The Journals of Martha E. McMillan

for when we part now I may never see you until the resurrection morning. I said while I appreciated your sermon, one thing that made me sorry was to hear you were a Mason. Is that true. He said I am. I said while it is wrong for any man to belong to an oath bound society, it was especially wrong for a minister of the gospel to be bound by the horrid oaths of the society. A minister who above all men should be a free man in Christ Jesus. But, I said, the oaths and inward working of the society was no secret for any one who wished too for the sum of two or three dollars could get a book telling from the first to the last every step and every oath entered into. These books were written by men who had gone to the highest degree and to the very depth of Masonry. Men who had renounced it and were true enough to reveal its hidden depths to the world. He said I have been thinking about this. Just at that the family came in. When I he told us good bye at the church at night, I said keep on thinking and may it lead to your freedom. 17 July. Monday. Quite a nice day after the pouring rain last night. Lastly, we called to see Mrs. Harwood her mother Mrs. E. R. Clogston. Mrs. H. was getting ready to attend a convention in Indianapolis this week. 21 July. Friday. Another warm day. We have had a pleasant day, but if I had wings I surely would fly home. 22 July. Saturday. Quite a nice shower at noon. I have been dreaming dreams, and as Homer used to say seeing visions. I am happy but home lies away back there. That is a cloud over the brightness here. I went by myself to see Mrs. Hines-colored- and Mrs. Reverend Judge- the colored minister’s wife. I had a nice time as Brother Judge came in while I was there. This evening we attended a Temperance meeting at the Christian church. We surely had a nice meeting. As we went to the church, Aunt Mary and I walked to the office. A letter from Aunt Belle and Fannie- all are well but father- which I feel will be the means of us changing our plans for going home, but more on this subject. It is surely a beautiful night. This is Uncle John’s and Aunt Mary’s wedding anniversary. 22 July 1862-22 July 1899. 37 years ago. 23 July. Sabbath. The time is drawing nigh for us to leave them all and we all feel a little sad. 157