The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-02-10

the first Of orators. Or Shakespeare the first
of dramatisss. Otbef alhsgorisis have shown
equal ingenuity. bot no ,ther allegeaist has
ever been sbls to touc1 the heart and to
make distractions objects Of tenor, Of pity,
and of love.
IL uaay be doubted whether any English
Disrntef had suffered more severely under
the penal laws than John Bunysn. OF the
twenty-seven years which had elapsed since
the Restoration, be had passed twelve in
confinement. He still persisted in preach
ing; but, that he might preach. he was
under the necessity Of Disgusting himself
like a carter. He was often introduced
into meetings through The back doors, with
smock frock on bis back and whip in
his hand. IL he had thought only Of his
own ease and safety, he would have hailed
the indulgence with delight. He was now,
at length, free to pray and exhort in open
day. His congregation rapidly increased
thousands hung upon bis words; and al
Bedford, where he originally resided, money
was plentifully contributed to build meet
ing house for him. His influence among
I the common people was such that The gov
fernment would willingly have bestov ed on
hun some municipal office; but bis vigorous
understanding and his stout English hear
were proof against all delusion and all
temptation. lIe-felt assured that the prof
fered liberation was merely bait to lure
the Puritan party to destruction; nor would
he, by accepting place for which be wa;
not legally qualified, recognise the validity
Of the dispensing power. One of the las
acts of his virtuous life vas to decline al
interview to which he was invited by al
Iagent Of the government.
Great as was the authority Of Bunyal
with the Baptists, that Of William Kiffi
was still greater. Kifin was the first MAJ
among them in wealth and station. II
was in the habit Of exercising his spiritua
gifts at their meetings; but he did not live b
preaching. He traded largely; his cred
on the Exchange Oh London stood high
and he had accumulated an ample fortune
Perhaps no man could, at that coniuncturs
have rendered more valuable services to tn
court. But between him and the coul
was interposed the remembrance of on
terrible event.. He was the grandfather c
Inc two Howlings, those gallant youth
who, of the victims Of the Bloody Assizes
had been the most generally laInented.-
For the sad fate Of one Of them James wa
in peculiar manner responsible. Jeffrey
had respited the younger brother Tn
poor lads sister had been ushered b.
Churchill into the royal presence, and hal
begged for mercy; but the kings heart ha,
been obdurate. The misery Of the who'll
family had been great; but Kiffin was mos
to be pitied. He was seventy years oil
when ne was left destitute, the survivor o
Those who should have survived him. Tn
heartless and yenal sycophants Of White
hall, Judging by themselves, thought tina
the old man would be easily propitiated b,
an alderman's gown, and by some compen
ssron in money for the property which hi
era. ldsons had forfeited. Penn was employ
ed in the work Of seduction. but to no pur
pose. The king determined to Try what 81
feet his own civilities would produce
Kiffin Was ordered to attend the palace.
He found a brilliant circle OF noblemei
and gentlemen assembled. James imme
diately came to him, spoke to him very
lgraeiously, and concluded by saying, t"
have put you down, Mr.. Kiffin, for an al
derman in London. The old man locke,
fxedy at the king, hurst into tears, an,
made answer "Sir, am worn out; an
unfit 10 serve your majesty or the city. And
/ sir, the death Of my poor boys broke M,
heart. That wound is as fresh us ever.
shall carry it TO my grave" The kin,
stood silent isE a minute in some confusion
and then sad, "Mr. Kfin, | will find
balsam for that sore" Assuredly Jane
did not Mean to say any thing cruel or in
soient; on the contrary, he seems to hav
been in an unusually gentle mood. Yet n,
speech that IL recorded of him gives so un
favorable Lotion Of bis character as thes,
few words. They are the words of hard
hearted and low-minded man, unable :,
conceive any lacegation of the Affections
Tor which place or a pension would no
be full compensation.