The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-05-19
The Boy that kept his purpose.

The Boy that kept his purpose,
al would not DO 30 mean,n said George
Ward 10 boy, who stood by, while he put
the candy he had just bought in his pocket.
you have no right 10 call me mcan,''
replied Reuben Porter, "because don'l
spend my money for candy"
+" You never spend il for anythng," con-
linued George, launlinsly.
II was true Reuben did not spend his
money. Do you suppose il was because he
loved il more than other boys do?
Reuben turned slowly away, medilaiing
upon what had occurred. Z" will no, care
for wha, he ihnks,n he at length said 10
HIMSELF "l have four dollars now, and
when have sol! my cabases, | shall have
another dollar. ! shall soon have enough"
and his heart bounded joylully, his step re.
covered its elasticity, and his pace quicken.
ed, as The pleasant thought removed the
sting which the accusation Of meanness had
inflicted OF his sensitive spirit. ENOUGH
did not mean the same with Reuben rs with
grown people. Ii had limit. He hasten.
ell chserfully home, or TO the place he called
home. lie had no father or mother there
but, in their stead, kind and loving friends
Mr.. Porter had died two years before, leav.
ing wife and four children without proper.
" 10 sustain them. Reuben was the eldest;
and as he was old enough 10 assist in the
lahors Of farm, il was thought best tha,
he should leave his mother. Mr.. Johnson
a neighbor, took him into his family, where
he very soon became a great iavorite.
There was one thing about The boy, how
ever, that good Mrs. Johnson regarded Us o
grea, fault, II was what she called "a spirit
OF hoarding.n She said she never gave
him an orange or an apple, that he did moi
carry il 10 his room, instead OF eating it,
Perhaps his sisters ut home, or dear little
brother Benny could tell what became o
them.
Mrs. Johnson had noticed, TOO, in his
drawer, box, which was quite heavy will
money. She did not believe he had bought
so much rs a lish.hook, since he had been
in their family. II he should 20 in this
way he will grow up 10 be a mser. Mr.
Johnson smiled al his wife's earnestness
and remarked that with such All example
Of generosity as Reuben had constantly be-
fcre him, he would not believe the child
was in much danger from The fault she fear
ed. II must be remembered" he said
"ihat Reuben has his own way 20 make in
life. He must early learn 10 save; or he
will always be poor. There are his mother
and sisters, TOO, who need his aid"
In various ways Reuben added 10 his
store. When the snow came, he made
nice broad paths about the house, which sc
attracted the notice Of a neighbor, that she
asked ifhe might be allowed 10 make paths
for her. He rose early that he might have
time for this extra work, and wds we'll paid
for his efforts. The box grew heavier from
week 10 week. Reuben had almost enough
One day there was barrel Of flour IeN
at Mrs. Porler's. She thought there must
be mistake about il; but tho man said
to was directed at the store 10 take il iC
that house. Mrs. Porter went Immediately
TO learn about il, and what was her surprise
on finding that her son had been the pur.
chaser. How could he pay for a whole
barrel Of hourl "The money" said the
merchant, "he brought in box. II was in
small bits, which took me sometime 10 count,
bu, there was enough"
The mother called, with full heart, al
Mrs. Johnson's, and related what had oc.
cured. Reuben wondered why his mother
should cry SO. He thought she would be
happy. He was sure he was. He had
been thinking cf that barrel Of flour, and
now he fell more like laughing than crying,
Those tears, noble boy, are not tears Of sor,
row, bu, OF The deepest joy. You are more
than repaid for your selideaial. You have
persevered in your determination; you
have resisted every temptation 10 deviaie
from the course which you marked out a,
right. You have borne meekly the charge
Of meanness SO CALLING 10 your generous
spirit, and now you receive your reward
You are happy, and SO is your mother, and
so ATE your Kind friends, Mr.. and Mrs. John
son.
That night, Mr.. Johnson remarked 10 his
wife, as they sat together before The cheer.
ful fire, that he had some idea Of keeping
The little miser and educating him. "a
boy who could form such purpose, and
keep il, will in all PROBABILITY make use
ful man." After years proved The correct,
ness Of this conclusion. Reuben is now ,
man OF intelligence and wealth. He is one
whom the world delights 10 honor; bu
among his pleasan,est memories, doub
moi, is that Of The barrel Of -four he bought
for his beloved mo,her.-Independent.