Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1854-11-08

, NP'''""hu'H5 nun lot ms luIGneSS, .
he took up the dirty, tai;ered primer from
his desk.
"tlave you never learned more than is
in this book ~ asked the teacher.
"No, sir" drawed George.
GLOW long have you attended school?'
81 don't know sir. lis ever since | can
remember.
"lhen you must be an idle, reckless
boy" said the teacher, with much seyeri.
ty. "Do you realize how many years
you have thrown away? Do YOU know
how much you have lost 2 What sort of
man do YOU think Of making in this way ?
One oi these days you will be to old to
90 TO school, and then while your com.
Panions are seeking some honorable en-.
p.oyment, you will be good for nothing.
Have you parents?"
"Tes, sir, answered the bov, in hoorse
subdued voice.
"And do they wish you 10 grow up 10
be an ignorent worthless man ?
The boy hung down his head and was
silent; but Mr.. Kelly saw two great tears
roll down his cheeks. In an instant. the
teacher saw that he had something besides
an idle, stubborn mind to deal with in the
ragged scholar before him. He laid his
hand on the boys head, and in a kind
tone he said,
81 wish YOU to sop a,ler school is dis
missed. Do not be afraid, for wish 20
assist you if | can"
George looked wondcringly into the
masters face, for there was something in
the tone Of the voice which fell upon his
ear that sounded strangely 10 him, and he
thought, too, as he looked around, that
the rest Of the scholars regarded him with
kinder counlenances than usual. A dim
thought broke in on his mind that, from
some cause, he was going to be happier
than before.
After the school was dismissed, George
Henry remained in his seat till the teach
er called him to bis desk.
"Now," said Mr. Kelly, 81 wish to know
why it is that you have never learned any
more. You look bright, and you look as
I though YOU might make a smart man.
Why is it that find you are so ignorant!"
because nobody never helps me-" re-
piled the boy. Nobody never cares for
me, sir, for am poor.
BY degrees the kind.hearted teacher got
the poor boys whole history, and while
generous tears bedewed his own eyes, he
said {:
"YOu have been wrongly treated, Geo.
very wrongly; but there is yet time for
redemption. If | will try to teach you
will you try 10 learn %
"Yes-O yes" quickly uttered the boy
| in earnest tones. "Yes-I should love to
learn. | don't want to be a bad boy"
he thrilIiugly added, while his countonance
glowed with unwonted animation.
Mr.. Kelley promised to purchase books
! for the boy as he could learn to read
them, and when George Henry left the
school room his face was wet with tears.
We scholars, who had remained in the
entry, saw him come out, and our hearts
were warmed towards him. We spoke
kindly to him, and walked with him TO his
house, and his heart was too full for ut.
lerance.
On The next day, George Henry com.
menccd studying in good earnest, and the
teacher helped him faithfully. Never did
| see a change so radient and sudden as
that which took place in the habits of the
poor boy.
As soon as The teacher treated him with
kindness and respect, the scholars follow.
cd the example, and the result was, that
they found in the unfortunate youth one
of the most noble.hearted, generous, ac-
commodating, and truthful PlaymatcS in
the world.
Long years have passed since those
schooI.boy days. George Henry has be-.
come a man of middle age, and in all the
country there is not a man more beloved
and respected than he is. And all is the
result of one teacher having done his duty.
You who are school teachers, remember
the responsibility that devolvcs upon you.
| In this country Of free schools, there should
be no distinction between classes. All
are alike entitled TO your care and coun.
sci, and the more weak the child, the
more earnest should be your endcavor TO
lift him up and aid him.