Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-11-01
The Boot Black.
BIZ PHILIP BARRETT.

About hundred years ago, there. lived
IN the city of Oxford, England, a boy whose
name was George. lie was very ptor, so
much so, that he Yves compelled to clear the
boots of the students at the University to OBJ
tain money with which to buy the necessa-
RIGS Of Life. His countoaance was of no er-
binary appearance His eve was keen and
piercing; bis forehead noble aud lofty; and
every feature Of his face was perfectly de-
yeloped. BY his easy and polite manners.
his ohlging disposition, and his warm and
generous nature he soon won the confidence
aud esteem of many of those upon whom
he waited. The poverty Of his clothing
served him better to show the richness
Of a mind which only needed cultivation to
make it one Of the brightest in the whole
country.
The students ofthe University seeing such
noble qualities in their lowly and humble
boot-black determined to educate him, and
many of them devoted nolittle share of their
inc to that purpose. They found him
ready, willing and stadious. He lost not
"a moment of his precious time, but APP
Piled himself diligently, perseveruely, to
his studies, and soon became al equal, if
act superior. to some of bis instructors.
his advancement was very rapid, Sc great
was it that numbers were unable to recog-
aize in the gifted and talented Young man
he onee poor and needy boot black About
his time there was Il great change in tho
'eligien of England There arose a sect,
which from the peculiar habits Of its mem
bers, the strict observance of the Sabbath.
fhagr fa.+l,i3.i rao1;ng.
the frequent and stated engagements il
prayer, was called Mothodisis. With th;s
party George now connected himself, and
seon became one Of liz ablest aud mos.
consistent members. The youths who once
sought his company, now treated him with
contempt
Those who once considered him a young
man Of extraordinary abilities, how consi,i-
cred him reckless fanatic, aud avoided bis
society as they would have worthless drunk
ark. Ali this did not move him. He was
as firm as Il rock. Nothing could change
him. Like Moses, he preferred little Of
christian consistency to the enjoyment Of sin
fer season His unehanging conduct won
for Linn many warm and ardent admirers.
aud numbers who formerly branded him as
fanatic became his best friends. Ihave not
time, children, to say much moro concerning
the character Of this interesting Young
man. Il will be sufficient to add, that he
saen became one of the most pious and
talented preachers in England, and
such numbers focked to hear him, that
the largest house in London could not contain
them
liepreachod in the open fields 10 thoua.
mnds, upon thousands. and the greaf .anauat
Of good which he did, eternity shall tell
Dear boys, do net mind the sneers e yoar
companions. DO your duty, let the cona..
quenecs be what they may BE industrious,
energetic. Don't mind difficulties. They
only make your arm stronger, and your heart
drawer. Ii this poor boy could arise from
the lowly position OF boot black, 10 that Of
one Of the most pious and eloquent preach.
ers England ever produced, cannot you co
and do likewise? You have no idea what
you can do until You try. Energy combined
vita prayer will accomplish the most difficult
task;
Boys, would you like 10 know Tho name ef
tn boy who BACKED the boots Of the students
at Oxford University 1t is George Witt
Fl I'd.