The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1864-07-30
for the gittle folks,
AN ANGEL.
BY MARY A. DENIsoN.

oh, the poor little boy' sobs Mel
ly, 'ihe poor little boy! wish he
had kept on the sidewalk: wish he
had stayed at home with his moth
err
Alas. in this world there was no
mother TO keep him.
The doctor came; said he was not
dead, but would very likely die
There was an hospital near. The
poor thing had better be sent there.
But the good lady would not allow
that. She would care for him herself,
she said. He had been injured by
one of her horses. and she felt it was
her duty TO attend TO him. Besides,
il was likely The child had no moth
er. Such a boy as he, with a face
so swee; and girlish, so pure and
lovable, would never be sent on the
streets like that, if he had a mother.
Besides,( land here the tears tell,)
there was little mound not yet
green over just such a child. No,
no; il was not in her heart 10 put
the poor wounded boy away. Let
him stay, whether he liv.d or died.
The weary, weary days passed
on. One morning the little boy
opened his dim blue eyes, but he
did not know himself. His glance
fell YEARLY on his hands. There
were white bands around his wrists,
with ruffles on them. The bed was
SO snowy white, too, and crimson
light fell over everything.
Dear Cod am in heaven,' muir
INJURED the child. yes, Gcd will
take care of me now
What vision of lovlineSs glanced
forth from the shadow behind the
bed. The rich curls fell around a
face of exquisite beauty. The beam
ing eyes looked love and gladness
upon him.
oh, yes, there is an angel he
said softly. Il am glad. They
won't knock me over again; they
won't want me TO steal apples
here; aud perhaps ] shall never die
again Now | want 10 see my
mother
MY dear boy, you are better
this morning!' said low, soft voice.
He turned slowly, YEARLY.
is it motherr he murmured.
oh, yes and there were quick
sobs and tears; yes, my little child
| will be your mother, and yor
shall be my soa. Will you love me
dearlyr
Yes, do love you, mother; is il
heaven?'
Heaven! no. darling, it is earth
bu; God sent You here to our hearts
and you shall be loved and careo
for. See here is little sister, anc
you will be very happy with her,
Kiss him, Nelly.'
Her rosy lips touched his pal,
ones, and heavenly smile Lighted
up his face. The past was moi for
gotten, but it was gone. No NOR,
moldy crnsts, oaths, harsh words
and blows. No more begging a
basement doors, and looking half
tamished TO envy a dog gnawing
bone in the streets. No more fea
OF rude children, who never knew
where their hearts lay; no NOR
sleeping on door steps, and lisienin,
In terror to the drunken quarrels G
the vicious and deprayed.
Yes, the past was gone; and il
the rosy future were love, home
even God and the angels. Certainl
sweet spirits had guarded that child
and guided him out OF seeming ev
INTO positive good. Surely, hence
forth he would put his hands trus,
ingly in theirs, and turn his fac
heavenward. Yes, it was so TO b.
The dear, teachable child-a Jew.
picked from the mire, a bran
snalched from the burning = wa
yet 10 ilIumine the dark paths {
this world with his holy, heaven
like teaching. Like a dove, he wa
TO 60 forth over the waters, an
1nd the olive branch with whic
TO garland his glad tidings. Bles.
ings then. on all who hold the
arms out toward needy little chi
dren, making their homes arks {
refugei Beautiful stars shall the
have in their crowns Ct rejoicin.
for surely there is no jewel brigh
er in all the world, and perhaps
all eternity, than the soul of a li,tl
chiId.-WesIeyan Methodist Mag;
zine.