before the judgment seat of the King. |
1t chanced that on that day Solomon
presided in royal state, in the midst OF his
counsellors, to receive the ambassadors of
the different nonarchs, who hLaring of his
fame, were solicitious of his alliance. He
naturally wished, therefore, to distinguish |
himself before them butit pleased the
Architect of all, that his pride should be
rebuked The two Craftsmen, on being
questioned by the King, each declared his
innocence, and answered every question
with the utmost ingeniousness they were
examined with the most subtle skill, but
nothing could be elected. "They must |
have been watched, - exclaimed the Judge, !
half vexed at the difficulties which pre-
sented themselves, "and the treasure stO- |
len bv some robber; l see no other solu
tion.'' This, however, both men declar-
ed to be impossible. Not tree or
shrub was in sight" said Joel, the first Of
the Craftsmen. "Not shelter for a spar
row." said Iran, the second; and then
they each began to accuse the other Of
the theft. Finding it impossible to come !
to decision; the mortified Solomon has
tilT dismissed his Council, after first re-
manding the men to prison, and then
sauntered forth alone to enjoy an hours
reflection in the Royal Gardens.
Itchanced that two old Craftsmen who
had been present at the examination, were
seated under cedar tree discussing the !
affair, and not perceiving the approach OF
the monarch, heedlessly continued the
conversation. "The Judgment ofthe Ru- /
Ter seems at fault, )" observed the FIRST, t'the
wisdom of the King hath failed" 'fIt Is
the Divine will, doubtless" replied his
companion, "to reprove the vanity Of Sol
omon, and to teach him that his power
and wisdom are but the gifts ef the Most
High, or else he could scarcely have err
ed in so simple matter.' 3------iS--
The King, who had overhead the last
speech, was highly incensed at tIeirfpre-
sumption, and Commanded his guards to
seize them. To their entreaties for mercy
he replied, q If thou canst decide this
matter, not only win give thee life and
freedom, but chain of gold. and 9 ring
from the treasury of IsraelRllI add, and
make thee ruler over thy fellows. II
mot, by my royal word, thou diest
accept, the conditions scheerfully,
answered the old man; emy trust Is IN
Him who never failed his servants who
sought him IN fear and humility. Call
together, o, King thy Council snd in an
q ~ruT 81 -l-frll .a9T ~ r'r.tIt