Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-03-19
From hc Boston Christian Observer.
The Blind Boy and his Teacher.

The Blind Boy and his Teacher.
One day little blind boy was brought into
my class, who had lately come to reside near
the Sabbath school. He was beautiful child,
and his light haxen hair his clean attire, and
especially his sad affiiction, rendered him the
objcct Of general attention. From my child
hood had always entertained affecting Of pe-
culiar regard for those whom God, in his prov.
dence, had been pleased permanently to atflirt;
and though in my early days was full of mis-
chief, and fond Of amusing myself at the ex-
pense of others, yet nothing could induce me
to Join with those who would take a mean adj
vantage of their afflicted fellow.creatures ; on
the contrary, I always felt disposed to stand
mp for their help, however great might be the
odds against me. As soon, therefore, as this
| interesting child entered my class, felt all my
teudcrest sympathies awakened, and the tears
calamity. drew him gently towards me pat.
ted his little head; spoke many kind and sooth-
! ing words to him and thus cndeavored to gain
| bis confidence aud affection. In this | soon
succeeded, for he was uatnrally amiable and
! docile and then commenced the work of in
structon. AS could not teach him to read,
| TOR then we had no books with raised charac-
tiers for the blind,) instructed him in the lead
ing doctrines of the Gospel, and taught Inn
such hymns and passages of Scripture rs were
calculated TO impress his youthful mind. But
nothing delighted him SO much, or appeared
more to Interest the class than to take hr; on
my knee and describe to him the glories of the
heavenly world, and the happiness of lis bliss.
fnl inhabitants. Upon these occasions he would
sit with mute attention, occasionally passing
his hand lightly over my face, as ;f anxious to
obtain some idea OF the expression of my fca-
trrrs. Aud willie spoke TO him of the glori-
fled body of the saints, free from all impertcc.
tioas, and the certainty Of all who were good
and loved Jesus seeing him in heaven, his sight
less blue eyes would move rapidly to and fro,
aud his whole countcuancc brighten up with
pleasure and delight. Are there no blind
people il heaven" he would sometimes ask,
"and does every one see Jesus9 Then will
be good, for should like to sec Jesus. But
when will it be! Isn't it Il long time = BY
such inquiries as these he greatly endeared him
self TO me, and circumstance soon happened
which Strengthened The chord Of affection which
bouEd US together.
Oar school was situated III the centre OF
dirty narrow street. in one of the worst dis.
t,icts in London amd we were frequently annoy.
ed l,y the conduct Of Il number of low, dlsOr-
,Icrly boys, who interrupted the children i'll their
passage TO and from school, and threw stones,
cabbage. stalks, and other missiles into the door
and windows Ny class was generally the
first that was dismissed, and one day a boy
came running back with his clothes bespattered
with mud, aud complaining that there were
boys outside pclling lin. instantly rushed
to the door, for thought Of my little afflicted
one whom had Just sent home, with Il class
mate to lead him. | stood but moment, for
at short distance saw big boy dragging the
blind child towards heap of mud, into which
he presently fell. My Indignation was thor
ou.hly aroused With the Gerceuess of lion,
dartcd to the spot, and, having rescued the
little sufferer aud placed him on his feet, hast
encd after the crowd who, with his compan-
ions, had taken to his heels. Through several
turnings followed him, and seeing him at
length run down Il street, to the other end Of
which there was n short cut, went round that
way, and we met at the corner. Finding that
he could not now escape me, he prepared for
stout resistance, but the struggle was brief, lie
was quickly overpowcred; aud, frllow-teach-
cr coming to my assistance, he was conducted
back to the school, where, leaving i'm to be
dealt with as Lis conduct merted, proceeded
to the house of the injured child.
The dear boy was still crying when enter
cd, but, as soon rs he heard my voice, he crts
ed, and came running towards me. 81 won't
cry any more" lie said, " for aint hurt. He
was a wicked boy to pull me into the mud, but
there will be no wicked boys in heaven, and no
mud to fall into there. Teacher, do love you,
| should like to see you and then, after mo-
mcnt's pause, he added, but shall see you
in heaven" These remarks were made with
SO much simplicity. that, were it not for the
condition he was in, could have taken the
dear child in my arms, and pressed him to my
bosom contcnting myself, therefore, with CIV
ing him a few words of encouragement, | left
him in the care of his mother, and returned to
the school.
For some weeks after this, my little pupil
never seemed SO happy as when he was at
school, and even then, as when he was upon
my knee. "Teacher," he would say, tell me
about Jesus. When he was upon earth, he
took little children in his arms and blessed
them. Will he take them up in his arms in
heaven? should like to be carried in his
arms" Deer child, did not then imagine how
soon his wish would be realizcd; but so It was.
Hc sighed for a purcr air; and he found it; he
painted to behold the glores of the Rcdeemer,