The Baltimore County union., 1883-01-27
A LITTLE PILGRIM.

One summers evening, ere the sun went down,
When city men were Fastening from the towa
To reach their homes-some near at hand, son'
far
BY snorting train, BY omnibus OF car,
To be beyond the reach Of the city'a din
A train.ear stopped, little girl got In
cherry-looking girl, scarce four years old
Although not shy, her manners we're not bold;
But all alone one scarce could understand.
She held little bundle In her hand
A tiny handkerchief with corners tied,
but which did not some bread and butter hide;
satin scarf, 90 natty and 90 neat,
Was DER her shoulders thrown. She took . seat
And laid her bundle underneath her arm,
And smiling pretiily. but yet so calm,
She TO the porter said, "May lie herei"
lie answered instantly, 20 yes, my dear"
And there she seemed inclined 10 make her stay,
While once again the train went on its way.
The tall eonduetor-over six feet high,
Now scanned tho travellers with . business eye
But In that eye was something kind and mild,
That took the notice Of the little child.
little after. and the man went round,
And soon was heard the old familiar sound
or gathering pence, and clipping tickets too s
The train was full and he had much 20 do.
"Yonr fare. my little girl" at length he said; {
She looked a moment. shook her little head
~ have no pennies don't you know aid -
my fare is paid. and Jesus paid formsr
II didn't know; and who is Jesus, childr
"Why don't you know lie once for sinners died,
For little children, and for men beside,
To make us good and wash US from our sin;
Is this His railway am travelling In ~
Don't think II is. ! want your fare, you know.
~ told you Jesus paid IL long ago
Ny mother told me just before she died,
That Jesus paid when lie was crucihed:
Tha. at the cross His raiiiray did begin,
Which took poor sinners from world Of ,in;
Ny mother said his home was grand and fair:
| want 60 20 and see my mother there
! want to go 20 heaven. where Jesus lives,
Won't you 60 tool My mother said be gives
A loving wcleome-shAll We be latel
o let Us 90 before lie shuts the gate:
lie bids hnis children come TO Him."
The poor conductors eyes felt rather dim.
lie knew not why-hc iumblcd at his coat.
And felt substance rising in his throat,
The people listened 20 the little child,
Some were In tears-thc roughest only smiled,
And some ono whispered as they looked amared
"0ut Of the mouths Of babes the Lord Is praised
81 am a pilgrim" said the little thing;
"fm going TO heaven. Ny mother used 10 sing
To me Of Jesus aud Ills Fathers love;
Told me TO meet her In His home above.
And 90 TO day when aunt went out 20 tea,
And looking out l could not father see,
got my bundle--kissed my little kit,
u am so hungry-won't you have bitl)
Ana got my hat, and then ! left my home,
A little pilgrim up 60 heaven TO roam;
And then your carriage stopped. and could see
You looked 80 kind saw you beckon me,
| thought you must belong 10 Jesus train.
Aud are you just going home TO heaven again ?"
The poor conductor only shook his head
Tears in his eyes-the power Of speech had fled.
Had conscience by her prattlc reused his fears,
And struck upon the fountain Of his tears;
And made his thoughts in sad confusion whirl;
Al last be said, "0nee I'd little girl,
loved her much; she was my little pet,
And with great fondne,s remember yet
How much she loved me. But one day she died .
"SLe's gone to hearen," the little girl replied;
"She's gone TO Jesus-Jesus paid her fare.
oh, dear conductor won't you meet her there |"
The poor conductor now broke fairly down;
lie could have borne the harshest look or frown,
But no one laughed but many sitting by
Beheid the scene with sympathetic eye.
lie kissed the child. for she his heart had won.
81 am so sleepy" said the little one,
"ff you will let me. I'll lie here and wait
Until your carriage comes TO Jesus gate;
BE sure you wake me up. and pull my froek,
And at the gate gire jH1 one iinie kaoekf
And you'll see Jesus there" The strong man wept
I could but think a. from the car slept,
How oft little one has found the road,
The marrow pathway TO that blest abode;
Through faith In Christ has read Its title clear.
while learned men remain in doubt and tear.
A little child the Lord Oft uses such
To break or bend, the stoutest heart TO touch,
Then by His SPIRIT bid the eonnie, cease,
And once forever enter into peace,
And then along the road the news We bear,
We're going to heaven-tha, Jesus paid our fare