M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1855-01-12

and it was no wonder that her hand
and heart were sought by many an adj
miring suitor.
James p was young man of
rare and solid attainments. He was
finely educated; with proper estimate
Of the world, and correct views of men
and principles; and withal, as noble
heart as ever swelled with emotions of
truth and goodness. When ne left
school he was placed in his fathers ex-
tensive manufacturing establishment,
and trained up to knowledge Of busi>
ness and in habits of honest industry.
When hSe had reached his maiotity,
he was properly regarded as one of the
most promising young man in the place
OF his residence.
Such was the man who won the heart
of the lady | have described. They
were married, and in due time began
the world for themselves, with every
advantage which cultivated minds, spot.
less characterS,a ,and wealthy aud respec-
ted family connexions throw around
young persons at the starting point of
lile's journey. They had removed to a
distant city, where Mr.. P entered
into business for himself, with every
prospect of reasonable success.
1t was some two years after they
were married, and beautiful little boy
had been added to their family circle
thus uniting their hearts in still closer
union--ior both were centered and uni
ted in the gift of love,-when Mr..
P mentioned subject which star.
tied his wife from her usual quiet, and
rendered her for while really unhap-
1py. Mr.. P had become acquain-
led with gentleman, with whom he
had large business transactions, and for
whom he entertained very high res
pect. His correct business habits and
unlmpeachable integrity, had won for
him an enviable reputation. Consid-
erably the senior OF Mr.. p, he
had taken an interest in him, and by
his kind Offices and the advice which
his longer experience ena bled him to
Igive, he had won his regard and PROV
ed himself a most invaluable friend.
BY accident Mr.. p had discov,
cred that this gentleman was a Free.
mason. He had, himself, no ptejudi-
ces against the Craft; and knowing that
his friend was not only man OF the
highest standing in the busines and so.
cial relations of life, but was also re-
garded as consistently religious, he had
formed his opinion of the institution
by the character Of his friend--the only
member OF lit he knew. Without know
ing the sentiments of his wife on this
subjec', he had made up his mind to
become a Mason, if they would admit
him; for he concluded there must be
something useful and valuable in a so
ciety which was so warmly cherished
by his pure and noble minded friend.
He had mentioned his desire to that
friend, and his proposals had already
: been laid before the Lodge.
Thinking it proper to acquaint his
vile with his intentions, and not dream.
! ing OF any opposition from that quar-.
ter, he had frankly opened his mind tc
, her. She was much excited upon
learning his intentions, (he did not in.
form her that he had already been pro
, posed, } and earnestly entreated him no
TO demean himself by stopping to sucl
} an association, nor tlast his character
by having it said he was Freemason
, She told him the goblin stories tc
; which she had listened in her fathers
: house, and endeayored to convince him
that her deep-rooted prejudices were
| well and justly founded. The fonC
: husband listened to his wife with soma
, regret that he had taken the step he
4 ! had, without first consulting her; yet ht
i was satisfied that her fears were ground
!, less, and her prejudices founded upor
e falSehood and slander. He reasoned
: and demonstrated with her, but all t
T no effect; and he finally determined tC
j say no more on the subject.
Mr.. P, however, had proceeded
so far in his progress towards the yes
libule of our mystic Temple, that h
could not, without embarrassment, re
J. trace his steps. His wife, supposin!
y, that he had given up his intention, sail
! ! no more TO him in relation to it, ant
. soon forgot all about the sconversation
In the mean time action had beef
r taken upon his petition. He was ac
Icepted, and soon after was initiated
: Being now fully satisfied that the lnsti
tuition was a good one, he pursued hi
D mystic labors with diligence, until hi
$ eyes were opened to the sublime mys
4 teries of the third degree. Instead o
, regretting his step, he rejoiced that hi
hadtaken it, for he discovered truths o
4 the highest importance taught in a new
and most impressive manner. Besides
he found himself associated with ;
# brotherhood of which it was an homo
D to be a member. Warm hearts ant
/ Itrue and faithful friends pressed aroun,
him; and the tolls and struggles Of
d business life were cheered by the ap
q lnroyinp smiles and hearty encourage