Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-04-08
GtncraI 1Htsrrllanu.
THE KINGS MESSENGER.

| fight il out with the offender, but he had the
| first and surest nag, in days when armed men
did the work now performed by rail and tele-
/ graph, and when gossips, bursting with impa-
| tience. rushed to the backsmith's forge TO
hear from his lips the last report left behind
! by some galloping rider, who had been detained
| while his horse was being shod.
/ Jehry did not fail 20 make the most Of such
| opportunities and at a time when insurrec-
tion had disturbed portion Of the kings do
/ minions, he was in his height Of village popu-
larity, dispensing news and leading politics,
and enjoying the well earned distinction of
being known as the best craftsman of his
kind, and the most loyal tory on the great
/ London road
One dark evening as usual, the bright fire
/ from the smithy Of Jefry Hayes flung its rud-
| dy glow across the highway; the sound of
| labor had ceased, and several idle villagers
were lounging round their oracle until he
should think proper to put out his fire. and
adjourn with them TO the nearest ale house.
/ The smith himself with broad shoulders and
muscular arms was hourishing his great ham
mcr TO the eager narrative Of an angry youth
/ who was telling of an insult he wished to
avenge. and was cnlistiug the pugnacious
sympathies Of his athletic friend. who praised
his courage and promised all honored assis-
tance on the occasion.
/ "Ay, / was sure you would stand by me
and see justice done, said the obliged chal-
/ lcngcr.
THAT will l." said Hayes warmly, and
with various oaths. "Fix the time and place.
/ ! will be there to the minute. if the high
/ Sheriff on his Maicsty's errand, brought his
/ horse to be shod as no one but Jefry Hayes
can do it. I'm not the man as you all know,
to desert friend in need, nor keep out of the
way when blows are going. But bark here
comes horseman, and hear by the football
there's work to be done yet. Stand by my
lads, and let the gentleman ride straight in. 80
In few seconds more a horseman rode up
and asked if lost shoe could be replaced at
once
"Just in time. sir, said Jefry. stepping
forward and lifting the hoof while the rider
dismounted and leaning against the door
post surveyed by freight the several persons
in the shed.
you have ridden far and hard, sir" re-
marked the smith as he proceeded to work.
Yes and must further still before l rest,
replied the stranger.
Important business on hand, suppose
sir, said Jeffry.
VERY ! am the Kings messenger, and
must not loiter on the way"
If hammer could speak, that Of Jeffry Hayes
would have borne witness to the right royal
grasp Of its masters powerful hand as he
swung it with increased vehemence and pre-
cision on hearing this intelligence.
Good news at court, hope, sir, said he
pompously
The very best. A free pardon for all the
rebels"
"a free pardon !' exclaimed all at once
What after all they have done -
Free, unconditional pardon, repeated the
traveller, except it be considered a condi-
tion that they accept it."
"They can't surely but do that" exclaim.
ed Jefry "the very thoughto of such clemency
ought to make them lay down their arms, and
be true subjects all the rest of their lives"
"Net, strange to say, the fact though quite
certain does not do it"
"What, are they going on in rebellion ir
the face of pardon, and with no hope of sue
cess 90 their cause at last"
EVEN SO, excepting here and there one
sees things in better light
"Woll, them they deserve execution; and
why should not justice take its course" said
the blacksmith fcrcely. MY opinion is that
it's possible to be too lenient, and royal mer
look TO governments to do their duty without
fear or favor
"Iou would have me believe you are not
rebel yourself friend, said the stranger
Il Yes, | would like to see the man
who dares call me a rebel" said JefEry Hayes
with the voice of stentor, and mingling his
speech with many terrible oaths "he should
know something of this arm" And down
came the hammer upon the anvil with a blow
that made tho hoof ring again.
Then that dare l, said the traveller bold.
ly, land your own words have condemned
you
"You had better mount and begone." whs-
pered a vilager, at the sight of Jefry's face
like a thunder-coud, as he slowly lifted him
self from bending over the horses hoof, and
fixed a flashing eve on the strangers face
who nevertheless. stood unmoved and undis-
mayed, adding deliberately
"Thou shalt not take the name Of the Lord
thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold
him guitless that taketh his name in vain SO
runs the holy law, and call you to witness
that no loyal man triAes with or profanos the
name of the prince he loves and serves. How
say, my friends, is it not rebellion against
God, wilmlly and continually to break and
despise His laws p
There was no answer, and Jefry was busy
with his shoe again
"But," continued the stranger, 81 told you
that ! was the Kings messenger, bearing un'
conditional pardon to all who accept it. All
have sinned, all are rebels but God, who is
rich in mercy, so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoeyer
believeth in him should not perish but have
everlasting life Is il not enough to silence
the basphemous tongue and make him rover
ence the God who loves like this viii you
accept the free pardon, my honest friend p
"Why ask only me; There be others here
who need it fully as much, said the smith il
a surly tone.
IL do say it is to all. 'Whosoever will
let him take Of the waters of life freely
have no reserve on my list, and according tC
my royal masters will, repeat his own pro-
clamation to every sinner-He that believetl
on him that hath sent me hath everlasting life
and shall not come into condemnation
II thought you were on an GRAND from Tho
real court, and not making up tale to preacl
to us, said Hayes, with remaining displeas
uro.
SIT is no made up tale, il is solemn truth