The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1913-12-19
The Children's Blessing
= Christmas stery.M -

IN the slope OF q hill, beneath sill
vezT olives, group was gathered
about the young stranger. He had
entered the village only that horn
in. seeking the companionship of
suah Nazarenes as might be there.
An they had brought him out here
in the open to receive his message.
BI though he carried them greetings
ami news from distant groups OF the
CITist's followers. 1t was plain that
he had not been sent to them on a
mission.
they waited till he should be seady
to explain his quest
You did not see Him. then?
Into the young mans eyes came a
great, yearning sadness. No." he
answered. But you," he asked
eagerly, did none of you see Him."
They shook their heads--all of
them.
we were too far away" one muir
INJURED
But l had for spiritual father one
who had seen Him." the traveller
offered, his face lighting. You know
how He blessed company of little
children? How he put His hands up
one of those children" he said. his
nodded silently. MY teacher was
one of those children" he said. his
dark eyes agloH with reyerent pride.
\ quick glance flashed about the
group; but no one spoke. and the
traveller vent on, the radiance OF his
face blotted out again In sadness. 1T
Ia because he Is gone that | am q
Wanderer now. | was always with
him, and we went about together,
ha a.. ; al
clear to my teacher because he had
seen Him. lie told me Of His won
derful look"
They fell silent. brooding and
thoughtful.
Then one asked: What vas 1t Ike
the blessing He gave your teacher
Did he gain goods and store"
The young travellers dark eyes
opened In Amusement. why, no !;
How could that be? My teacher vas
like Him. he explained simply.
Again the quick look passed about
the circle. At last one spoke slowly
There Is man here in the village
WHO was also blessed with the child
rem"
The young traveller started up Joy
ously. Take me to him. he entreat-
ed. Let me talk with him; thai Ia
what | am seeking-another teacher. "
Nay, friend" began one; but an
other hurriedly whispered: Let us
not tell him. Perhaps he can help"
And SO the first speaker finished. Il
fear you will not find him like your
teaeher; but you shall go. II is only
a step"
And they guided him, eager. all but
impatient. 10 a mean hoVel just with
In the town. There they left him.
IL was man With dark, bitter
face that answered his knock. May
l speak With Nemuel?" the stranger
asked courteously.
I am Nemuel." growled the man
CURLY.
But | mean Nemuel who was one
of the children that Jesus blessed. Il
persisted the young traveller. his lace
softly aliEht as the name passed his
lips.
Come n ! an the man" lie
Strengthened proudly. 4 Hns child
seven years old when | saw Hin"
lie stopped for the young stranger
pale nd gasping. broke IN: You
saw Him lie touched you You have
seen lis ace, and yet your oHn-
Forgive L.. friend. But my master
WIS also aHe of the children blessed
by Il Isl. and he was differ
emf lie hesitated still looking Al
the f5mbef face in puzzled distress.
The mancaught the young strangers
arm. You knew another OF those
He blessed? Tell me--did he have
great wealth. palaces, honors? Did
he wait long? Did The blessing larry
SO long In the fulfilment n with ne p
The young stranger abook hi
herd In deep bewllderment. Il do not
understand. No. lie had no wealth
no palaces, no hoaors. He followed
the Christ lie WAS blessed by lis
spirit Why. how could one sani
goods and honors when one had seen
His wonderful smile. when His arms
i=c ~ of. gazing at his host
"a - - IncomprehengIpn.
: dark face grew darker
more t..tt= Then there Is no bless.
ing. a. ALL" he said slowly. 4
have Waited. believing. trusting.
have kept my life clean. have kept
myself holy-awav from those whom
He had not touehed"-The stranger
drew quick breath, and his EYES
softened with PITY have never
forgotten That wns blessed above
others. And now there Is no bless
ing And he covered his face With
his hands.
There vas silence, and thel. the
young stranger spoke. very gently
The blessing, my master taught me
was for all ehildren--for al chiInIikt
faith and trust and purity II Nas a
sanctiileation OF the child spirit"
Kemuel had lifted his head and Yaf
listening, his eyes fastened wonder
tngly on the strangers face.
And 1t was not a blessing TO be
wrapped Up in napkin. Il was not
to bring you good fortune. as II 1t had
been soreerer's charm. II was q
blessing for YOU To take and to make
to use Ito give 1t To others
Through you lie blessed all children
:. And yet" the strangers
voice deepened-"yet there was some.
thing special, too"
What vas IT." Eemuel breathed
The stranger bent on him a gazt
full of yearning. Have you not re.
membered His faeeT he asked. Iii
wonderful look-just for your" There
was pleading note of reproach in his
voice as he leaned toward Nemuel
but his face was all love and tender.
ness.
Nemuel began to shake his head
slowly, still fixing the stranger with
his gaze.
No" he confessed. Il hayent
been able to remember--noL for years
At first I did. Afterward-I knew
that His fare WAS wondarfuI hut