The Power of Forgiveness.
A SOLDIER, whose regiment lay in a garrison town in England, was about to be brought before his commanding officer for some offense. He was an old offender, and had been often punished. “Here he is again,” said the officer on his name being mentioned; “everything—flogging, disgrace, imprisonment—has been tried upon him.” Whereupon the sergeant stepped forward, and, apologizing for the liberty he took, said:— “There is one thing which has never been done with him yet, sir.” “What is that?” was the inquiry. “Well, sir,” said the sergeant, “he has never been forgiven.” “Forgiven!” said the colonel, surprised at the suggestion. He reflected for a few moments, ordered the culprit to be brought in, and asked him what he had to say to the charge. “Nothing, sir,” was the reply, “only I am sorry for what I have done.” Turning a kind and pitiful look on the man who expected nothing else than that his punishment would be increased with the repetition of his offense, the colonel addressed him, saying:— “Well, we have resolved to forgive you!” The soldier was struck dumb with astonishment. The tears started in his eyes, and he wept like a child. He was humbled to the dust. He thanked his officer and retired—the old refractory and incorrigible man? No; he was another man from that day forward. He who tells the story had him for years under his eye, and a better conducted man never wore Queen’s colors. In him, kindness bent one whom harshness could not break. He was conquered by mercy and forgiveness, and ever afterward feared to offend.—Sel.