Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-09-02

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so started after substantial break
fast to see what walking power was in
me. l felt strong and stepped forth
courageously as il twenty miles were
nothing, like youth l climbed the
first two or three hills. New views
spread out before me, the outlook was
grand, could see the Grampians in
the distance. The vision was inspir-
ing. / forgot myself in the sublime
scenery, | tramped on hOnr after
hour exulting in the glories on which
my eyes where fixed. A song arose in
my heart, went on singing for very
rapture and expected soon to enter
Kerremuir with great rejoicing, but
it was still far away. 1 came to a
bridge, mountain stream flowed
beneath, its music caught my ear, to
pass by without listening would be a
sign of dullness, felt little senSi-
tive to the sound, SO l sat down to
cultivate the musical faculty, there
was melody in that flowing stream,
only the stupid would deny it, why
should / hasten on and miss this song?
No would sit and open my heart to
take 1T in. The idea of movement
had gone, Spellbound, I sat and
listened intently for a while, Kerre-
muir was forgotten, the near and not
the distant had thrown it's spell over
me. The air was perfectly still, not a
sound could be heard but this running
brook, the effect on me was indescrib-
able. l was living in world of pure
harmony, the noise and diScord of
human strife was shut out completely
Oh! what heaven. l thought of the
happiness, the sweetness of harmony.
The song OF the brook had refreshed
me, [ went on my journey with
rejoicing heart. There was music in
Gods universe. It seemed long
time before the streets of Kerremuir
came in sight, but they did before 1
tainted. / am not ashamed to confess
that was hungry ia special way
for all had to eat since morning was
a drink Of those mountain streams,
but they only helped to purify my
tastes and give me the feeling OF
larger capacity. AS I sat down 1
never felt keener appreciation of
dinner. My walk was a perfect one
for dyspepsia. If I was not very
tired it was good to go to bed early
and rest for long time. The follow
ing day l continued my rest, not in
bed but by walking as little as possi-
BILE. My friend in Dundee gave me an
introduction to the Provost of Kerre-.
muir, though I met him at business
in the morning, when every moment
is precious, he left his Office and took
me to his beautiful home, introduced
me to his wife and family, gave me an
invitation to dine, sent one of his
sons along with me, to describe the
sights. 1t was magnificent view
from this home. The valleys and
hills stretched out widening on every
side into the distance. The mind is
impressed with greatness and grand
eur. an infinite variety of color de-
lights the eye. 1t is paradise for a
home. These Scotchmen, though
thoroughly practical, believe never
the-less, that other things are impor-
tant and vital. Business must not
monopolize life, its use is temporal
it must not be allowed to secularize
life, to dull or destroy the finer sensi-
biiities, to lead to a neglect OF religion
and the higher development of life.
These hard headed Scotchmen de-
mand time for recreation, for litera-
ture, for the home life. The home is
the chief place for them, then the
church, these are jealousy guarded as
a secret of national strength. This
busy man and highest functionary of
the town did not think it loss of
time to sit down two hours with me
to converse on themes distinct from
business, he was not only showing
courtesy to a stranger, but also an in
terest in all great human questions,
cultivating other sides of bis nature,
refreshing and renewing his life by
drinking at the fountains of pure
waters flowing from every divine
source. Before l left the town
went through the real Window in
Thrums, now shall feel a new in.
terest in Barrie'S stories. While here
l read good story about him. The
chief actor in London theatre was
taken sick and could not play his part
on a certain night. The one who
was engaged to take his place thought
he would send word to the more in
fluential patrons that he had promised
to play the part of AL the following
night. No one was polite enough to
acknowledge the note except Barrie
who wrote, 81 thank you for the
| warning"
There are nine churches in this small
town of few thousand people. An
| American visitor once remarked that
the inhabitants must be very religious
mot at all" was the reply of the
old man to whom he spoke, lit is
nothing but the army lie human per-
versity." I have talked much on the