Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-01-27
A Great Sermon by a Little Preacher.
PAPA GOES THERE.

'Mayn't l go with you, papa?-pleas'
say may, won't you
The words we're uttered in a plaintive
and sadly entreative tone, the hands of the
speaker elssping the knees of the listner
1t was boy of seven years who lispeC
them; beautiful boy, with fair high brow
around which there clustered glorious
wreath of auburn curls; with dark. flashing
eyes; cheeks rosy with health lips Gk.
the cherries of summer, and voice like the
birds which tasoe them. There we're tears
10 those eyes at this time, though, and the
dimpled mouth was quivering.
1t was a man of some thirty-f who list
ened to this plea; a man who had been of
nObe looks and princely bearing. Ay, had
been for the blightest truth was written
over his form and face. His locks were
matted, his forehead soowling, his eyes red,
but not with tears there were furrows on
his cheeks, too, and british look to the ex-
preston of his lips. Twice did the little
boy address him ere be answered. Then
pushing the child rudely from him, Re said,
IN stern voice, No, no. It's no place for
you
Agsia those fair, small hands encircle the
knees
You go papa. Why can't 1 60 too3
Do let me CO.
Fora moment the heart of the inebriate
seemed to wake from its sleep. He shud-
dered as he thought of the character of the
place bis pure-souled boy would enter. He
took the child tenderly in his arms, and
kissed him rs of old: then putting him
down, he said kindly:
You must not ask me again to take you
there. 1t is no place for little boys" and
selrlng his hat hurried from the room, muir
nuHng to himself as he paced the way to
the brilliant bar-room, land no place for
men, either. Would to God had never
gone
FOR long time Willie stood just where
his father had left him: then turning to
'he few embers that family glowed upon
'ne hearth he sat down in his little chair,
'aa resting his head upon his mothers lap,
said earnestly:
Mamma, Why ism t that pretty store good
place for little boys?-Papa loves to go
there
II was trying question 10 the poor, heart
broken woman. She had SO far kept from
ler son the knowledge of his fathers sin. |
one could not bear that he should look with |
shame upon him or that his pure and gen
Tie heart should thus commune with so in
tense grief. Kindly she toyed with his
.Ong rng!ets for while, then said endear-
.ngly Papa knows better than you what
! osSt Tor his little boy. When you grow old
Ct you will learn why he does not wish to
take you
ihen rising carefully put down her babe
upon It's lsttle bed, and tied on her hood
Mind the cradle now, Willie; I'll come
JACK soon, and then you shall have some
supper and a nice FIRE to sit by, too," and
'4Aios large basket Of ironed clothes she
eu' cut \ wealthy mother would have
4
O'eA irishtened at the thought only of leav-
Is 50 young boy at night fall all alone
'''a an infant to care for. and an open fire
: 1T beside. But poor Mrs NJ. knew well
sue could trust Willie with his sister, and as
y" burning up, there were not Goals enough
: nav his fingers. No, she did not fear
- !eaVe him, for he had thus been left many
',lne' and always carefully obeyed her.
, ana he meant to now: but poor little
,'.,o" .,. bis thoughts would wander to that
= '.l''ah' corner store, whittier he knew his
-Oe' always went at evening, and his BRAIN
!. N ousy with eager wanderings He knew
-i' iather loved to 60, and these must be
! iOnething that he liked, for he never came
Ao,ne me again till long after Willie was asleep
hat lay behind those scarlet curtains
'%s mystery he sought in vain to unravel.
al length he whispered eagerly, as if to
'u"urage longing wish. Papa used to