Smyrna times., 1886-03-24
A Little Pilgrim.

This anecdOte, in rhyme, has a his
tory, the half of which l cannot tell.
1t was picked up by an old man in my
district, much worn; he read it, and
with Gods blessing it did him real
good. He read it to dying woman,
and through it she was led t0'the Saw
Jour- 1t came into my hands, and !
had it printed, and $4,000 copies have
already been circulated. Many letters
have been sent me, telling glad It'd
ings of its usefulness. mot by might,
nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith
the Lord of Hosts. '-J. ReHnie.
One summers evening, ere the sun went down.
To reach their homes-some near at hand, some
far
By snorting train by omnibus or car,
To be beyond the reach of ctys din
A tram car stopped, a little girl got in:
CHEEKY looking girl, scarce four years old
Although not shy, her manners were not bold;
But all alone! one scarce could understand.
She held little bundle in her hand
tiny handkerchief with corners tied,
But which did not some bread and butter hide
satin scarf so natty and so neat
Was DER her shoulders thrown. She took a seat,
And laid her bundle underneath her arm,
And smiling prettily but yet so calm,
She to the porter said, MAY lie here ?"
He answered instantly, 80 yes my dear"
And there she seemed inclined to make her stay,
While once again the tram went on its way.
The tall conductor-over six feet high.
Now scanned the travellers with a business eye
But in that eye was something kind and mild,
That took the notice of the little child.
A little after and the man went round.
And soon was heard the old familiar sound
OF gathering pence and clipping tickets TOO
The tram was full and he had much to do.
''Your fare, my little girl" at length he said
She looked moment, shook her little head
Il have no pennies don't you know" said she
My fare is paid, and Jesus paid for me ?"
he look d bewildered-all the people smiled
Il didn't know and who is Jesus, child?"
why, don't you know, He once for sinners died,
For little children, and for men beside.
To make us good and wash us from onr sin:
Is this his railway am travelling in?"
Don I think it is want your fare You know"
u told you Jesus paid it long ago:
My mother told me just before she died,
That Jesus paid when he was crucfed:
That at the cross his railway did begin,
Which took poor sinners from world of sin
My mother said his home was grand and fair,
want TO go and see my mother there
! want to go to heaven, where Jesus lives,
Won't you go too? My mother said he gives
A loving welcOme-shall we not be late?
let us go before he shuts the gate;
He bids us little children come to Him."
The poor conductors eyes felt rather dim,
He knew not why-he fumbled at his coat,
And felt substance rising in his throat.
The people listened Ia the little child,
some were in tearS-the toughest only smiled,
And some one whispered as they looked amazed:
out OF the mouth of babes the Lord is praised"
81 am pilgrim, said the little thing;
I'm going 10 heaven. MY mother used to sing
To me of Jesus and His Fathers love:
Told me to meet her i'll His home above
And so to day when aunt went out to tea
And looking out could not father see,
lgot my bundle kissed my little kit,
Il am so hungry won't you have bit I?
And got my hat, and then left my home,
A little pilgrim up to Heaven to roam;
And then your carriage stopped and could see
You looked so kind. | saw you beckon me,
thought you must belong to Jesus train.
And are you just going home to Heaven again ?''
The poor conductor only shook his head:
Tears in his eyes-the power of speech had fed
Had conscience by her prattle reused his fears
And struck upon the fountain of his tears;
And made his thoughts in sad confusion whirl
At last he said Once I'd little girl,
l loved her much; she was my little pet
ANA with great tOndneSs l remember yet
how much she loved me. But one day she died" {"
"She's gone to Heaven" the little girl replied;
"She's gone to heaven-Jesus paid her fare.
Oh, dear conductor. won't you meet her there?"
The poor conductor now broke fairly down;
He could have borne the harsheSt look or frOwn
But no one laughed but many sitting by
Beheld the scene with sympathetic eye.
He kissed the child for she his heart had won
" ] am so sleepy" said the little one,
IF 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 fIock.
And at the gate give one little knock
And you'll see Jesus there! The strong man wept.
could but think as from the car ! slept,
How oft little one has found the road
The narrow pathway to that tlest abode;
through faith In Christ has read its title clear,
While learned men remain in doubt and fear
little child the Lord oft uses such
To break or bend, the stOutest heart to touch,
Then by His Spirit bids the conflict cease,
And once forever enter into peace.
And then along the road the news we read
We're going to Heaven-that Jesus paid our fare