Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-05-31
TRUTH.
a Bssn,Ir.I Illustration Of rs Power.


Of the power of truth, Is from the pen
of $. ii. Hammond. formerly editor of
the Albany STATE Register. He was an
eyewitness of the scene in one OF the
higher courts of New York.
A little girl, nine years Of age, was
offered as witness against a prisoner,
who was on trial for felony commit
ted in her fathers house.
"Now, Emily" said the counsel for
the prisoner, upon her being offered as
witness, 81 desire % know II you
understand the nature of an oathY'
81 don't know what you mean" was
the simple answer.
"There, your honor" said the coun-
sci, addressing the court, sis anything
further necessary TO demonstrate the
validity OF my objection2 This wit
ness should he rejected. She does not
comprehend the nature Of an oath"
Let us see" said the Judge. "Come
HtIt my bdukhN'I'
Assured by the kind tone and man
ner Of the judge, the child stepped
toward him. and looked conndingly up
into his face with a calm, clear eye
and with manner so artless and
frank that it went straight TO the
heart.
"Did you ever take an oath = in
quired the Judge. The little girl step
ped back with a look Of horror, and
the red blood mantled in blush all
over her face rs she answered;
"No. sir"
She thought that he intended to in
quire II She ever blasphcmed.
81 do not mean that" said the Judge
who saw her mistake; II mean, were you
ever witness beforcf"
NO, | never was in court before"
was the answer.
lie handed her the Bible, open.
"Do you know that book, my daugh-
ter"
She looked at it and answered, "Ycs,
/ sir; it Is the Bible"
"Do you ever read IT." he asked.
"Yes. sir; every evening"
"Can you tell me what the Bible is r
inquired the Judge.
1T is the word Of the great God"
she answered
We'll. place your hand upon this
Bible, and listen to what ! say" and
he repeated slowly and solemnly the
oath usually administered to wit
nesscs.
Now" said the Judge, you have
sworn az witness. will you tell me
what will befall you II you do not tell
the truth =
/ q shall be shut up in state prison"
answered the child.
Anything else? asked the Judge.
Il shall never 60 to heaven" she
replied.
How do YOU know this?' asked the
Judge again.
The child took tho Bible and turn
ing rapidly to the chapter containing
the commandments. pointed To the in
junction, Thou shalt not bear false
witness against thy ncighbor" Il
learned that before could read.
"Has anyone talked with you about
your being a witness here against this
man ?" inquired the Judge.
"Yes. sir She replied. MY
mother heard they wanted me to he a
witness. and last night she called me
. to her room and asked me TO tell her
I 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 would help me,
a little child, to tell the truth rs 1t was
/ before Him. And when | came up
I here with father, she kissed me, and
told me to remember the ninth com
mandment, and that God would hear
every word that / said
"Do you believe this;" asked the
Judge. while a tear glistened in his eye
and his lips quiyered with emotion.
"Yes, sir" said the child, with a
voice and manner that showed her con-
/ viction Of the truth was perfect
God bless you. my child" said the
Judge; you have good mother.
1 This witness is competent he con-
/ tinued. "Were / on trial for my life
and innocent OF the charge against me-
would pray to God for such witness
es rs this. Let her be examined"
4 a ...tyl Il. -