Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-11-08
WILLMAR TRIBUNE.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8, 1899.
TO the PROPHET JAMES.

TO the PROPHET JAMES.
Being the observations of Victor on
the writings of one Prophet James. ]
l. The mental anguish which over
whe]med me words fail to depict. The
enormity of my wickedness caused me
to repent.
2. In my blind ignorance l knew
not that prophet dwelt among US.
My understanding grasped not the
grandeur of his being.
3. Alas! Now had l provoked unto
wrath superior being, who invoices
to his aid the mysteries of the stars.
Yea, with his occult lamentations and
the crafty prowess of his wisdom didst
he foretell events which had al
ready occurred; indeed, those which
happened but yesterday.
4. Where might now flee for defense,
that he might not treasure up wrath
for my destruction?
S. In a disguise walks this man
among men. AS scribe for the pub
Hcans does he gather his sustenance.
6. But knew ught of his hidden
identity, and called out aloud the mis-
takes which were written upon his
scroll.
7. He replied not, in the manner OF
scribes.
8. The portrayal of the iniquities of
the publicans stirred him not to argu-
ment. He deemed my writings unwor-
thy of countenance.
9. In the false pride of my heart l
smote him. Seven-fold did increase
the administering OF severe rebukes.
10. Verify, it availed to expose his
weakness. But, alas, his meekness
vanished as the SHOWS in the desert.
IL. His wrath was enkindled towards
me, and the choler of his anger light
ed up his ponderous brow, even as the
straw fires light up the horizon after
the sun has set on the plains of Min
nesotah.
II. Now did think his might would
consume me. Now did in awe await
the chastisement.
ID. But his anger was spent In sar-
castle illusions, and no weight Of q
great mind oppressed me with drastic
conclusions.
Il. My scroll stood yet uncontested
in it's truth. His writings did in no
wise disprove it.
Is. Therefore does hope revive in
my breast and gladness soften my fea-
lures. So far 80 good. It is we'll.
Is. But what OF the prophet? And
what of his prophecy? He spake only
of that which had passed. He spake
not of the future. Therefore were his
wordings false, and the talks of his
mouth as the winds of Raymonia.
II. Why then should my mind be
perturbed, Or anxiety invade my sane
tum?
IL. l looked upon his scroll and
found that his writings did unjustly
accuse me.
10. In my hour of anger I made a
coat for a man whose soul was in
bondage to other men. I wrote upon
it these words: "Despicable is the
scribe who dare not call his soul his
own.''
20. hung the garment in the mar
ketplace, when 10 and behold, this
prophet came and took the raiment
and wrapped it about his person.
Fl. And the garment was a perfect
fit, even as if it had been made ex-
pressly for the prophet. But he was
wroth that the coat fitted him so per-
fectly. Yea, verify.
%. And he made great lament upon
the market-place for the the things
in my anger did write upon the scroll,
and made much ado OF my sayings
among the tradespeople.
%. The prophet opened his mouth,
spake, prophesied and said that l had
ikened his brain unto the understand
ing of the fowls of the barnyard, and
he was sorely vexed.
"a. But my scroll testides for me,
and the astrologers and wise men do
not 80 interpret my meaning. Neither
would I harm the least of the feathered
tribe with odious comparisons.
Is. Therefore am at ease, even at
his accusations, and I possess my soul
in peace.