Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1845-10-03
MISCELLANEOUS.
THE LENT HALF DOLLAR.
BY nEY. ]. ALLEN D. D.

Arthur to think that there was some serious
cause for it. -,
sim hungry" raid the boy, "and can't
get nothing to eat" =,
He don't 90 to our school, or he would
rave said get anything to eat. But Arthur
did not stop to ~criticise his language.
"Why don't your mother give you some
thing to eat!" 80.
'She hasn't anything for herself, and she is
sick and can't get up"
ssWhere is your fatherl"
81 haven't any. He was drownded away
off at sea-"
"Drowned, you should say" and then he
was sorry that he had said so, for it looked
as though he did not feel for his troubles.
"Where do you live!"
"Down there," pointing to a miserable hut
in a distant lane.
uCome with me, and I'll get you some
/ thing" Arthur turned back, and the boy fol-
lowed him. He had a few cents in his pock-
| ct, Just enough, as it proved, to buy a loaf OF
| bread. He gave it to the boy, and told him
he would 90 home with him. The boy took
the loaf, and though he did not break it, he
looked at it SO wissfully, that Arthur took his
knife and cut off a piece and gave 1t TO him
to eat; he ate in a manner that showed that
he had not deceived Arthur when he told hun
he was hungry. The tears came into Ar
thurs eyes as he saw him swallow the dry
bread with such eagerness. He remember
ed, with some self-reproach, that he had some
times complained when he had nothing but
| bread and butter for tea. On their way TO the
bows home, Arthur learned shat the family
had moved into the place about a week be-
fore; that his mother was taken sick the day
| after they came, and was unable to leave her
bed; that there was two children younger than
himself; that their last food was eaten the
| day before; that his mother had sent him out
TO BEG for the first time in his life; that the
first person he asked told him begsars would
be put in Jail, SO he was afraid TO ask any
body else, but was returning home when
Arthur overlook him and asked him what he
was crying for.
Arthur went in, and saw a good looking
woman on the bed, with two small children,
CRYING, by her side. As he opened the door,
he heard the Oldest say, ''Do mamma, give
me something to eat" They stopped crying
when Arthur and the boy came in. The boy
ran to the bed, and gave his mother the loaf,
and pointing to Arthur, said, ale bought 1t
for me-"
.'rhank you,' said the woman, ''may
God bless and give you the bread OF eternal
life"
The oldest little girl jumped up and down
in her Joy, and the youngest tried to seize the
loaf, and struggled hard to do SO, but did not
speak. Seeing that the widows hands were
weak, Arthur took the loaf and cut off a
piece for the youngest first, and then for the
girl and the boy. He gave the loaf to the
widow. She ate a small piece, and then
closed her eyes, and seemed to be engaged
in silent prayer. .
s.She must be one of the Lords poor"
thought Arthur. ''Il go and get something
else for you as quick as l cam" said Arthur,
and he departed.
He went to Mrs. Berton's who lived near
and told her the story; and she Immediately
sent some milk, and bread; and tea and SUI
gar, and butter, and sent word she would
come herself, as soon as she got the baby a.
sleep.
Arthur had half a dollar at home, which he
wished to give to the poor woman. His ia
Their gave it to him for watching sheep, ant
told him he must not spend it, but put 1t Out
at interest, or trade with it, so as to make some
thing. He knew his father would not lie
" him give it away, for he was not a christian
and thought of little else than of saving anC
making money. Arthur's mother died wher
he was an infant, but with her last breath sh,
gave him to God.
When Arthur was five years old, he wa
sent to school to a piOus teacher, who cares
for his soul; and knowing that he had n,
teacher at home, she took unusual pains to in
struct him in the principles of religion
truth. The Holy Spirit helped her efforts
and before he was eight years of age, Their
was reason to hope that he had been born a
gain.
Arthur was now in his tenth year. II
considered how he should help the poor wild
ow, and at length he hit upon a plan whic
proved successful.
His father was very DESTROYS that he shoul
begin to act for himself in business matters
such as making bargains. He did not wis
him to ask his advice in so doing, but to e
by his own judgment. After the bushes
was done, he would show him whether it wa
wise or not; but never censure him, lest h
, should discourage him from acting on his ow
Us responsibility.
In view of these facts, Arthur formed hi
plan.
"Farthcr, may ] lend my half dollar!"
Il "To some spendthrift, boy!"
ra 81 won't lend it without good security"
d The father was pleased that his son ha
the idea of good security in his head; h
he would not inquire what it was for; he wish
ek ed Arthur to decide that for himself. II
no told him to lend it, but be careful not to los
en it.
ys sI9l be sure about that said Arthur.
% Arthur took his half dollar and ran to Il
poor widow and gave it to her, and came
n. way before she had time to thank him.
ue At night, his father asked him if he ha
nd put ont his money.
"Yes, sur said Arthur.
"Who did you lend il tol'
les ~ gave it to a starving widowin Mr.. Hare
house."
iu' There was a ffown gathering on his I