THIS morning there is recalled a mental picture, in which the writer seemed seated on the principal corner of the main street in the home of boyhood's days; near the old, familiar "town pump." A document was handed me by an old friend whom I have always held in high esteem. After a casual reading, the manuscript was handed back to him; his calm manner and benign expression testifying, more than all else, that he was on the right side of the question. Imagine my astonishment when, upon looking around a moment later, I beheld a large gathering of citizens and old friends who had assembled around the "town pump", and heard cries of "Speech, speech," filling the air. It was noticeable that the space in front of me, leading directly to the old well, was left open,— the dear old well that had never run dry, but had always been found filled for all who wished to partake!
Thoughts of the old well and its purifying water furnished me the stimulant for a speech, while the same stimulant proved "oil on the troubled waters" with the assembled people; for, their disturbing, contending thoughts were pacified by the inward realization given me, that before us was the symbol of the "water of life." The harmony, inward peace and joy, that completely filled me, was reflected by those present. With closed eyes, I could feel and see the factional anger, hatred, malice and false pride being cast out,— disappearing under the mellowing influence of the Father's word and spirit. O, the joy of those few moments of silent demonstration! How true are the words of Peter: "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years." In those few, brief moments, all factional emotions were reduced to the harmless, pure thought of babes.
I would it were possible to photograph the bliss and comfort and purity depicted upon that sea of upturned faces; but, only a divine camera — "the mind that was in Christ Jesus"— can give the priceless picture. The sculptors, artists and artisans engaged in the service of God, can produce this result, each for himself; by following in the footsteps of the "beloved son", our exemplar and way-shower. Truly, I have seen God and talked with my Brother — the impersonal Christ, Truth — and am glad to have others share the happiness and "great joy." Yea, I have walked, and talked with him, and I see that all can do this if they truly desire it.
