Year: 1859

/ lou had peter mount and beCone,
whispered villager, at the sight of JEFF
fry's face ike thunder-cloud as he slow.
ly lifted himself from bending over the
horses hoof, and fixed flashing eye on
the strangers face, who neyertheless,stood
dnno7ed and undismayed, adding delib.
erately-


Thou shalt not take the name of the
Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will
not hold him guiltless that takes his name
in vain, so runs the holy law, and 1 cal
you to witness that no loyal man trifes
with or Profanes the name of the prince
he loves and serves. How say. nv
friends; Is 1t not rebellion against God
wilfully and continually to break and de.
spise His laws !?


There was 10 answer and Jeffry was
busy with his shoe again.


But continued the stranger, Il told
you that was the Kings messenger,be
ing unconditional pardon to all who accept
it. All have sinned, all are rebels; but
God, who is rich in mercy, so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten Son
that whOsoever believeth in him should
not perish but have everlasting life /:



1t not enough to silence the blasphemous
tongue and make him reverence the God
who loves Ike this? Will you accept
the free pardon, my honest friend?'


Why ask only me? There be Others
here who need it fully as much,' said the
smith in surly tone.


I do say It to ALL Whosoever will
let him take of the waters of life freely.


have no reserve on my list, and ac,
cording to my royal masters will, I repeat
his own proclamation to every sinner
: He that believeth on him that hath sent
me hath everlasting life, and shall moi
come into condemnation


l thought you were on an errand from
the real court, and not making up a tale
to preach to US, said Hayes, with remain,
ing displeasure.


1t is no made up tale,itis solemn truth
as you will one day prove; and beseecL
you, as though God himself besought YOU
by me, receive his offers of pardon and
grace and be reconciled to him. No man
who is reconciled to God talks as you talk
| Of your deeds and ways know nothing,
but your own conscience will tell you
whether you live and speak and act like
a follower of the gentle, loving Saviour.


Your horse is shod, SIR


1 thank you heartily for your gooG
speed and good work. said the stranger
placing the change in the hand of the
smith, and pray that by the grace of Coo
your feet may be shod with the prepara
ton Of the Gospel Of Peace. You carry
on more than your mere trade in thi,
workshop, friend; see to it that the re
cord be written by Him who keeps bool
of remembrance of them that fear the
Lord and think upon his name. Wha
a messenger you might be of love ant
mercy from the Prince of peace to those
who came to talk with you herep


They would not come for a sermon,
reckon said Jeffry, attempting to laugh
as he looked round.


Try it; and the next piece of iror
you mould by your FIRE, Iken it in you
mind to hard human heart, cast undel
the softening influence of Divine love
and resharpened by the omnipotent Gre
ator for holy and happy USES. Gooc
night, friends all, and the Lord be witt
YOU


Stop, sir said the smith, stepping af
ter the traveller, and laying his hand OF
the bride. Who are you that talks t,
Jefry Hayes in this uncommon way 2


One who has message from God un
to you, and has delivered it, replied tn,
stranger, as he rode quietly away, ,leavin,
the smith gazing after him into the dark

ness, until the sound of his steps ha,
died away on the soft night air.
About half an hour afterwards as Mar
Hayes sat knitting by her cottage fire sh,
was surprised by the arrival of her hus
band full two hours before his usual time
and being a person of good sense, she ut
tered no comment, but set his chair, an,
while he washed away the marks of hi
daily toll, prepared supper, and brough
) a small jug of ale, as naturally as if
had been his custom to drink it quietI,
in her company at home. Hayes dic
} not seem to have much appetite, nor wa.
he disposed to be very communicative
but after looking at the fire some time b.
suddenly spoke.


Mary said he, have we got Bi
BILE ?


"A Bible o, yes don't you remem