Sixteen-year-old Trent was placed by Children’s Services into foster care with Mr. and Mrs. Lansdale. Trent quickly learnt that the gentleman seemed to be living in a bygone age where boys wore ridiculous school uniforms of old because they looked “smart” and misconduct earned painful cuts of the cane on his bare arse.© Y Lee Coyote
Mr. Lansdale was a conservative and a deacon in the church which he attended every Sunday dragging Trent along both to attend services and Sunday School. Although his conservativeness meant most snacks and candy were off limits Trent found that the real, wholesome traditional meals were actually good.
It was the summer holiday (school break) when Trent was placed and he did not have to endure wearing a blazer every day but only on Sunday with standard grey school shorts and a tie. However, it was only a few days before he learnt how painful the cane was. What the transgression was is not important but Trent was sent to his room to wait for Mr. Lansdale and his rod of correction.
Again the details are unimportant but they were like in every story of the past. The first experience with the cane not only seared Trent’s bottom but his mind. He would never forget the anguish of it all. He did, however, make resolutions that it would be best to avoid it again. He noted that it was described correctly in the stories so perhaps being on the other end would be fun and pleasant.
* * * * * * * * * *
One day Mr. Lansdale had a simple errand for Trent to do. It certainly seemed like a simple task without consequences but it would be the pivot point for a major change in their relationship. He told Trent “I need you to deliver this envelope downtown. I want you to make a good impression so wear your school uniform.”
Trent thought it silly but (already knowing that arguing was useless) he changed clothes and then got package, address and directions and money for the bus. “You are to return immediately.” he was further instructed.
“This is not enough for the bus fare, sir.” he said politely expecting some additional cash.
“It is for the child fare, boy.” snapped Mr. Lansdale.
“But I’m too old for that.”
“With your baby face and the short trouser uniform you can easily convince the driver you are fourteen.”
Trent did the errand as ordered but it greatly troubled him because of the forced necessity of lying and consequently stealing from the bus company. It was extremely stressful because he worried about being FINED or even DETAINED by a Revenue Protection Inspector.
* * * * * * * * * *
Trent’s question in Sunday School changed the entire lesson although it was a simple question. “If one is FORCED to sin has one sinned?”
The class was excited about the question as it was different from the usual ‘This is was written, so this is what to do.’ discussions. To the leader’s surprise, quick phone searches brought up several very relevant verses. They all agreed and two conclusions were soon reached.
- To sin requires free will to make choices but if you are forced then you cannot avoid wrongdoing.
- The forcer is sinning in a big way. And, more interestingly, has earned harsh punishment perhaps even death.
This gave Trent a lot to think about and to make plans.
* * * * * * * * * *
A couple of days later Trent opened a conversation with Mr. Lansdale with: “What would the Elders do if they learnt that a deacon – especially one who taught Sunday School – was a sinner?”
“That’s an interesting question. I guess if it was minor and infrequent probably not much more than an admonition to avoid it and to make atonement. Serious sins especially if repeated then removal from such a prominent and important position.”
“That certainly would be shameful if it were known. Now if the biblical punishment is death then surely it would be considered serious, I think.” Trent paused and continued. “I believe that lying to cheat and steal are sins.”
“Indeed they are. It is the Eighth Commandment: ‘Thou shall not to steal.’”
“And making someone sin is a GREAT SIN deserving of death as He said in Matthew 18:6: ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung round their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.’”
“What are you getting to, boy?” demanded the man.
“I need to talk with the elders for you made me sin by lying to pay only the child fare on the bus which is stealing. They will decide what is right. Scripture is most clear!”
Mr. Lansdale was too stunned to respond so Trent continued.
“But I must …” He paused again. “… unless you are punished here and now.” A loaded pause. “I believe that it would be best if you fetched the cane, Sir.”
This was met by silence until Trent said “We can keep this to ourselves.”
It took the shamed man a while as his demons battled inside him but he fetched the cane and gave it to Trent.
“Please drop your trousers and undies and bend over the chair. As this is such a major sin, and you’re a man and not a boy, a dozen of the best should be right.” said the now dominating youth while flexing the cane as he had read about.
Trent raised the cane and brought it down on target. The cut was askew but he was delighted with the track and reaction. He joyfully continued with hard cut after hard cut inspired by the painful memory of his own beaten arse. Halfway though he realized that he would have to practice to get nice parallel tracks as the stories reported. He enthusiastically continued with the last six cuts as hard as he could.
Trent was sure that he would have the opportunity to hone his caning skills in due time. However, the next order of business would to be to get modern smart clothes for school rather than the relics from decades ago.