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The fabled “Pony Express” was short lived. It lasted only about a year and a half (April 1860—October 1861). The transcontinental telegraph put an end to the need for the horses and their riders. However, in the brief time it existed, the service made a lasting impact on American history.
Before the creation of the Pony Express it took a long time for news from the East coast to reach the West coast. For example, when James Buchanan was elected as President in 1856 it took months for the news to reach California. Yet, when Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1860, utilizing the system of men carrying information while galloping on their horses, the news reached the California newspapers in just one week!
Of particular interest to me is the type of person the owners of the operation wanted working for them. Each rider was presented with a Bible and was required to sign this oath:
“I do hereby swear, before the great and living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors, and Waddell, I will, under no circumstances, use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect, I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employer, so help me God.”
They were calling for serious people with high character. The task at hand was too important to take lightly. Such reminds us of the serious task to which our Lord calls us:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3; see also 1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Tim. 3:2-3; Titus 1:7-8).
Also like the riders of the Pony Express, from the same passage of Ephesians, we are to refrain from profane language (Eph. 4:29-5:4) and intoxicating beverages (Eph. 5:18),
Not many were willing to take on the challenge of riding for the Pony Express. Similarly, we are told by Jesus that not many will be willing to take on the challenge of living the Christian life (Matt. 7:13-14; 22:14).
Let us resolve to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the divine calling!
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY