The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1857-11-19
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~ Ftig'A >-,--s-,rr-~~ 1870
7o1,fER BUHIlT
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E.IG4A o L IB r 4 4 Y.

brought up very. much as his father anc
grandfather had been before him-thatis
with just enough knowledge to make him
respectable ulIer of the soil. For severa
winters, when farm work was slack, ht
Lad been sent to country school, aac
having some aptitude he learned to rsal
and write tolerabIy well, and to cast "
simple accounts. There Lis literary ed
ucaton ended, and henccf3rth his ener
gjes were devoted to that kind Of labor
which is 50 necessary to make q pracd
cal farmer. On the death Of his thrifty
father he entered into possession of a
LARGE and good farm, and in due tim.
married. Al the time Of which we now
refer he had six children, all young, who
had come into the world alternately bows
and girls, and their father never dreamed
of their being brought up in any other
way than he and his ancestors had been.
Each one was destined to receive little
schooling, and do good deal of work,
suited to their respective ages As is un-
happily the case with too many farm
houses, there was but dim light in that
dwelling, There was no thought of cul-
tivatng tire higher faculties of its IN
mates. They were to 90 through the
dull plodding life of those who had pre-
ceded them; and although the farmer had
a good family Bible and Psalm Book
his library consisted of some few ragged
elementary school books, with the neces-
oary annual almanac. Twas in this state
.ot affairs that an intelligent neighbor,
who had turned his attention from a city
business to farming, with the view of re-
cruiting his health, became acquainted
with Mr. Barrit, and deeply interested in
his family. The confidence be inspired,
and the kindly feelings he manifested,
made him welcome visitor, and gave
him no small influence. In the course of
many conversations he brew out occa-
sionaI hints about the proper training of
children, and the advantages resuIlipu
from cultivating their mental faculties
and moral powers. Although ne found
farmer Burrit and his wife rather dull
scholars, who with difficulty couIdlo
beyond the narrow sphere in Which tNev
themselves had been educated, he was
nevertheless encouraged to give them
li1e upon line, and precept upon precept.
Taking advantage OF what he supposed a
favorable opportunity he engaged one
day in the following conversation with
the farmer:
"Neighbor Burrit, l was thinking to-
day that you Ware one of our. most sub
stantial aud thriving farmers
Thank you; | am pretty well to do in
the world, but it is because | work my
way. l have no idle folks about'm
True, friend Burrit; and it is COM
mendable in youj but you will excuse if
| say | have felt some surprise that you
have not all the implements which a good
farmer should have"
"llayn't though? Iguess if you will
look about, you Il find | have all | need 1"
"Well, have been looking about, and
| have not found half dozen good books
in your house"
20! that s it; and what do l want with
books? What's the use of them! |
guess they can't teach me farming Your
books amt worth mucli-always trying
something new, and coming out with
short crops"
"Ahl but, friend Burrit, books teach
many good and useful things besides
farming, and to tell you the truth, l really
think they may be very useful to your
children. whom know you love, and
would like 10 see a little more intelligent
than your ncighbors. Now, if you would
only spend fifty dollars in good books,
would make such selection as | am sure
would be instructive to your children"
"Whew! fifty dollars laid outin books!
Why you must lie joking! y
"No, l am mo-; never Was more seri-
GUS in my life. My only motive for sug-
gcsting it is the interest | feel in your
family, and | will promise you, that if
at the end of six years you repent of the
purchase, l will refund you the fifty dol
lars, with full interest on the whole time"
Farmer Burrit looked puzzled Here
spected his neighbor; but he knew him
to be good friend, and although he
thought the suggestion a foolish one, yet
he was touched at the kind interest ex-
pressed in lis children. Afer silence
Of some minutes, as if he knew not what
to say, he replied, "Well, well, l will
think of it," A day or two afterward .
the same friend visited the farmer aud
before he had time to return to the con-
versation, the farmer said, 81 have been
thinking Of what you said, and out of re-
spect TO you, here are the fifty dollars for
the books; it's foolish affair, and |
wouldn't like to get it abroad; but" ad-
ded he laughing, 'I'lI hold you to the
promise of paying principal and interest
at the end ofsix years. | can't lose much
by the investment"
Ills friend took the money with great
pleasure, and he saw new light was a.
bout to dawn on farmer Burrts house /
hold The books were purchased. Be
sides some good religious books, inch.
ding several biographies, he had selected
a choice volume or two on agriculture
and gardening, several on general history
and natural history, few good books of
travels hand various other books, Selme 10
he same 10, and others to agakB-Oash aud ?
paid rewae they were tiIeited' :,
: J0SEPHl.4o--.,CRN. sept 2Sr-4w