The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-04-02
COL. DEM. ---V0L. XXXlIL...NO. 7

Y
think, and there were not a less number
on Friday evening. They are the best
workers ever saw" r. tIr..af.
During this little dialogue Mr.. Gra-
ham had arisen and walked rapidly up
and down the room, glancing now at
Judge Winters, now at the broadcoth
still filing past the door. ri- .s,T-
Judge" he said, abruptly ~ will
bid you good evening"" and, taking his
hat, he left the office, and walked slowly
homeward. Hl... .i...u.. iuga
"Proof, proof I" he said to himself, ~
should think this Uds proof enough
Get Brother Fairbanks out of the
Conference! might as well attempt to
turn an angel out Of heaven Am 1
fool or bigot!" 8us7 a.3 G ....
Thus soliloquizing, Mr.. Graham reach
ed his home to find his wife and Mrs.
Fairbanks discussing the sermon of
Bishop S. D rI.r gnu.. .lu 1890
"He cleared up many points that have
always been dark TO me-" said Mrs.
Graham. .-t,l. ... el. -.ti....
"His sermons are always instructive"
replied Mrs. Fairbanks, who was lady
of about thirty-five years of age--very
intelligent and highly accomplished.
"But how do you like the Bishop Bro.
Graham" .erf ..I. a.. ...
81 scarcely know how to answer you, =,
Sister Fairbanks," was the reply. 81
am an anti-Mason, and the Bishop be-
longs to that fraternity. What think
you Of that institution ?' ielIfI.I
The minister's wife turned her fine
dark eyes full upon Mr.. Graham. II
think" she said, "Masonry is one of
the most valuable agencies ever brought
into existence by Providence to bless
mankind. 1t is as II lofty mountain
grand majestic, beautiful; but between
which and them mankind have placed
the heavy mists Of error they have
circled 1t with dark clouds of super
stition, bigotry and ignorance. At times
the clouds pass, the mists arise and
then bright glimpses are caught of rip
ping streams and verdant slopes. But
the mists settle again, the clouds grow
thicker than before, and the world looks
on and says, "Itis dark unlovely pros
pect; the beauties we heheld were but
the offspring of our excited E,ncies."
But, Mr.. Graham, 1, in imagination,
behold the misjudged mountain rs IL
will be seen by the generations of not
distant future; the mists of error are all
dissipated by the sun of truth, the clouds
Of bigOtry and dignoranced discharge their
last thunder peals and float away for
ever, revealing the grand old mountain,
based firmly in eternal truth, the hoary
head covered with the crown of count.
less ages. And there are not only rip
pling streams and verdant slopes, but
evergreen glades and fruitful vines and
trees, and lower down broad patches of
waving grain. Thousands of laborers
are in its vineyards and fields; many
toll up steep but flowery paths for higher
fields of labor and a more extended
view. And there are seven lovely god
desses, with brows of light, clad IN
snowy vestments of purity. Temper
ance, beside crystal stream, presents
her cup to every passer by; Fortitude
inspiring all with firmness and courage
Prudence is just beyond; and Justice
with her golden scales, lifted to test the
weight of motives as well as words
Higher up is Faith, with soft upliftet
eye and finger pointing heavenward
Hope, cheering all with visions of in
mortal glory; while high above all, be
side copious reservoir, stands meek
eyed Charity, collecting all the heaven
ly dews to send them in fertilizine
streams along the lower slopes and val
leys and gather in their downward
sweep a thousand sheaves of plenty
And all around the mountains foot ar,
seen the hosts of the aged, the widowed
/. the orphaned, who gather up their copi
: Gus supplies and lift their hearts il
thankfulness to Him who is the widows
God and the Father of the fatherless
You, Mr.. Graham, are too good mau
too earnest Christian to be an anti
Mason, Let me beg Of you to investi
gate the matter calmly and impartial
ly; do not be skeptical, do not stultif,
reason do not wrestleagainst conscience
but consider that no institution can b.
corrupted that is honored and loved b.
: so much nobleness and talent"