The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03
The Emperor's Sin.

Charlemagne, the great and glorious
Emperor OF the West, had sinned. But
so dark and heinous did his sin appear to
him that he dared not confess it In order
to obtain absolution, and recover his lost
peace of mind In spite OF all his efforts,
his lips refused to speak. His sin, that
deadly sin, remained buried in his heart,
branded on his memory, and he felt him
self an outcast from the church.
Tortured by remorse, Charlemagne
finally sought the presence OF holy man
who dwelt at Aix>la Chapelle, and was
known far and wide by the name of st.
Egidius Alone, and in very humble
state OF mind, the Emperor entered the
lowl y dwelling, and penltently began his
confession. The many minor sins were
quickly disposed of, and soon nothing
remained but to reveal the one awful sin,
whose shadow darkened every minute of
his life. But instead of words, Charlie
magne uttered heart-rending groans, and
scalding tears coursed down his pale face
as he lifted an agonized glance to his
adviser.
Touched by his evident remorse, and
longing to assist him to free his soul from
its burden of sin, the monk handed him
his tablets and babe him write the con-
iesslon his trembling lips refused to speak.
Sadly the Emperor shook his head,
pushed the tablets away. and as soon as
his sobs would permit, sorrowtully re.
ve&led the fact that he did not know how
TO write.
The monk, not at all surprised for in
those days only few learned men had
any knowledge OF reading and writing,
now offered to teach him how TO write so
that he might at last confess his sin and
obtain forgiveness. This proposal was
hailed with rapture, and Charlemagne,
whose mighty fist was accustomed to
grasp the hilt OF his gigantic sword
q" Joyeuse, and to swing the heavy bat
tie axe, slowly and painfully learned to
handle the pen. The exertion was greater
than that required to win signal victory
over horde OF northern barbarians, and
great beads OF perspiration stood on the
imperial forehead, as he diligently traced
the intricate characters But the per-
severance which had won many a crown
was called into play, and before many
days had passed the Emperor was able to
trace the WORDS which would reveal his
great sin.
Egidius babe him therefore lose no
time but write it down and while Char.
lemagne bent over his task, he withdrew
to another pat OF the cell, to pour out
his heart in silent prayer.
Once more Charlemagne's tears began
to flow and deep signs and groans heaved
his broad chest, as with tear-dimmed eyes
he painfully recorded the STORY OF his sin
When he was quite finished, and when
he had added remorseful and fervent
prayer tor the forgiveness of God, he
dropped his pen, slowly rose from his
seat and carried his confession to Egidius.
With face of blank astonishment, the
holy man gazed at the tablets, for al.
though he had seen Charlemagne busily
tracing his uniformed characters, the sur
face OF the tablet was perfectly smooth,
and no writing was TO be seen. Still
gazing fxedly upon it he now saw some
words appear and eagerly read
" God forgives all those who truly re-
pent. Your sin has been washed away
by the blood OF Christ"
A low exclamation of gratitude and
Joy escaped from Egidius' lips. The EN-
peror, whose head was bowed in shame
and contrition, eagerly looked up and
beheld with mis- own eyes the comforting
words sent to save him from utter des-
pair. Gladly and humbly he sank down
upon his knees, and with broken voice
returned thanks to God, who had deign-
ed to answer his prayer.
The characters traced on the tablets
of our hearts are for God alone to see.
When his all-seeing eye reads the prayer
OF true repentance his hand gently blots
out the record of our transgressions, and
deep down in our hearts, are heard his
tender words of complete forgiveness for
all our sins.-N Y. Observer.