There lived in the town of L., an orphan boy whose name was Charlie; he was both deaf and dumb. His aunt, with whom he lived, was very kind to him and gave him all the comfort she could, and everything her limited means would afford.
He was very happy and bright, and would occupy himself for hours reading and writing, but his chief hobby was working in wood. He often made model yachts which he sold to his various friends, and in this way his life was brightened a little. Poor lad, it was hard for him not to be able to speak or hear the voices of those he loved, or join in their merry games; but God is Love, and if. He takes one blessing away, He often gives another in its place.
When Charlie reached the age of sixteen, his delicate frame showed symptoms of disease; his cheeks, once rosy and plump, were now pale and thin, and his step lost the life and buoyancy of youth. Those who loved him grew very anxious; it seemed as though their treasure was soon to be taken by the good Shepherd, and placed in His heavenly fold, where his ears would be opened, and his tongue unloosed.
Though he was deaf and dumb, a circle of, loving interest was round his earthly path. When he was well he made himself useful in many ways. He had a great desire to do what was right, and spent a good deal of time reading his Bible, and was frequently seen on his knees in prayer. It was evident that God was working in him, showing him that he was a sinner, and needed a Saviour.
His fragile form seemed to get weaker day by day, and he took but little interest in things around him; but it pleased God to let him rally for a short time. Before he was taken home, he had a beautiful dream which made him so happy. He dreamed he saw Jesus standing at the foot of his bed, clothed in a beautiful robe. His glorious person and tender look of love filled Charlie’s heart with joy. He held in His hand a scroll which He unrolled until it rested on the floor. He held it before Charlie, who saw written on it in black ink from the top to the bottom all the sins of his past short life; for, though deaf and dumb, he was not free from sin; all his unkind deeds, actions, and thoughts were there recorded in the book of God.
While looking at this picture of his past sinful life, he saw Jesus pass His finger down the center of the parchment, leaving behind a deep stain of blood, which showed him that the blood of Jesus had cleansed all his sins. After this he thought Jesus rolled up the scroll and cast it behind His back, which gave Charlie the assurance that his sins were forgiven and forgotten, and he heard words which filled his heart with joy. Jesus said, “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” (Isa. 43:2525I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. (Isaiah 43:25).) “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isa. 1:1818Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18).) After repeating these words, the Lord Jesus threw around Charlie a beautiful robe of spotless purity and whiteness. Now he was complete in Jesus, arrayed in the garment of Christ’s salvation, and was thus in the loving arms of Jesus, safe and happy forever.
Just as he was being carried away to heaven, he awoke, and was greatly disappointed to find himself still in his own little bed on earth; but he soon felt very happy, for he seemed to know that he was a forgiven child. Nor was it many days before his dream was realized, and he was taken to God’s beautiful home, where sin and suffering are unknown.
ML 03/25/1900