Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-06-01
The Boy who kent his Purpo.e.

81 would not be so mean,' said George
| Ward to boy, who stood by, while he put
| the candy he had just bought in his pocket.
| "You have no right to call me mean re-
| piled Reuben Porter, because l don't spend
my money for candy"
You never spend it for anything" con-
tinued George tauntingly.
1t was true. Reuben did not spend his
money. Do you suppose it was because he
loved it more than other boys dol
Reuben turned slowly away. meditating
upon what had occurred. 81 will not care
for what he thinks" he at length said to him
self (" l have four dollars now, and when 1
have sold my cabbages, / shall lave another
dollar, / shall soon have enough" and his
heart bounded joyfully, his step recovered its
! elasticity, and his pace quickened, as tho
| pleasant thought removed the sting which tho
| accusation Of meanness had inflicted on his
| sensitive spirit ENOUGH did not mean the
same with Reuben as with grown people. It
had limit. He fastened cheeifully home,
or to the place he called home. He had no
father or mother there; but, in their stead,
kind and loving friends. Mr.. Porter had
died two years before, leaving wife and four
children without property to sustain them
Reuben was the eldest and as he was old
enough to assist in the labors of a farm, it
was thought best that he should leave his
mother. slr. johnson, a neighbor, took him
into his family, where he very soon became
great favorite.
There was one thing about the boy, howev-
er, that good Mrs. johnson regarded as great
fault. 1t was what she called Esprit of
boarding." She said she never gave him an
orange or an apple, that he did not carry it to
his room, instead of eating it. Perhaps his
sisters at home, or dear little brother Benny
could tell what became of them.
Mrs johnson had noticed, too, in his draw
er, box, which was quite heavy with money.
She did not believe he had bought so much
as fish hook, since he adbeen in their fam
lily. If he should 90 on in this way he will
grow up to be miser. Mr.. johnson smiled
| at his wifes earnestness, and remarked that
/ with such an example of generosity as Reuben
| had constantly before him, he would not be-
leve the child was in much danger from the
fault she feared " 1t must be remembered"
he said, that Reuben has his own way to
make in life. He must learn to save, or he
will always be poor. There are his mother
and sisters, too, who need his aid.
In various ways Reuben added to his store.
When the snow came, he made nice broad
paths about the house, which so attracted the
notice of a neighbor, that she asked if he
| might be allowed to make paths for her. He
rose early that he might have time for his ex-
! ira work, and was well paid for his efforts
| The box grew heavier from week to week.
| Reuben, had almost enough.
One day there was barrel of -four left at
Mrs. Porters. She thought there must be a
mistake about it; but the man said he was
directed at the store to take it to that house.
Mrs Porter went Immediately to learn about
it, and what was her surprise on finding her
i Al.
pay for whole barrel of fours "The mon
ey'' said the merchant, che brought in box.
1t was in small bits, which took me some time
to count, but there was enough"
The mother called, with a full heart, at
Mrs. Johnson land related what had occurred.
Reuben wondered why his mother should cry
So He thought she would be happy. He
was sure he was. He had been thinking of
that barrel of -four, and now he felt more like
laughing than crying. Those tears noble boy,
are not tears of sorrow, but of the deepest Joy.
You are more than repaid for your self-d denial.
You have persevered in your determination
you have resisted every temptation to deviate
from the course which you marked cut as
right. You have borne meekly the charge Of
meanness, SO calling to your generous spirit,
and now you receive your reward. You are
happy, and so is your mother, and so is your
kind friends, Mr. and Mrs. johnson.
That night, Mr.. johnson remarked to his
wife, as they sat together before the cheerful
fire, that he had some idea of keeping the
little miser and educating him. ga boy who
could form such purpose, and keep it, will
in all probability make useful man. After
wears proved the correctness of this conclu-
sion. Reuben is now a man of intelligence
and wealth. He is one whom the world de-
lights to honor; but among his pleasantest
memories, doubt not, is that Of the barrel of
flour he bought for his beloved motheF.-Ia-
dependent.