Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-08-27
Mis- CeIIam eOus.
A Scene,


thur to think that there was some serious caus
for it,
4 am hungry said the boy, 'and can't ge
nothing to eat,
He don't go to school, or he would have sale
get any thing to eat. But Arthur did not stoF
to criticise his language
Why don't your mother give you something
TO eatp
She hasn't any thing for herself and she is
sick and can't get up
Where is your father"
Il havn't any. He was drownded 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 liver
Down there pointing to miserable hut in
distant lane.
Come with me, and I'll get you something
Arthur turned back and the boy followed him.
He had few cents in his pocket, just enough
as it proved, to buy 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 wishlulIy
that Arthur took his knife and cut off piece
and gave it to him to eat; he ate in a 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. He remem-
bered with some selfreproach that he had moth
ing but bread and butter for tea. On their
way to the boys home Arthur learned that the
family had moved INTO the place about week be-
fore, and that his mother was taken sick the
day after they came, and was unable to leave
her bed; that there were two children young
er than HIMSELF that thier 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 beggars 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 good-looking wo-
man 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 Ar
thur, sad 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 tc do so, but did not speak
Seeing that the widows hands were weak Ar
thur 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 small
piece, and then closed her eyes and seemed to
be engaged in silent prayer
She must be one of the Lords poor, thought
Arthur. I'll go and get something else for
you as quick as | can, said Arthur, and he de-
parted.
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 sugar, and
butter, and sent word she would come herself as
soon as she could get the baby asleep.
Arthur had half dollar at home, which he
wished to give to the poor woman His father
gave it to him for watching sheep, and told him
that he must not spend it, but put it out at in
terest, or trade with it SO as to make something
He knew his father would not let him give it a.
way, for he was not christian, and thought of
little else than of making and saving money
Arthurs mother died when he was an infant, but
with her last breath she gave him to God.
When Arthur was five years old, he was sent
to school to pious teacher who cared for his
soul and knowing that he had no teacher at
home, she took unusual pains to instruct him in
the principles of religious truth. The Holy
Spirit helped her efforts, and before he was eight
years of age, there was reason to hope that he
had been born again,
Arthur was now in his tenth year. He con-
sidered how he should help the poor widow, and
at length he hit upon plan which proved sue
cessful.
His father was very DESTROYS that he should
begin to act for himself in business matters, such
as making bargains. He did not wish him to
ask his advice in so doing, but to 60 by his own
Judgment After the business was done, he
would show him whether it was wise or not ;
but never censured him, lest he should discour-
age him from acting on his own responsibility.
In view of these facts Arthur formed his
plan.
Father, may lend my half dollar?
To some spendrhrih boy!'
| won't lend it without good security
The father was pleased that his son had the
idea of good security in his head; he would
not inquire what it was for; he wished Arthur
to decide that for himself. He told him to lend
it, but to be careful not to loose it,
I'll be sure about that, said Arthur
Arthur took his half dollar and ran to the
poor widow and gave it to her, and came 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.
Who did you lend it to ?
| gave If n a NOR starving widow in Mr.