Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1854-12-13

as usual when strained, desirous of making
show of imperial authority.
An old man slowly rose to his feet, trem-
bling under the infrmities OF age, and quite
pasiad in his limbs. He leaned forwa on a
staff; and, for a moment, closed his eyes then
quickly opening them, he looked, calm and
submissive, at the Emperor, his face ASSUMING a
strange, unearthly whiteuess.
ssIm poor old man and don't care much
about this worthless body any more. Ny
weary soul longs for It's rest in another world; .
said he, and before the Emperor had recover
ed from violent fit of sneezing, a distemper
with which he was frequently molested
care you Nazarene ?'' at length, shouted
the Emperor, his sudden paroxysm having sub
sided -iI. EH .5
ssI'm weary of this life, and want to ex-
change it for bcttcr;'' said the old man, with
a sigh.
81 ask are you a cursed Nazarene ?'' again
sb bouted the Emperor, in voice, if possible,
more shrill. ~ ..r-H ..-
ssThat life wont end, like this this frail old
body III be renovated into blooming youth;
and I'll wear crown more bright and unfad
ing than that on your majesty's brow;' said
the old man with great earnestness, while his
features suddenly frightened, and tear or
two fell from his eyes.
The Emperor remained silent for moment,
rs If at loss what to say, or how to proceed.
At length however, leaning forward in his
seat. and fixing his grey eyes fercely on the
old man, he sad
'sBow TO the Gods before you,'' pointing. at
the same time, at the row OF images, with his
finger. %. ss-
3 ssFor many sad and weary year of my life,
7 worshiped them images OF stone; but the
aud gave me, poor, unworthy sinner, the
light Of his knowledge. Him alone 1 now
worship; and shall not bow myself down.
said the.old man, meekly, but with trembling
frmness. --=a
ssHa! ha the Dogs you wont Then-to
the flames! soldiers your duty - cried the
Emperor, with the usual grin and display Of
yellow teeth. -Ga- --.a .-
Instantly, several huge monsters pounced
upon him, like so many demons; and amid
the shouts and jeers of the spectators, he was
hurried along the great, broad aisle, and de-
live-ed to the eSecutioners at the door.
The old man made no resistance; but, with
his staff firmly graspcd in his hand, he hobbled
rapidly along, with his eyes raised 10 heaven,
and smile upon his white, time-worn fea-
lures. ..........
In few moments, loud shout heard
in the square. The old man was in the flames.
Again-all was still. His weary spirit had Ia
ken its fight, and entered upon the joys of
that life for which it panted-earnestly longed.
Poor old man well done Thou didst
make glorious exchange! Who will doubt
it
His life, in this world, had indeed been one
of suffering. Afflicted from his earliest child
hood with an incurable disease, he had been
left an orphan in his infancy. Supported
many years, for the most part, by the charities
of few friends, these, at length, had either
died or abandoned him. But his Affections
had given 4 serious, reflective cast TO his
mind and he had often thought, even of him.
SELF that if this life and world were all OF man.
then how miserable his lot!
At length, however, through providence as
mysterious as it was merciful, he had been
thrown into family of poor Christians, who
cared for him-cared for his soul. He was
told Of Jesus, the poor mans friend and Sa-
viour-told of another life and better world
believed and this was the decrepit old man,
at whose trembling side stood the young, mod
est son of He'll, as both were baptized by Pry-
theus.
First on the block, on my leit-stand up!''
said the Emperor.
4 middle-aged female rose. Her head re-
clined upon her shoulder. Her eyes were fix.
ed with mysterious gaze on the floor, as il
absorbed in some wondrous thought.
.:You are charged with being Nazarene =
shouted the Emperor, as usual.
The poor woman made no reply; but stood
as if chained in every member-silent and mo-
tionless as The images before her.
"Are you Nazarene, or not ~ again de-
| manded the emperor, angrily. III
The woman meekly raised her eyes, and
nodded an assent.
"You confess -
There was the same nod. with perceptible
tremblicg of the frame, and momentary pa
ior of eountenace.
s.Renounce the cursed faith :-bow!'' crieC
the Emperor, in a furious rage.
A quick shake OF the head was the .signfi
| can't reply.
| The woman then turned her eyes up towar'
the great, lofty dome of the Forum, and stoo'
as if gazing at some sudden, wondrous vision
At first there was sparkling lustre in he
| eyes, blended with surprise then smile a
/! Of recognition, followed by evident oinotiop