The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1856-09-13
cite Californian.
FOR THE. BOYS AND GIRLS.
THE BOOT BLACK.
BY PHILLIP BARTLETT.

BY PHILLIP BARTLETT.
About hundred wears ago. there lived in
the city Of Oxford, England, boy whore
name was George lie was very poor, 30
much so tha, he wa. compelled to clean the
boots of the students at the University 10 Oh
tain money with which TO buy the nccessarles
of life. His cOuntrnancc was oas Of no or
binary appearance. His eye was ken AMI
piercing; his forehead noble and lofty; and
every feature Of his face was perfectly de-
veloped. BY his easy and polite manners
his oblicing disposition, and his warm and
generous nature. he soon won the confidence
and esteem OF many Of those upon whom he
waited. The poverty Of his clothing served
better to show the richness Of a mind which
sniy needed cultivation 10 make one OF the
brightest in the whole country. The STU
dents Of the University seeing such noble
qualities in the lowly and humble boot black,
determined to educate him. and many Of them
devoted no little share of their time to that
purpose. They found him ready. willing and
stu,ious. lie lost not moment of his prec-
lou. time: out applied himself diligently
and perseveringly, to his studies, and soon
became an equal, it not superior to some OF
hi. instructors.
Ill, advancement was very rapid 90 erea
Wa it that numbers we're unable to recognist
in the gifted and talented young man the
once poor and needy boot black. About thi:
time there wa, a great change in the religion
Of England. There arose a sect, whom from
their peculiar habits Of its members, Their
strict observance of the Sabbath. their faith
full reading of Gods word, and their frsqucn
and stated engagements in prayer,were calle'
kle,hodists With this party George imme
diately connected himself, and soon became
one OF its ablest and most consistent mem
bers. The youths who once sought his com
pany, now treated hun with sneering con
tempt.
These Who once considered him a youn
man Of extraordinary abilities, then consid
cred him reckless fanatic, and avoided hi
society a. they would have worthless drunk
ard. All this did mt novs him. lie va
firm as a rock. Nnrbins could change hin
Like Moses, he preferred life Of Chri<tia
consistency to the enjoy ment Of sin for sea
son. His unchanging conduct won for biz
many warm ard ardent admirers, and nun
bers who formerly branded him as tanati
became his best friends. have not the time
children, to say much more concerning tn
character Of this interesting young man.
will be sufficient to add, that he soon BEGAN
one Of the most pious and talented preacher
in England, and such numbers Aocked to hea
him that the largest house in London couI
not contain them.
He preached in the open fields 10 thou
sands upon thousands; and the great amour
Of good which he did, eternity shall tell
Dear Boys, do not mind the sneers Of you
companions. De your duty, 10: the cons'
quences be what they may. BE industriou
and energetic. Don't mind difficulties. The
only make your arm stronger. and your hea
Drawer. Il this poor boy could arise fro
the lowly position Of a boot black to that o
the most pious and eloquent preacher En-
land ever produced, can not you 60 and 81
likewi.c?" You have no idea what you ca
do till YOU try. Energy combined with ear
est prayer will acco.a: lished the most diff
cult task.
BOYS, would You like to know the same
the boy who blacked the boot. Of the studer
At Oxford University! 1t is GEORG
WHITFIELD.