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Entered according to Act of Convene. i„ June, 1867. by J. W. 8,.„ A Cos., in the Clerk’* Office of the District Court of the United States for the So. District of Gcor*,„.
Vol. I.
Written for Burke’s Weekly.
THE LITTXjE PILGRIM.
tITTLE Marian
lived in a large
old house, with
her two kind
maiden Aunts,
s a very happy
r though she felt
as if playmates
T would be better than
birds or flowers, her aunts were
so kind, and her story books so
full of interest, that many lone
ly hours were made to pass
pleasantly away in their dear
companionship.
Marian’s favorite haunt in
summer was a large old apple
tree, under whose spreading
boughs she sat for many an hour
with her favorite book on her
knee. This book was the “Pil
grim’s Progress,” and Marian
lot ed it dearly, although there
were many things in it which
sbe did not quite understand.
She read it in her little bed, and
hi win te r by the fire, and
in summer time it was always
her companion under the old apple tree.
But, although a precious book, there were
many things in it to puzzle a young brain,
und Marian had no kind friend to explain
its meaning to her, for though her aunts
were very kind, they were not very wise,
mid only said to her, when she w r ent to
them for an explanation,—
u Don’t read so, child, for you will sure
ty hurt your eyes.”
But this did not satisfy little Marian,
who continued to read, until strange, wild
"visions began to fill her little head.
One morning, after eating her break
fast of mush and milk, she took her bon
net, and with her favorite book, went to
her accustomed place under the old apple
MACON, GA, FEBRUARY 8, 1868.
» .
tree. Here she read until she almost im
agined that she could nearly see Christian
and his wife and children, on their way
to the Holy City; and she thought that
they had only done what she must do.
At length she said: “I’ll take my little
Bible and seek the road to Heaven. I’ll
try to find the little wicket gate, and get j
rid of my burden of sins.”
But she did not wish to go without her ;
two aunts, who had always been so kind
to her, but she thought to herself, “It is J
no use to ask them to go with me. They j
are so old, and deaf, and lame, that they !
would certainly think it too much of a
task. So I must go alone; but I must
not let them know, for if I do, like poor
LITTLE MARIAN.
Christian’s friends, they will try
to persuade me not to go. So I
must wait until they go away
to spend the day, and then I’ll
leave this pleasant home, and
go upon my pilgrimage.”
She had not long to wait, as
my little readers will find out
next week, for I shall tell them
all about little Marian’s pilgrim
age.
O
“ My Candle will soon be Out.”
One cold damp night, a city
missionary was visiting in his
district, feeling chilled in heart
almost as much as in body. He
no longer felt courage to address
himself to souls, and was almost
in despair. He entered a house
to rest, and passing a small
room, the door of which was
half open, he perceived a poor
young sempstress working be
fore a little table by the light of
a candle. She was sewing rap
idly— her needle and thread
moved so quick one could hardly
see them. For a moment she
stopped, glanced at the short
end of the candle which lighted
her, then she began again with yet great
er haste.
“I must make haste,” said she; “for
my candle will soon be out, and I have
not another.”
Hearing these words, the missionary
felt as though a word in season had awa
kened his drooping spirit. God, by this
young needle-woman, sent him a message.
He cheered up his heart, saying to him
self:
“ I also must work while it is day ; for
the night cometh, in which no man can
work.”
jßssT The eye strays not while under the
guidance of reason.
O
No. 32