The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-08-22
The Children.
A LITTLE PILGRIM:
OR, JESUS PAID THE FARE

This anecdote, in rhyme has a history the half OF
which is not told. 1t picked up by an old man
much worm he read it and with Gods blessing it did
him real good. He. read it to a diving woman and
through it she led to the Saviour 1t came into
my hands, and deeply touched me- Thinking IT, mich,
Deneht Others have had it printed for free distribu
'ion' DANIEL KLoCK, JR. Troy N. Y.
One summers evening, the went down,
when city men were Fastening from the town.
10 reach their homes-some at hand some far
BY snorting train, by omnibus or car,
To be beyond the reach of city's din
A tram-car stopped, a little girl got in:
A CHEEKY looking girl, four years old;
Although not shy, her manners were not bold;
But all alone! one could understand.
She held little bundle in her hand
tiny handkerchief with corners tied
But which did not bread and butter hides
A satin scarf natty and so neat
Was DER her shoulders thrown She took her 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, go yes, my dear"
And there she seemed inclined to make her stay,
While once again the tram went its way
The tall conductor-over six feet high
Now scanned the travellers with business eye;
But in that eye something kind and mild,
That took the notice of the little child
little after, and the went round
And soon was heard the old familiar sound
Of gathering pence, and clipping tickets, too
The tram full and he had much to do.
"Your fare, my little girl" at length he said
She looked moment, shook her little head, :
81 have pennies; don't you know said she
"My fare is paid, and Jesus paid for me?'
He looked bewildered-all the people smiled
81 don't know; and who is Jesus child?'
"Why, don't you know He once for sinners died
For little children, and for beside,
To make us good, and wash from sin;
Is this His railway / am travelling n?'
"DOn't think it is! 7 want vour fare Won know
81 told yom Jesus paid it long ago;
My mother told me just before she died
That Jesus paid when He cruciied;
That at the His rdillody did begin,
Which took poor sinners from world of sin.
My mother said His home grand and fair
I want to go and see my mother there
1 want to 60 to heaven, where Jesus lives
Won't you go too? My mother said he gives
loving wecome-shall we not be late?
let go before He shuts the gate;
He bids little children come to Him."
The poor conductors eyes felt rather dim,
He knew not why-he fumbed at his coat,
And felt substance rising in his throat.
The people listened to the little child
Some in tears-the toughest only smiled
And some whispered as they looked amazed:
"Out of the mouth of babes the Lord is praised"
"T pilgrim" said the little thing;
"I'm going to heaven. My mother used to sing
To me of Jesus and His Fathers love;
Told me to meet her in His home above,
And so to-day when aunt went out to tea,
And looking out I could not father see,
] got my bundle-kissed my little kit,
Il am so hungry-won't you have bit?)
And got my hat, and then left my home
little pilgrim up to heaven to roam;
And then your carriage stopped and I could
You looked kind. / saw you beckon me-
l 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,