The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-02-23
Wistellaneons.
THE TRUE WITNESS.

Many years since, IN largo anu nourisninG
country town, lived the Rev. Mr.. Bile was
known far and wide for his faithful and successful
labors as preacher and pastor. lie enjoyed, al
so, an enyiable reputation for eminent piety and
an irreproachabe life. Under his spiritual over.
sight believers multiplied, aud in his presence all
iniquity stood rebukcd. The community in which
he labored was, however, suddenly thrown into
commotion by report that he had fallen into
sin. A woman in the place, who had become the
mother Of an illegitimatc child, and appeared be.
fore magistrate and under oath charged him
with being the partner Of her guilt. AT first his
friends and the church were paralyzcd by the in
telligencc. Then their Indignation against his nc.
cuser knew no bounds. But the charge was so
deliberate. and seemed to be so well sustained,
that, notwithstanding his protestations Of limo.
cencc. it became to be gcnrally believed that their
spiritual guide was indecd guilty Of the odious
crime laid to his charge. The modification and
sorrow of his family were indescrbable. while the
enemies of Christ were jubilaht. This detection,
brought, also, a tide of evil on the place; all re.
straint seemed to bctakcn:away, aud iniquity aud
infdclity came in like food.
"what do you think of religion now ?. was
sneeringly asked by the malicious opposcr, while
the libcrtne openly repeated his insulting adage
about all men shaving their price"
As time went on. matters waxcd worse. The
clergyman's case was to come before the civil
court for trial, and with no prospcc: Of acquittal
There was however, one feature in the case that
attracted much attention; while he freely &C.
I,n u,ialu al hat ho hal - oil
the charge, after his first anguish was overland
it seemed as II the shock would either unsctle his
reason or destroy Ills lifc-hc had become peace
ful and confident. 1t was known that he had Civ
cn himself to prayer-mOst thought ns n cloak 10
his sin; but he testified to the few who still hoped
against hope, that God had heard his cries. and
hal given him an inward witness that IN due time
"his righteousness would appear as tho light
The day of his trial drew on, creating intense ex-
element in tho place. The courtroom was
thronged, while hundreds fingered about the
building unable to gain access, SO great was the
crowd. The testimony Of his accuser was direct,
and uncmbarrasscd by tho cross.questioning Of
the counsel; II was to the effect that on such
night the prisoner at the bar was at her house.
She brought witnesses. also. who took oath that
they saw him there; testifying unhestatingly to
his guilt as eye witnesses. On his part no attempt
was made to show where he was at the time dcsig.
mated, for he frankly acknowledged that he could
not remember where he was. and had no record
or witness to produce on the point II is need
less to say that minds OF both spectators aud jury
were fully made up rs to his criminality. Yet
more than one remarked the singular serenity Of
the accused minister, who contcn,ed himself with
repeating to his counsel, III can do nothing; but
God will appear for me; cannot be deceived -
The pleas of the LAWYERS had been made. and the
case was just going to the jury who were all rea-
dy TO return the verdict. gully, when n stranger
arose and said, "May 1t please the court, am in
possession Of some important facts bearing on this
case which would like 70 state.' Taking the
witnesss stand, he said, 81 live come thirty miles
distant. Yesterday, as I was at work in my field,
a strange impression seized me that | must mme-
datcly como to this place. had no business to
call me this way, and knew not what to think Of
the impression, which, In spite Of my efforts to
shake II of, grew upon mo through the day. and
kept me awake that night. l was sure that Was
in my usual health, and rs am not given to fool
ish fancies, al last resolved to harness up the
horse and make the journey, and SEQ what would
come OF it. AS l drove into town to-day, saw
that something unusual was astir, and thought
would follow the crowds as they drifted this way.
Putting up my team, entered this room, and
listened to the plea that was being made by the
counsel for the prisoner ut the bar. Catching .
glimpse Of the accused. how was startled to find
Il was my friend. Rev. MIR. B.; but was still
further astonished when heard the date alluded
to, a. sworn to by his accusers; for that very
night, and am prepared TO prove II, IL the
court will give me an opportunity to summons
the e,idenos-,hat man Of God was with my ahic-
cd family, - one Of our number lay the long