THE BLACKSMITH’S STOOL
A LONG time ago when Lord Jesus and the blessed St. Peter walked about together on earth, it happened one evening that they stopped at a blacksmith’s cottage and asked for a night’s lodging.
“You are welcome,” the blacksmith said. “I am a poor man but whatever I have I will gladly share with you.”
He threw down his hammer and led his guests into the kitchen. There he entertained them with a good supper and after they had eaten he said to them:
“I see that you are tired from your day’s journey. There is my bed. Lie down on it and sleep until morning.”
“And where will you sleep?” St. Peter asked.
“I? Don’t think of me,” the blacksmith said. “I’ll go out to the barn and sleep on the straw.”
The next morning he gave his guests a fine breakfast, and then sent them on their way with good wishes for their journey.
As they were leaving, St. Peter plucked Lord Jesus by the sleeve and whispered:
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