MYSTICAL CUP.
Touching, no doubt, on the death of Pope Leo, as also on some
one of the present party somehow connected with nobility. See
you the ocean?
Here is a kingly form, robed and crowned, yet standing with
arms and hands filled, symbolizing someone with great plenty
in foreign lands. At the feet, a severed circle, some disordered
boxes, a pair of large, closed shears pointing toward another
commanding form, though obstacles lie between them. Also a
crouching form, in part human, with large eyes, and now, on his
back a weighty something, facing the less pretentious forms,
one of whom is bowed by some new disappointment, being near
a fallen wall. Some one in mental suffering, as thorns crown one
of the lesser heads, facing a distant city. Some hidden wrongs
are to become manifest.
See the army of men in disorder! Soldiers are in line, too, with
horsemen from all sides of the land and waters. Dread dismay,
yet with keen-edged expectancy in evidence. Behind the kingly
form there is a tower--strength--though there is the unlighted
torch at the top. Some large bird in the back scene will venture
into peril. Near the shaft at its base are caverns. On closer
inspection you can see the vapors arising. You see the entire
world appears interested--so many heads of men.
One of the party had expected some special news from distant
lands, saying: "Verily, the atmosphere is filled with these
things,"--Auto thought or otherwise. Secrets after all are not so
hidden, though I believe this reading to pertain largely to the
city of Rome, the Vatican palace and famed historical Tiber.
You see, we have all been reading the news. We are in this
floating ether of thoughts, no matter what little wishes we have
of our own. Our untutored minds cannot yet apply some of
these lessons. Everything is in form atmospheric, to be
photographed for tangibleness to our crude senses. How then
can we be held in blame for the committal of even some desperate
acts? Are we not at the perpetual mercy of evil men and
powers, which blind fair reason?
Listen, friends, are there not better objects everywhere? Yet
modest things are apt to be overlooked. Are we not dazzled by
pomp and show? Did we not all cry out, "Oh, what a wonderful
cup--a king, a king with a crown?" We must not allow our
morals to thus easily hang like conventional cowards. This cup
of the king's is full of strife. Numerous virtues are not observed.
See the little tables and the tender vines so choked by grasses,
even modest flowers by the fallen walls! Let us note these, yet
glory and pomp are man's highest aim in life. I say we should
all become a freer people, but we are flattered by show and even
despotism. I behold wonderful promises.
This strong trail is for a long time. See the cutting instruments
again. The rasp and the little scissors shadowed beneath the
larger symbols. Behold the bed-rock, with crevices to catch the
feet, and here, a small road comes near a tunnel, looking
ambitiously towards the large avenue where splendor, prestige
and power are seen. See modern fashion so careless of the rights
of others--these poor little people. Yes, I will describe some of
these figures, to teach, if so we may, a bit of entertaining,
benevolent sense.
Again, look at this upper row of soldiers, machine-made men.
See the trumpets, I can almost hear their blast, and see the dust
and life-blood of degrading, cruel wars, which impoverish and
grind into filth the entire afflicted human race, though there
are very excellent people of wealth, were there to wisely
co-operate. There is some promise in this reading. If rich men
could become active benefactors--see the little banners--wars
would at once end, and the Christ would live with mankind.
MINISTER'S SPEECH.
I cannot believe that a loving, merciful God bids man to further
wars, strife and blood-shed for mere aggrandizement. It is really
a libel on all progress, grace and moral justice. The God and
dear Saviors whom I love and honor are not monsters of cruel
vengeance. There exist so many excellent signs of the good time
to dawn on the human race, when the tidal wave once really sets
into combined, perpetual motion. Let us all desire to thus aid the
race along these lines, or in whatsoever ways we can.
I am forever indebted to a dear, high-souled lady, who loved
young folks, for my first deep moral thought-lessons in
cupology, and in character readings. Life-long impressions and
aids have these brought to many others, in this high-art sensing
of human needs, therefore let us supply an atmosphere in which
good thoughts can germinate, believing that nature has a bank
which is a sure one that can never break. A bank of full justice;
life's worthy inheritance; your acts.
Now friends, this collection may end my readings briefly. In
order to learn one must teach. No, I have not added some of
those special past verifications. I try to study the lesser forms as
well as the prominent ones to cultivate patient sensing. Observe
your feelings towards your friends or pupils. Be honest, sincere,
and sympathetic in heart to heart talks. Hold confidence reposed
as a sacred gift. That is one of the secrets of friendship and
success in every walk through life. Let us believe it so.
FIRE IN VATICAN.
BURNS PART OF LIBRARY WITH BARE AND ANCIENT BOOKS.
That portion of the Vatican containing the hall of the
inscriptions, where the Pope gives his audiences, and which is
adjacent to the famous and precious pinacoteca, or gallery of
pictures, was burned Sunday. The smoke and flames were seen
from a mile distant.
The first intimation of fire was had when smoke was seen
issuing from the apartment of M. Mario, which is located above
that of Father Earl, the librarian, who lives over the library. M.
Mario is a celebrated French restorer of ancient manuscripts and
illuminated books. He has been engaged in copying work, and
his first reproductions have been selected for part of the
Vatican's exhibit at the St. Louis exposition. It is supposed that
M. Mario forgot to take proper precautions with his kitchen fire,
which probably blazed up and ignited some nearby hangings.
The entire museum of inscriptions, the rooms of Father Earl,
part of the library and the printing houses were entirely flooded
with water.
It is impossible to reach even an approximate idea of the extent
of damage. Many articles were saved, including some ancient
and very valuable arms which were recently moved to the
library from the Borgia apartment in order to make room for the
new residence of the papal secretary of state.
Many things that escaped the flames were injured by water,
especially the precious private library of Pope Leo.
The above clipping verifies the reading of the King's cup.