The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1866-10-24
SIMPLICITY or TRUTH.

the simplicity anu power VI truth:
"A little girl nine years OF age was Offer
ed as witness against prisoner, who was
ON trial for felony committed in her fathers
house.
"Now. Emily" said the counsel for the
prisooer. upon her being offered as wit
ness, 81 desire 10 understand if you know
the nature OF an oathT"
81 don't know what you mean." was the
simple answer.
There, yaur honor" said the counsel.
addressing the couri, /" is anything farther
necessary to demonstrate the validity of
my objectionsi This witness should be
rejected. She does not comprehend the
nature of an OATH"
"I.et US see," said the Judge. "Come
here. my daughter"
Assured by the kind tone and manner OF
the Judge. The child stepped towards him
aud looked confidently up in his face with
calm. clear eye, and in manner so art
less and frank It went straight to the heart.
Did you ever take an oath Z" inquired
the Judge.
The little girl stepped back with look
Of horror. and the red blood man,led in a
blush all over her face and neck. as she
answered. No sir" She thought he inten-
ded 10 inquire IL she had ever blasphened.
81 do not mean that" said the Judge,
who saw her mistake. :" mean were you
ever q witness before 7"
lie handed her the bible open.
"Doyo know tha, book. my daughter ,"
She looked At It and answered. "Yes,
cir, il is the Bible
do you ever read il I" he asked.
"fes. sir-every evening"
"Can you :ell me what the Bible is I"
II Is the Word Of the Great God," she
answered.
"well. place your hand upon this Bible
cad listen TO what say" aud he repeated
slowly and solemnly the oath usually ad-
ministered 10 witnesses.
Now" said the Judge, you have been
sworn as witness--wis you tell me what
viii belall you II you do not tell the truth I"
81 shall be shut up in the State prison" /"
answered the child.
Anything else ." asked the Judge.
"l shall never 20 10 Heaven"
"How do you know ." asked the Judge
again.
The child took the Bible. and turning
rapidly TO the chapter containing the CON.
mandments. pointed TO the injunction,
{" Thou shalt uot bear false witness against
thy neighbor." !. learned iha,." she said.
"before could iead."
Has any one talked TO you about being
q witness 10 court here against this man !"
inquired the Judge.
yes. sir" she replied; "my mother
heard they wanted me TO be witness, and
last night she called me. Unto her room and
asked me 10 tell her the ten commandments,
and then we kneeled down together, and
she prayed that | might understand how
wicked u was TO bear false witness against
,my neighbnr. and that God would help me,
little child, TO tell the truth as il was be.
fore Him. And when | came here with
father, she kissed me and told me 10 re.
member the ninth commandment. aud IN st
God would hear every word | said
"Do you believe this 7" asked the Judge,
with q tear glistening in his eye aud his
lips qai,eriDg with emotion.
Yes, sir" said the child, with a voice
and manner that showed her conviction OF
the truth was perfect.
"God bless you, my child" said the
Judge. "you have good mother. This
witness Is competent" he continued |;
" Were ! on trial Cor my lite. and innocent
lthe charges against me. would pray God
Tor such witness as this. Let hel be ex
amined.n
She told her story with the simplicity Of
child as she was. bu, there was q direct
ness about il which carried conviction Of
y. truth TO every heart. She was rgidly
ttoss examined. The counsel piled her
s'sh Infinite and ingenious questioning.