The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-07-18
THREE LITTLE GRAVES.

As we were once walking in a
burying-ground,we came upon three
small graves side by side, and Of a
regular graduation in length, indica-
ting that the silent sleepers had been
Of different ages when the remorse-
less reaper thrust in his fatal scickle
and cut them down. This circum-
stance, taken in connexion with the
proximity Of the graves, led us to
suppose they were children of one
family; and this we afterwards
learned was the fact.
The parents were well to do in the
world, but unfortunately, had set their
hearts too much on the perishing
things Of time, and neglected those
matters which relate to eternity.
God having no place in their hearts,
they had centered their affections in
their offspring, three very promis-
ing children,the oldest and youngest
being boys and the second one girl,
all very amiable in disposition and
progressing in appearance. We
need scarcely add that the parents
idolized them.
When the eldest arrived at the
age Of eight years, the Others being
six and four respectivelv,a fatal dis
ease visited the neighborhood, and
they were among the first victims.
All that skill or love could do was
done 10 save them, but in vain. The
youngest died first,ther the little
girl.and lastly little Charlie, who left
the world with a bright smile on his
face, saying he saw his brother and
sister with the angels waiting for him
to join them.
30, il is such a beautiful place!''
he exclaimed, as.looking upward. he
seemed to be gazing at some visible
glory in the spirit-land. "Come. pa
pa, and mother, come and go with
u.s." he continued, and soon after
wards ceased TO breathe.
The three deaths occurred in one
week. and the home Of the doting
parents was left desolate--oh, how
desolate none can tell but the few
who have been bereaved as they
were.
On the next Sabbath We attend
divine service at the church tina,
stood by the graveyard. part Of
which cons sted in the relation by the
members who worshiped there Of
their Christian experience. After a
number had spoken, middle aged
man arose, aud Instantly there was
hushed silence all over the entire
house. He was person Of rather
commanding appearance and good
looks, but the marks of care or SUI
fering were plainly visible on his
countenance. His remarks were 10
this effect and very nearly in these
words: 49, - - $1,000.
any FRIENDs, you know what
has been my former life among You,
how little | cared for the religion OF
the Bible or the cause of God, and
how careless and unconcerned was
in refernce to the future destiny o.!
myself or those united 10 me by the
ties Of love and consanguni,y. |
was feckIessly indifferent to these
things, and did not stop to enquire
into the claims oftIeaven upon me.
was worldly minded and ambi-
tious. and aspired to be distinguish
ed among men; and though careful
to seek after the good opinion OF my
fellows, was utterly regardless OF my
standing in the sight Of Jehovah.
Sin this condition of mind ii pleas
cd God 10 bless me with children.
Three as beautiful and gentle ones
came into my home as ever made
JOY in a household | loved them
with the deepest and most intense
affection. They were the pride and
hope of nv heart; and possessing
them thought myself happy.
"But the aIl-wise Father saw that
was not qualified to bring them up
wisely. and He sent forth His angels
and took them to Himself.
20, my friends, ! cannot tell you
the deso!aiion that reigned in my
breast when stood by the graves
Of my children aud saw the hast ore
lowered down into the damp, mar
row cell, and hid away from my
sight forever! No ray Of light from
heaven beamed in upon my dark
ness, and the, lamp of Revelation
had not then ilIumined for me the
gloomy portals Of the tomb. | felt
as one alone and deserted in the
world, without a glimmering star in
all the inky armament above me.
In the bitterness OF my anguish. ]
grew hard towards my. fellows; and
accused. God of cruelty and injus-
tice. 50 = e
"When l think Of those feelings ]
wonder that ! was not cut off in my