Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1876-03-06
the WIFE or JOHN BUSYAN.

Ii has been observed by some one, we
cannot reeollect who. that there is only
one instance in the whole history Of
England of woman making her appear
anoe at Westminster Hall, and before
the Judges Of AssiSe. in order TO make
formal defence in favor Of the untor-
tunate. That woman was the young aud
interesting wife Of John Buuyan, who
had become the sacrifice for conscience
sake.
Although Elizabeth stands alone
among her sex as an advocate, yet there
never was offered more eloquent and
unsophistieated defence than that which
she made on behalf Of her husband
She. first Of all, had the courage to APP
pear before the House Of Lords to ask
the Supreme Court of Appeals to relax
the rigors of prosecuting law. Their
LOrdships, it is said, rudely told her to
90 to the Judges Of AssiEe, who con-
demned her husband. and without fail
she did SO. At the AssiTe Court Sir
Matthew Hale presided. and he was ac-
cOmpanied by Judge Twisden. magis-
trate Of ferocious temperament. whose
countenance and demeanor strangely
oontrasted with the mildness and placid
ity of the Lord Chief Justice. We are
indebted to John Bunyan himself for
description of the conduct Of Judge
Twisden on this memorable occasion.
He says. Judge Twisden snapt at my
poor wife. Elizabeth. and angrily told
her that her husband was a convicted
person, and could not be released unless
he would promise to preach no more.
But Elizabeth, however much she
loved her husband, was more enamoured
of the Gospel. and she gave the court to
understand that her husband could not
purchase freedom at the expense of keep
ing silence about the mercy and COM
passion of God.
at is false" continued Elizabeth. ito
say he has done wrong; for at the meet
ing where he preached they had God Is
presence with them"
"Will be leave off preaching ?" roared
Twisden.
my Lord" said Elizabeth. "he dares
not leave off preaching as long as he can
speak. But, my Lords" she proceeded.
with tears in her eyes, 'just consider
that we have four small children, one of
them blind, and all of them have moth
ing to live on while their father is in
prison, but the charity of Christian peo-
pie. o my Lords. l myself 'Smdyed at
the news when my husband was appre-
hended, and being but young and unac-
customed to such things, felt in labor,
and was delivered of dead child"
This was too much for Sir Matthew
Hale, who now interposed with the
ejaculation-"Alas poor woman !" He
then enquired what was her husband S
calling.
"a tinker, please you, my Lord, said
his wife; "and because he is tinker
and poor man, he is dispised and can.
not have justice"
Law is stronger than tears. The Lord
F Chief Justice told her that her husband
had broken it; he told her that there
was but one person in the realm who
could pardon her husband, and that per
son was the king. But how was the
broken hearted wife of tinker to fnt
, her way to the footstool of monarch
{ "Alas poor woman" he said, 81 an
| sorry for your pitiable case"
Elizabeth now became convinced how
e vain it was to expect justice and mere!
from an earthly tribunal; and with |
I heroic glory which can only be found il
the annals of the Christian faith, sh
1 pointed to her tears as she departed, ant
: uttered words which never should die a
B long as the English language exists.
Z ''See these tears" said she 'but d
r not weep for myself ] weep for yol
: when | think what an account such poo
4 creatures as you will have to give at tn
coming Of the Lord"
This scene took place, we will add
not only before John Bunyan was know
+ as the author Of book. but before b
had even conceived the outline Of hi
J "Pilgrim's Progress" He was kept i
: Jail. in order that be might not preach
: but by this persecution be was enable'
{ to write book in his prison cell. whic
+ was preached TO England for many gen
T. erations. and which viii edfy and en-
tighten the world to the utmost poster
. ty.-0hristian Guardian.
FIREi PIREfi
|. .Stop that retail hguor trade. inct,afin
!. beer. during he eyIas-was the shor
/ crisp order Of Chief Police Savage Q