Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1857-10-16


can remember
Then you must be an idle, reckless
boy" said the teacher, with much severity.
"Do you realize how many years you have
thrown away? Do you know how much
you have lost? What sort of man do
you think of making in this way? One
Of these days you will be too cid to 90 to
school, and then while your companions
are seeking some honorable employment,
you will be good for nothing. Have you
parents p
ayes, sir" answered the boy in hoarse,
subdued voice
"And do they wish you to grow up to
be an ignorant, worthless man 2"
The boy hung down his head, and was
silent; but Mr.. Kelley saw two great tears
roll down his cheeks. In an instant, the
teacher saw he he had something besides
an idle, stubborn mind to deal with, in the
ragged scholar before him. He laid his
hand upon the boys head, and in kind
tone he said:
81 wish you to stop after school is dis
missed. Do not be afraid, for l wish to
assis: you if can"
George looked wonderingly into the
masters face, for there was something in
the tone of the voice which fell upon his
ear that sounded strange to him, and he
thought, as he looked around, that the
rest Of the scholars regarded him with
kinder countenances than usual. \ dim
thought broke in upon his mind, that, from
some cause, he was going to be happier
than before
After school was dismissed George Hen
ry remained in his seat until the teacher
called him up to his desk.
"Now," said Mr.. Kelley, 81 wish to
know why it is that you have never learn
ed any more You look bright, and you
look as though you might make a smart
man. Why is it that find you ignorant -
"Because nobody ever helps me-" re-
Piled the boy. "Nobody never cares for
me, sir, for | am poor"
by degrees, the kind hearted teacher
got the boys whole history, and while
generous tears bedewed his eyes he said:
''You have been wrongly treated, George,
very wrongly: but there is time yet for
redemption. If l will try to teach you,
will you try TO learn
Nes-O yes" quickly uttered the boy,
in earnest tones. "Yes-I should love to
learn. | don't want to be Il bad boy" he
thrillingly added, while his countenancc
glowed with unwonted animation.
Mr.. Kelley promised to purchase books
for the boy as fast as he could learn to
read them, and when George Henry left
the schOol,room his face was wet with
tears. We scholars, who had remained in
the entry, saw him come out, and our
hearts warmed towards him. We spoke
kindly to him, and walked with him to his
house, and his heart was too full for utter
ance.
On the next day, George Henry COM
menced studying in good earnest, and the
teacher helped him faithfully. Never did
| see change SO radiant and sudden as
that which took place in the habits of the
poor boy. As soon as the teacher treated
him with kindness and respect, the schol-
ars followed the example, and the result
was, that they found in the unfortunate
youth, one of the most noble hearted, gen.
erous, accommodating and truthful play
mates in the world.
Long years have passed since those
school.boy days. George Henry has be-
come man of middle age, and in all the
country there is not man more beloved
and respected than he is. And all is the
result Of one teacher hauing done his duty.
You who are school teachers, remem
ber the responsibility that devolves upon
you. In this country of free schools,
there should be no distinction between
classes. All are alike entitled to your
care and counsel, and the more weak the
child, the more earnest should be your en-
deavor to lift him up and aid him.
SOLD INTO SLAvERY-A free colored