The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-06-02
Written for the Princeton Union.
The Preacher and the In
yentOr.
A TRUE STORY BY D. L. HARPER.

vi tle many StfttuSo GnlnSS GnaG mas
occurred in our time, will relate one
much condensed. Our good parson
gave notice that, on the following Sab
bath he would give one OF his best eff
forts, and greatly desired a full
house." His extra invitation reached
the ears of poor inventor and he re-
solved to be there. The next Sabbath
came and some wonderful things to be
seen and heard. Our great over
grown rooster got up early that morn
ing and sauntered out from his
harem with stately tread, and
perched on the fence near our
bedroom began to roar. If it was
not as loud as a car whistle it was more
doleful. I got up and persuaded him
off the fence, for he had robbed us of our
prolonged Sabbath morning nap. But
he did not get us up much too soon
to witness grand panorama in the
heavens. There was terrible black
cloud in the west, and it had began to
simmer with features contorted and
demon-like assuming most every hue
of the dark shades, with a low; faint,
yet unmistakable rumble. I must con-
fess to me it did look frightful. But
to the farmer it gave promise for q
more abundant harvest. Against that
back ground stood our church on an
eminence, painted white, and over it
beautiful rainbow, as though to pro-
tect it from the stormy elements. The
tower reminded us of a huge diamond,
and in the morning sun it did glisten
and flash most richly,-yes, it shone
like a thousand diamonds each one try
ing to outwink the other. In the
east there was large group of thun-
der heads, they We're touched up with
more pleasing tints, some with silver
and some with gold but all taking on
more or less of that deep rich copper
color. Well in front stood one more
CONSPICUOUS than the rest towering high
like one of the great Himalayan peaks,
with bust and human features out
lined, with great Roman nose and
head tilted slightly backward. There
he stood, with all the pomp of plumed
knight of the clouds.
A piumed knight. of the arches for there was his
bow,
He had flung it westward with features aglow;
For lightning and thunder there the elements
dwelled,
Grandly and proudly the scepter was held;
And right royalty did he his majesty sway,
In the sunshine and brightness and glory of day.
The beefsteak was more toothsome
that morning, and the pancakes more
palatable and the coffee of sweeter
aroma Breakfast over we doned our
best and started. We went gliding
along for it seemed that at every step
we inhaled a slight sniff of ether. The
atmosphere was balmy after the
shower and the vista charming. The
lilies nodded toward us gracefully as
we passed them in the gentle breeze.
We could see the honey-bees hard at
Work-perhaps they not knowing that
it was Sunday-they were laying up a
rich store against a severe winter.
No doubt a hornet would call them
monopolists. We passed a magnificent
cathedral. Its architecture was of
ancient design. The doors were flung
open under the massive arches, and we
could see the monks going to prayer.
we sped on. The clouds had all
melted away-Rnd the mercury was
last approaching the nineties. We
elbowed our way through the surging.
jostling multitudes. AS we came near
our church the martin birds sang
sweetly as they before us did fit. The
house was already packed. There was
child that gave great annoyance, to-
ward which there were many a pro-
found and indignant glance directed.
the fond mother trying to quiet her
darling. The child did not bother the
preacher much, for his mind was bent
on a work more soul-stirring. Partly
obscured by the many rare and rich
flowers that loaded the altar. there he
stood, tall, handsome and a smile that
was winning adorned his face. His
psychological powers so great he could
hold an audience spell-bound at will.
and when brought into play he could
WELD them with a skill that was
matchless. A humming bird came in
the open window, mo doubt he was a
thief for he stole the sweet nectar from
beautiful rose that stood on the altar
but he did not stay long. He sailed
out with apparent disgust. PERHAPS
he did not like the atmosphere. for as
the air became heated and contaminated
with much foul breath the fragrance
was soon swallowed up. We were i'm
patient for the services to commence
We thought they never would. Blu
they did, and such music! It was more
like the voices Of angels from the grea;
starry vault, chanting the anthem.
prolong, and it seemed to echo from
among the rafters.
A