Mountain Democrat. [volume] (Placerville, El Dorado Co., Cal.) 1854-1860, 1860-05-19
THE LITTLE BOUND BOYS DREAM
BY MRS. N. A. DENNlsuX.

its miserable garrct, for it was a little "bound
child, that had neither father nor mother no
soft bed awaited its tired limbs, but lniscra-
bic pallet with one thin covcrlid.
1t had neither lamp nor candle to tighten
the room, If such it might be rallcd still TINT
was not so bad, for the beautiful round moon
smiled in upon the popr bound boy, and al
most kissed his forehead, as his sad eyes closed
drramilv.
But after while, as he lay there, what a
wOnderOuS change came over the place. 4
great light shonc down, the huge black rafters
turned TO solid gold and these seemed all
studded with tiny, precious, sparkling stones.
The broken floor. too, was encruStcd with
shining crystals. and the child raised himself
upon his elbow, md gaZcd with half fearing,
half delighted look upon the glorious spec.
taclc.
One spot on the wall seemed too bright for
his vision to endure, but presently, as il
! emerging from il, came soft, white figure,
that stood by the poor bound boys bedside.
The child shut his eyes; he was little,
only little frightened, and his heart beat
quickly. but he found breath to nurmur--
---"t Tell me, who are YOU! IL
Look up. he not afraid" said sweet voice
that sounded like the halps Of Heaven al look
up, duriiHg-f um your brother Wtittp, SCFt
down from the angels To speak with you, and
tell you bear I'LL v0ur sorrow patiently, for
You will soon be with us.
"Wh hat, YOU my brother Willie? Oh, no.
that cannot br. My brother Willie was very
pale, and his clothes were patched and torn
and there was hump on his back, and he used
to go into the muddy streets and pick up bits
of wood and chips. But your face is quite too
handsome, and your clothing pretticr than ever
] saw before: and there is no ugly lump on
your back Besides, my brother Willie is
dead, long ago"
g am yonr brother Willie. your immortal
brother; my body with the ugly hump, dcad
and turned into ashes; but just as that died
went up to the great heavens aud saw sights
that cannot tell you about row, they were so
very, very beautiful. But God, who is vour
Father and the holy one Of Eternity. gave me
these bright garments that never get Soilcd
and | was so happy that ! expect my face
was changed very much, aud grew tall and
straight; 50 il is no wonder you do not know
me-"
And now the little bound boy S tears began
to fail.
"Oh'' he exclaimed, If I, too could 20 to
heaven"
Yon can CO." replied the angel, with n
smile of aiiablc sweetness; have you learned
how to read? ~
"YcS, little"
Well, tomorrow get your Bible, and read
very revcrcntly-fp it is Gods most holy book
these words Of the Lord Jesus: "Bnt Sav
unto you, love your enemies bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for them which dcspitcfuly use and per.
sccutc you"
do all these and you shall be the child of
your Father which is above"
" Even if they beat me Z" murmurcd the
little bourd boy, with quivcring lip.
A ray Of light flashed across the angels face
as he replied, the more yon forgive, the near
er you will be to Heaven"
In another moment the vision had gone, but
still the room was all blazing with uncarthy
radiance.
AS the little boy fell back upon his pillow
his wan face reflected the angels smile, and
he thought 81 will forgive them, even though
they should beat me.
Suddenly more musical voice than the
former fell upon his ear This time he was
not afraid, but setting up in his miserable
couch he saw figure that seemed to lift itself
to the wall; ray of intense brightness out
lined all its form; its eyes buZcd, yet there
was a mild beauty in them every time they
looked into his own.
Little one, am your father" said the
form in melting accents.
i do not think you can he my father"
whispered the boy timidly. my father used
to look very old indeed; and he got hurt and
wore crutch; there were wrinkles on his face,
and all over his forehead. and his hair was
shirt and white; not long like yours. And my
father used to stoop over. and wear n little
black apron, and put patches Oh shoes in
little dark room"
And what else: :"
lie used to pray and sing very Swectly.
but never hear any praying and singing now,"
SObbcd the child.
"Don't cry, dear little boy, but listen to me-
am your father, your immortal father that
poor, lame body is gone now, mingled with
the dust in the grave yard. AS soon ms the
breath left that dcformed body, was with the
shining angels. hosts and hosts of them bore
me up to heaven and the King of that glorious
place clothed me in these robes. white and
stainless, and gave me this tall beautiful body,
which shall never feel corruption. And this
was the reason, dear little orphan, because
loved Him, and my chief delight was in pray
ing to Him, and talking about Him, and al
though was very poor. tried TO he honest,
and many times went hungry rather than do
wrong.
"And you, you never forgot to say your
little prayers that taught you-if you will
keep Gods holy commandments, and trust in
Him always, Won shall soon be with Inc in my
sweet heavenly home. "'"..r.o~.,'' 9.u. ...
Once no-p the child was left nlonc hut still
the raftcrs were golden, the walls pcarly, the
old floor studded with biillants, and the same
soft, mysterious sight over all.
\ strain Of holy music fell family upon his
cnraptured senses; it grew louder and came
nearer and nearer to the head of his little bed.
And then voce-oh, fur swceter than either
Of the 0thcrS-Sang:
"My child, my little earth child, look upon
ME. am thy mother"
In moment what emotions Swellcd the bo-
som of the lonely hoy. lie thought Of her
cherished tenderness to him long years ago, of
her soft arms round his neck, her gentle lips
pressing his forehead-thcn came up the cru.
elites of strangers, who, after she had been
put away in the deep ground, treated him
harShy.
lie turned towards her; oh, what n glorious
being her eyes were like the stars; her hair
like the most precious gold; but there was
that in her face that none other might so truly
know.
Had he not doubtcd-if the first risen was
his brother, il the second was his father, but
not once did he doubt this beautiful being was
his own dear mother.
A little while he kept down his strong feel
ing: but the thought Of the past. and the pres-