Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-04-08

cheeks OF the princess were covered with
tears. She conducted her to the prince,
who was SO much affected, that he instantly
despatched messenger with his pardon.
And it was now tmc.-for it was evening,
and the next day at nine o'clock, the wea-
yer was TO be led to execution. The mes
sen-or had ten leagues to travel
The princess ordered Refreshments for
the wCavcr's wife, and after she had parta-
ken, she hastencd with all possible speed to
the place Of execution, impelled with
heartfelt joy and gratitude to God. But
when she had travelled about two leagues
her system failed through fatigue, and the
strong excitement Of her feelings. She
was therefore obliged to rest few hours,
which prevented her from arriving till ten
O'Clock the next morning.
The messenger who had been sent, like
wise met with an accident in the way
his horse fell with him, and sprained his
ankle Providentially il was near a post
house. lie committed the pardon to the
Postmaster, who forwarded it by postil-
lion, But it was near being too late. Of
all that had transpired, the weaver as yet
knew nothing, and the magistrates as little.
The clock struck nine, and the knell of ex-
ecution sent forth its awful peal. The
school children, as was the custom, came
with their teachers, and hymn books, in the
procession; then the weaver and his pastor :;
next the captain and his band of robbers !:
and last Of all, the executioner and his as
sistants. A multitude had assembled from
the country around about, who followed
The procession, attended with regiment
of armed soldiers who marched with SOW
and measured step to the place of execution.
The weaver spoke not a word-his distress
was too deep for either tears or language ;
the people, however, observed that he was
intently watched by the keen eye of the
hardened ro55er-captain.
The procession at length arrived near
the s,ahold: the linen weaver was conduc-
ted up the laJldcr--but that instant the pos
tillion came riding in full gallop; he hasti-
ly handed the letter of pardon to the ma
gistrate, who as hlstlly broke the seal, and
proclaimcd alou1-"Pcrd2n Pardon :
P"r}on fort Linn Eea"e;n % \ shout
ofioy then rose up fromthe assembled thou
sands, that seemed to know no end. In the
midst of the excitement, the ro5ber-cap-
tain rose, and begged permission to speak ;
when granted, he stepped forward on the
scaiio!d, and beckoned for silence. All
Were instantly silent. The robber then
exclaimed aloud, ''Thsro Is 4 Col, md tim
Go! is n God Of justice. This l never be-
lieved till this moment-therefcre Inever
feared him, and gave myself up to crime.
Sometimes in the midst ofmy guilty course,
things have occurred, which led me to sup
pose there was a God who governs the
world but / wished to be sure Of it-and
to be 50, | thought ifI could bring an inno-
cent and pious man into my society, and
compel him to take part in our crimes, that
this God could not be righteous, if he su.,
fered him to fall in the same punishment as
ourselves. He must deliver him as he has
done to-day. For declare, before this as
sembly, that the linen weaver is perfectly
innocent-he is a pious and upright man.
| have made q fair trial with him, and God
has delivered him. Yes, there is God,
and that God is a God of Righteousness" )"
He now begged to be remanded to prison,
alleging that he had some important disclo-
sures TO make. His request was again
granted, and his promise fulfilled.
In the meantime they had revived the
weaver, who had tainted under the excite
ment caused by his sudden transition of
feeling. A circle was formed round the
scaiiold, when number of young men,
rushing in and seizing hold of him raised
him on their shoulders, and conveyed him
around the streets in triumph; others raised
a contribution for him amounting TO seve-
raj hundred guilders. Just as they were
bearing him through the streets, his wife
arrived from her long and painful journey.
She heard the shoutings and saw the con-
Course Of people. "Pardon for the linen
weaver" rcsounded in every direction
aud with sobbings of transport she followed
the procession TO the public house. The
meeting of husband and wife was most
deeply afiecting-a scene of Joy indescri-
babe. Th9y were conveyed home in a
coach which their friends had kindly pro-
vided for the occasion. The money which
he received raised his condition in life, and
the rich experience he acquired from his
assured and simple confidence in God, pro-
duced a still more elevating effect on his
Christian character. The blessing of God
continued with him; and if he still lives he
must be gray-haired man Of seventy
The event occurred in the year 1898.
Christian O6Ssrvsr.