The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1863-10-15
a beautiful Narrative.

We thirk we have nowhere seen a
more simple, touching and beautiful
narrative showing forth the power Of
truth, than this which follows. 1t is
from the pen Of II. S. Hammond, the
author Of "Country Marquis" most
pleasant and genial writer IL witness
ed short time ago in one Of our
higher courts, beautiful illustration of
the simplicity and power of truth. A
little girl nine years of age, was offered
as witness against prisoner who
was on trial for felony committed !,
her fathers house.
"Now, Emily" said the counsel for
the prisoner, upon her being offered a.
a witness, Il desire to know if yon
understand the nature of an oath p 81
do not know what you mean," was the
simple answer.
There your HONOR" said the counsel
addressing thc court, sis anything fur
ther necessary to demonstrate the vail
dity of my objection The witness
should be rejected-she does not com
prehend the nature of an OATH"
"Let me see," said the Judge "Come
here, my daughter" Assured by the
kind tone and manner Of the judge, the
child stepped toward him, and looked
confidently up in his face, with calm
clear eye, and in manner so artless
and frank that it went straight to the
heart. "Did you ever take an oath -
inquired the judge. The little girl
stepped back with a look Of horror, and
the rich blood mantlcd in blush All
over her face and neck as she answered.
"No, SIR" She thought he intended to
inquire if she had ever blasphemed. 81
do not mean that" said the Judge, who
saw her mistake; ~ mean were you a
witness before ?' "No, sir; I never
was in court BEFORE" was the answer.
He handed her the bible, open -"Do
Yon know that book, my daughter -
She looked at it and answered -"Yes,
sir; it is the Bible" "Do you ever
read it?" he asked. Eyes sir, every
evening"" "Can you tell what the
Bible is ?" inquired the judge. ut is
the word OF the great Gol," she
answered.
swell, place your hand upon this
Bible and listen to what I says" and he
repeated, slowly and solemnly, the oath
usually administered to witnesses.
"Ncw," said the judge, "you have been
sworn as a witness, will you tell me
what will befall you if you do not tell
the truth p Il shall be shut up in the
State Prison." answered the child.
"Anything else p asked the Judge.
II shall not 60 to heaven," shc replied.
How do you know this ?'' asked the
Judge again.
The.child took the Bible, and turning
rapidly to the chapter containing the
Commandments, pointed to the injunc-
tion-"Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor." II learned
that said she, before could read"
elias any one talked to you about
being a witness against this man ?'' in
qnircd the Judge.
Yes, cir" she replied. "My mother
heard they wanted me for = witness,
and last night she called me to her
room and asked mo to tell her the Ten
Commandments, and then we kneeled
down together, and she prayed that I
might understand how wicked it was to
bear false witness against my neighbor,
and that God woull help mo, a little
child to tell tho truth as il was before
Him; and when / came up here with
father, she kissed mo, and told me to
remember the Ninth Commandment,
and that God would hear every word
that said ="
'sDo you believe this?" asked the
judge, while tear glistened in his eye
and his lip quivered with emotion.
Eyes, sir" said the child, with
voice and manner that showed her con-
yiction Of the truth was perfect.
GOD bless you, my child - said the
judge, "you have good mother. This
witness is competent" he continued
Were I on trial tor my life and innocent
Of the charge against me, | would pray
for just such witness as this. Let
her be examined
She told her story with the simplicity
Of child, as she was, hut there was
directness about it which carried con.
viction Of its truth to every heart. She
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