Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1854-01-27
Written for the Journal.
The Child of Sorrow.


one clear, bright day, my steps were ar.
rested by group Of people collected at
the gate Of graveyard. asked one oil
the bystanders, "Why are so many per.
sons gathered around 2" She answered
"They are buryins some one, and these
are only lockers on" idle crowd T.
thought l; lis ii only curiosity brings
yon here 2 Stand back heed you not
which ofyou may be the next death may
elaim!"
passed through the crowd, and en-.
tered this home Of the dead. A young
girl, apparently fifteen or sixteen years
Of age, ROBBED in habiliments of deep
mourning, her face shaded by long,
black veil, her head bowed low on her
hands, sat at the foot of new-made
grave. Her lap was filled with flowers,
which, in the pause Of her emotions,
she would strew around the grave of the
loved one, that, planted by herhand and
watered by her tears, they might spring
up and bloom over the consecrated spot
which covered all that was dear to her
in this world.
Istepped lightly up to her, and paused
at her side. So completely was she en-
crossed by the grief which seemed al
most to weigh her down, that she saw
me, heard me not her thoughts, per.
chance, had scared far, far above the
realities OF earth, and were now COM
muning with the spirit Of the one who
had gone before. gently touched her
~ hor f.
ment, and never shall | forget that fuce,
aslshe raised her head TO know whoit was.
Her hair lay in dishevelled ringlets on
her forehead-her eyes filled with tears
her lips quivering with intense agony
presented truly sad and mournful
picture. trembled 10 witness such ex-
cessive grief.
"Child Of sorrow" said /, wherefore
dost thou mourn as one without hope!"
scarcely knew how to offer comfort to
her stricken heart.
Hast thou mother I" she asked.
81 have" answered-"one fond and
deserving
"Then may you never know the pang
I now feel !" said she, sin thus consign-
ing one-the only tie which bound me
earth-to the cold and silent tomb"
Her voice was tremulous, and as it
struck upon my ear silent prayer arose
that might indeed be spared the trial,
and that the Father Of the faiherless
would be palen. and friend to this
lone one, desolate indeed.
81 would not intrude," said |, "per.
hsps you wish to be alone. came to
offer you the sympathies of my heart,
and ask you 10 consider me your friend"
RShe pressed my hand-her heart was
too full for words. A moment passed,
and thus she spoke: ga friend and to
the orphan :? feel DOW that God has
not forsaken me- In token Of my crate.
full feelings. let me give you short
sketch of my life. | was an only child.
Bereft in infancy of an indulsent father,
was left entirely to the care and gui-
dance Of my mother. Twas she first
Z taught my infaGt lips to lisp my Ma
ker's name, and raise my voice with
hers in songs OF gratitude and praise
Time glided on almost imperceptibly,
until awoke from my dream of happi-
ness, to see that step falter, those eyes
grow dim, those checks grow pale and
wan, and ;hen knew that death was
drawing nigh. Yes. be came and laid
his icy hand upon her, aud tore from
me my life, my love, my all. She called
mo 10 her bedside, consigned me 10
the care of my Heavenly Father. bless
ed me, took a parting leave of her only
child. closed her eyes and yielded her
spirit up 10 Him who gave it .
8 The afflicted one here ceased, her
voice was choked. and food of Tears
came TO her relief. All! thought l, how
little avails it TO her, who may pity her
distress 2 Though they may mingle
their tears with hers, they cannot restore
the lost one, or bring back 10 earth the
soul tina, has fed away. May never
be called upon 10 bear the same trial!
Il shudder at the thought. Rather
would be the first death should claim;
the first to give that strict account
which will be demanded Of all at that
great tribunal above My lips re.
sponded to the amen OF my heart, and
. supplica,ion arose therefrom. that, 90
ge.her with all ! love. may surround
I the Throne of God, tuning our lutes 10
glad hosannahs to the Great II Am"
Ks isag lMoGEEE.
8 -~A-