Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-04-06
TIE cRAFTMAN,s JUDGMENT. =

casionaiIy arose between the workmeR and from the
satisfaction which his decisions invariably gave, ac'
ouired the surname ofIhe Wise, title Of which ne
became van thai the Great Architect OF the woru
by whom, doubtless, he had been inspired 'housh'
ft in his mercy and wisdom to TeProVe hlh TOT as
the Rabinical writer, Tarasl, justly observes, van
itv ia sernent that devoureth the core of wisdom
One of the oVerseers or men entrusted win Tue
direction of the works and the payment ct the men,
being summoned to attend meeting OF his cIass
called to him of the Craftsmen, and placed IN
their hands a Of gold, directing them, II ne diu
not return by the appointed time, to pay the hire OF
their fellows in the usual peculiar and Masonic man
ner duty which they both promised ta'htHIly u
execute.
As several hours were wanting TO the time OF pay
men;, the i've Craftsmen agreed to bury the treasure
which they had received, aud proceed to ihelE diner
ent occupations. They accordingly sought secure
place. and committed the gold to the guardianship OF
its native earth. About hour before the hour OF
paying the people arrived, the overseer returned ana
demanded ofthe Craftsmen me treasure ne ldu son
fded to them. They told him what they had done
with it, and conducted him to the spot where 1t had
been deposited. On their arrival. they began to Dig
and after removing the SOIL found that the treasure
had vanished. The overseer Immediately charged
the two men with the robbery; the each accused
the other, and finally carried by the soldiers
whom the officer summoned before the Judgment seat
of the King.
1t CHANGED that on that day, Solomon presided in
rova state in the midst of his counsellors to receive
the ambassadors of the different monarchs, who, hear
ing of his fame, solicitous of his alliance.
before them but 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 ut
most ingen ,ousness; they were examined with the
most subtle skill, but nothing could be elected Tney
must have been watched, exclaimed their Judge, half
vexed at the difficulties which presented themselves,
and the treasure stolen by some robber; see no
other solution" This, however, The men both decar-
ed to be impossible. Not tree shrub was in
sight, said Joel, the first Of the Craftsmen Not
shelter for sparrow, ''said Iran, the seconds and
then they each began 10 accuse the other of the theft
Finding it impossible TO come to decision, the NOR
tilted Solomon hastily dismissed his Council after
first remanding the men to prison, and then saunter
ed forth alone to enjoy an hours reflection In the
Royal Gardens.
il CHANGED that two old Craftsmen. who had been
present at the examination, seated under cedar
tree, discussing the affair." and not Perceiving the APP
proach of the monarch, heedlessly continued their
conversation " The Judgment of the Ruler seems
at fault observed the first, The wisdom of the King
hath faed.'' 1t is the Divine will, doubtless,'
piled his companion s. TO reproVe the vanity of Solo
mon, 10 teach him that his power and wisdom but
the gift of the Most High, else he could scarcely
have erred in simple matter.''
The King who had overheard the last speech, was
highly ncensed at their presumption and command
ed his guards to seize them. To their entreaties for
mercy, he replied, " 1t thou canst decide this matter
not only will give thee life and freedom, but chain
of gold, and ring from the treasury of Israel will
add, and make thee ruler over thy fellow. If not
by my royal word, thou dest.''
IS accept the conditions cheerfuly," answered
the old man; "my trust is in Him no never failed
His servants who sought Him in fear and humility.
Call together, Q King, thy Council, and in an hour
l will appear before thee and make known the guilty
to thy justice.
Again Solomon seated upon the throne of
Israel, his brow sparkling with the diadem, his coun
sellers and wise men around him, and the ambassa-
doris of his allies before his face. The old Craftsman
entered, bearing in his hands vessel covered with
linen; bowling reverenty before the throne, he said
Z" Behold, o King, am prepared. Let the criminals
stand before thy presence. They led in by the
guards when the Monarch, by The direction of his
aged Craftsman, thus addressed them: In the vase
before you, which is half filled with sand lies buried
serpent sent me from Egypt it hath the peculiar
property of discovering The guilt Innocence of the
parties accused, who make trial Of its virtue. Let
each of you plunge H. his hand and search for the
reptile; 10 The innocent it is harmless as child ::
but to the guilty its sting is DEATH. Joel vanced
and his hand being first oiled, placed il under the
cloth, and searched, but without effect; he declared
that the creature either euded his search or was not
there. Iran now approached, and after moments,
examination of the vessel declared the same
I" Hold forth your hands, exclaimed the KING
They did so thai of Joel was black that of Iran mn
sullied. Solomon looked doubtingly upon the old
Craftsman for advice; who advancing before him
thus addressing him: 81 Behold, o Monarch, the test
OF iTuth-the conscience of the accused has decided
between them. Joel knowing his innocence freely
examined the vase ; hence the ashes npon his hands
hut Iran, made coward by guilt, merely placed his
under the linen VEIL and pretended so, or his
hand, which was oiled like his companions, would
have been black also; for the urn, in TRUTH contains
nothing but ashes" As he spoke, he removed the
veil, and exposed its contents 10 their gaze
The guilty Iran, finding himself detected, fell On
his knees and cried for mercy but was removed by
the guards for execution.
Solomon descended from his throne, and ,akino
the chain from his neck, and the ring from the fnG
er gave them TO the aged Craftsman and raised him
10 the rank of overseer among his fellows The old
man would have declined the costly gifts Keep
them, father" said the reproved King, hou hast, in
deed, taught me the lesson, so CALLING to hnman
pride, that all our wisdom is from God, and that
mans best virtue is Lunty''
How To RAISE Fruit YEAR. If rightly
understood. fe trees, unless absolutely dead or ROT
ten' need occupy ground without yielding plen,eous
f.