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Mt. Olney, con. 177

each is besought not to break the chain. The ultimate
result would be a sum about as large as the
whole U. S., but fortunately, like S. S. people have done
for years, the chain is ruthlessly severed. S. R. J. also
told of a visit her son had made to Detroit and how
interesting he had found Mr. Ford’s enterprises, especially
the very fine Hospital he has helped so lavishly.

Louisa T. Brooke brought Mary C. Brooke’s
“Memories of 80 Years”, and read extracts from this
remarkable record of a busy, useful life. One of her
nephews has had the book published. Many copies
have been presented by the author to old friends
and pupils here.

Sarah F. Willson said she would take us
back to long ago. In 1730 the “Pa. Gazette” edited
by Benj. Franklin, gave an acct. of a trial for
witch-craft in Mt. Holly, N. J. Some 300 persons gathered
to witness experiments tried on several, who
were accused of making their neighbor’s sheep
dance in an uncommon manner, and with causing
hogs to sing psalms, and speak to the great
terror and amazement of the King’s good and
peaceable subjects in the Province. The accused
man and woman were balanced, separately, in
large scales with a huge Bible on the other side,
and as the writer, (supposed to have been Franklin)
stated, “their lumps of mortality were too heavy
for Moses and all the Prophets and Apostles.
Flesh and blood came down plump, and out-weighed
that great book by abundance.” The supposed
witches did not sink when thrown in the water
so the accusers were themselves confounded.

Margaret G. T. Moore brought verses, -
“You’re a mighty good fellow downtown, they cry,
Jolly and helpful and clean and true –
But what of your duty that stands so high,
Are you helping those at your own home too!
Helping them first with the largest need
Of thoughtfulness, tenderness, cheer for the strife –
For the highest service, the manliest deed
Is the help man gives to his child and wife!”
(The Bentztown Bard.)

Albina O. Stabler’s contribution was also poetical,
and was entitled, “To-day”, -