THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 194, 17 February 1877, Page 2

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

[from the ledber.] In a garrison town of England, so the story was told us, where one of the finest regiments in the service was stationed, a soldier had been placed in confinement by the officer Of the guard for misdemeanor, and his name sent in to the commandant. “ What I” said the colonel, “ is Mowbray up again ? What has be been doing now?” “ Drunk and disorderly, as usualj sir,” returned the officer who had reported. ‘‘ In mercy’s name ! what shall I do with him ? I believe I have tried everything in his case which can be done without a court-martial.” At this point the chaplain of the regiment, a kind-hearted man, spoke : “ It was Mowbray Mho captured that Russian standard ?” “ Yes.” “ He is a bravo soldier and trite ?” i “ Yes.” “ Well, Colonel, if you will pcnrtft me. I think I can mention one thing which you have not tried.” “ Ah, Chaplain, what is that ?” “ He has never yet been forgiven.” “ Forgiven ! ” repeated the colonelj in surprise. “ Aye—he has not yet been brought before you. Suppose you try it, just once.” The colonel reflected a little while, and then directed that the culprit should be brought before him. The man was presented—a soldier, every inch of him, battle-burned and scarred.

“ Well, Mowbray,” said the commander, “ you know why you are here ?” “ Yes, sir.” “ What have you to say for yourself ?” “ Nothing, Colonel, only that I’rrl sorry. I don’t think I meant to do wrong.” The colonel gave the soldier a stem lecture on the sin and disgrace of drunkenness, and finally when the poor fellow was expecting nothing less than the ball-aml-chaiu for a month, he wound up as follows: “ And now, Mowbray, I am going this once to try a new incentive to manly behaviour in your case. lam going to forgive yon this time. You may return to your duty, and let us see how long you will honor it.” The soldier stood for a moment like a man frightened. It took him some little time to fully comprehend the situation ; but he saw, at length, and burst into tears. He found voice enough to thank his commander, and then he retired ; but ho made no verbal promise. Two years longer the regiment remained in that town, and during that time Mowbray had not a charge brought against him ; he not only (rod the path of strict duty himself, but he prevented many of his comrades from going astray. That last application— Forgiveness—proved a power to win and save him.