Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-07-04
THE OLD SCHOOL.HOUSE.

Once IN travelling, ! observed an old build
ing, which appeared to be falling into ruins.
No smoke ISSUED from its broken chimney
No foot crossed It's grass growing threshold.
The easements were gone, ana thro' their
vacant places, the winds whlstlcd, and the
rains fell
asked, 'what is this building, which is
thus suffered to decay They answered,
"a schoolhouse. But part of its materials
have been used to build better one, in q
more convenient spot, for the village chill.
dren'
So paused there, little time to mediate.
And said TO myself, what a variety of scenes
many have passed within these lettering
walls. Where are the teachers, who in
years gone by, safe in The chair Of state, and
ruled aud gave Instructions.
In yonder corner, perhaps, was low bench
for the little ones coming their alphabet
Those little ones have grown up, grown
grey, and died. The babes whom they rock.
ed IN the cradle, have shown the same ten. !
dcrness TO their own babes. 'One genera
ton paSseth away and another cometh.'
Beneath those windows there that trim old |
sycamore looked in with all its show of green
leaves, waving and gossiping in the breeze
Of summer; imagine row of young girls,
with their sunny locks, knitting, sewing, or
listening with serious faces, while the mis-
tress taught them what it was necessary for
them TO know, when they became women.
The SHOWS ot winter seem to spread a.
round. The frozen pond, ~ the rear of the
schoolhouse is covered with boys. The
clock strikes nine. They hasten to their
school. The narrow entry rings with the
jingle OF their skates, as they throw them
down. One or two, who love play better
than study, approach with more lingering
steps.
Methinks, see their ruddy faces, as they
take their seats. The master raises stern !
eye to their clamor, or stifled laughter, and
commands them to write their copies, and
attend to their sums. But the treatise ofII
arithmetic is thumbcd. and the Grammar
lessons curled into dogs cars, by those whose
rowing thoughts are among their winter
sports. II
Then there was the long sigh of indo-
leDce, and the tears OF such as were punish
ed. And there was impatlcncc there, and
ambition, and the kndlIngs of intellect, aud
the delights Of knowledge. The master en-
deavors to rule each for their good, as the
wise magistrate restrains the people by laws.
fancy that | behold that teacher walking
homeward, weary and thoughtful, when the
day was done. lie felt sadness for those
who did not improve, and over those that did,
he rcjoiced with a peculiar love. II
Perhaps, he repeated mournfully the words
Of the prophet, Il have labored in vain 4
have spent my strength for nought" And a
voice from heaven answered in his heart
yet surely thy judgment is with the Lord
and Thy work with thy God \
Old scboolh Could'st thou speak, | Il
donbt not thou would'st tell me, that emlnen, !
men have been nurturcd in thee ingenious
mechanics, on whom the comfort Of the COM
munity depends; athletic farmers, laying the
forest low, and forcing earth To yield her |
increase; physicians, whom the sick sufferer |
blcsses; eloquent lawyers, wise statesmen,
holy priests who interpret the word of the
Almighty. i
| wish that the schoolhouses in our coun-
try were more comnodIous and tasteful
IN their consiruction--norc spacious and
nIry surrounded with trees, or beautiful i
with shrUbbory. II,
There was once q benevolent man, who Il
went TO the continent of New Holland. lie
found multitudcs Of children growing up, II
neglected and ignoran'. lie wished mach
" have them taught But there was no
scboolhousc. H.,
80 lie collected them under o spreading =
"'', ""'sc Drahchcs could shelter at least | q
one I'"ndrcd frnm tho heat Of the sun. lie y
n"nr cards. WIN painted lessons among the d
o"nghs' Aud there. he taught the poor colo a
Disis 10 read. and to spell. nnd 70 sing.
There are very beautiful birds in ,b,, f
Many of them had nests in this -
Inrgc tree. SO there they were. iiyinr about G
md tending their young. while the children h,
we're learning below. aud the chirtnpinr of 9
l'c new fedgrd birds. aud The wniblng or ID
heir parents, and the busy voices of tic CHI. !