The Magic Letter of Merkem

Near the mill of Merkem lived a man who always laughed at matters of God. One day, a former seminarian appeared at his door. He gave him a small letter and said: "With this letter, you can do as you wish." The man hid the letter, uncertain what to make of it.

Soon the man discovered the secret. Whenever he produced the letter and read it, all passersby froze like statues. Sometimes he left them standing for half an hour, especially when they were heading to mass. The man found it amusing to fool the people.

The priest heard reports of these strange events. He went to the man and demanded the letter. But the man denied everything and said: "What letter? I do not know what you are talking about." The priest looked at him seriously and spoke with authority: "You shall bring it yourself."

Within half an hour, it was done. The man felt an irresistible urge. His feet moved of their own accord, without shoes, barefoot over the hard ground. The letter in his hand cursed him with every step. Before everyone’s eyes, he had to walk barefoot to the priest and hand over the letter. The lesson was learned.