The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-07-21
YOnth'S Department.
From the New York Observer.
The Lent Half Dollar.
NY rev. JOSEPH ALLEN, D. d,

Of crying that led Arthur to think that there was some
serious cause for H.
I'm hungry said the boy, and can't get moth
ing to eat
lie don't 90 to our school, or he would have said
get any thing TO cat But Arthur did not stop to crit
icise his language.
why don't your mother give you something to
eat"
.she hasn't any thing Cor herself and she is sick
and can't get up
Where is your luther
Il haven't any. He was drownded away of at sea-
Drowned, you should says; and Their he was sor-
ry that he had said So for looked as though he did
not feel for his troubles.
where do you live =
Down there, pointing to miserable hut in
distant lane.
'Come with me and will get you something Ar
thur turned back, and the boy followed him lie
had few cents in bis pocket just enough as prov
ed, to buy loaf Of bread. lie gave it to the boy,
and told hin, he would go home with him. The boy
took the loaf and though he did not break it, he look
ed at il so wistully that Arthur took his knife and
cut Off piece and gave it to him TO eat lie ate in
manner that showed that he had not deceived Arthur
when he told him he was hungry The tears came
into Arthur's eyes as he saw him swallow the dry
bread with such eagerness lie remembered, with
some self reproach, that Ae had sometimes complain
ed when ne had nothing but bread and butter for tea
On their way 10 the boys home, Arthur learned that
the family had moved into the place about a week
before; that his mother was taken sick the day after
they came, and unable to leave her bed; that
there were TWO children younger than himself; that
there last food was eaten the day before; that his
mother had sent him ont TO beg for the first time in
his life; that the fast person he asked told him beg
gars would be put in Jail, he afraid to ask any
body else, but was returning home when Arthur ov-
ertook him and asked what he was crying for. 81
Arthur went in, aud saw a good-Iooking woman
on the bed, with two small Children crying by hor
side As he opened the door, he heard the oldest
say DO mama give me something 10 eat They
stopped when Arthur and the boy came in. The boy
ran to the bed, and gave his mother the loaf, and
pointing 10 Arthur said, "He bought it for me-
'Thank 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
thatthe Widows hands weak, Arthur took the
loaf and cut Off piece for the youngest first, and
then for the girl and 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.
'she must be one Of the Lords poor thought Ar
thur Tll 90 and get something else for you quick
as can said Arthur, and he departed.
lie went to Mrs Berton's who lived near, end told
hor the story; and she Immediately sent milk
and bread, and tea and sugar. and butter, and sent
word that she would come herself, soon as she
got the baby asleep
Arthur had half dollar at home, which he wish
cd 20 give the poor woman. His father gave it to
r L. ,ol. ho
spend H. but put out interest, trade with it,so
as to make something lie knew his father would
not let him give it away, for he was not Christian,
thought of little else than of saving and making mon
ely. Arthur's mother died when he infant,
but with her last breath she gave him to God
When Arthur was FIVE years old, he sent + to
school, to pous teacher, who cared Cor his soul;
and knowing that he had teacher at home she look
unusual pains to instruct him in the principles Of
lg;ous truth The holy spirit helped her efforts, and
before he eight years old, there was reason to
hope that he had been born again. Arthur now
his tenth ear.SEIe considered how he should help
the poor widow, and at length he hit npon plan
which proved successful.
His father was very DESTROYS that he should begin
to act for himself in business matters, such as MAX
ing bargains He did not wish him TO ask his advice
in doing, but to go by his own judgment After
the business was done, he would show HIM whether
it was wise or not; but eensured him, lest he
should discourage him from acting on his own respon-
sibity.
In view OF these facts, Arthur formed his plan.
Father, may lend my halfdollur?'
TO some spendthrift boy?'
Il won't lend it without good security
The father pleased that his sou had the idea
OF good security in his head; he would not inquire
what twas for; he wished Arthur 20 decide tina; for
himself He told him 10 lend it but be careful 10
lose it,
sl be sure about that said Arthur.
Arthur took his half dollar and TO the poor wild
and gave it to her, and away before she had
time TO thank him.
At night his father asked him if he had put out his
money.
yes sir said Arthur
HWho did you lend it to:'
Il gave it to starving widow, in Mr. Hare's house,
There was frown gathering on his fathers brow,
be sad, DO you call that lendingDid you not ask
nv nermission to lend il? Have a SON that will do