Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-03-13
THE BOOT BLACK.

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More than hundred years ago, there
lived in the city Of Oxford, in England:
a boy whose name was George. HS
was very poor, so much so that be was
compelled 10 clean the boots of students
at the university to obtain money with
which 10 buy the necessaries of life.--
Ills eonntenance was one of no orainsrs
appearance. His eye was keen and pier-
cling his forehead noble and lof,v and
every feature OF his face perfectly 40.
veloped. By his easy and polite man.
ners, his obliging disposition, and his
warm and generous nature, he soon WON
The confidence and esteem Of many af
those upon whom he waited. The pov-
erty OF his clothing served better TO sbow
the richness of mind which only needed
cultivation to make it one of the bright.
est IN the whole country. The studep,,
OF the university, seeing such noble ousl.
tiles IN their lowly and humble boot-black.
determined 10 educate him; and many
Of them devoted no little shate Of ,beir
'ime to that purpose. They found him
ready, willing and studious. He lost not
moment of his precious time, but ap-
Piled himself diligently, perseverihsis
.
to hls studies, and soon became an edusl
II not superior, to some of his instruct
ors.
Ills advancement was very rapid 40
great was it that numbers we're unable ,S
recognise in the gifted and talented younc
man. the once poor and needy boot black,
About this time there was a etes,
change in the religion of Enpland.-
There arose 4 sect which, from tbe NO
cnliar habits of its members, their STRIP,
observance of the Sabbath, their faitbfd
reading Of Gods word, and their fra.
quent and stated engagements in pravcr,
was called Methodists. With this marty
George Immediately connected himself
and soon became one of IFS ables, and
most consistent members. The you,hs
who once sought his company now treat.
ed him with sneering contempt.
Those who once considered him =
young man Of extraordinary abilit;r.
then considered him a reckless fana,;c
and avoided his society as they wotls
: have avnidAS --er,Isioss esrtgfrs.srtIy--
All this did not move him. He was as
firm as a rock. Nothiug could change
him. Like Moses, he preferred life Of
Christian consistency, 10 the enjoyment
Of sin for season Ills unehapoino
conduct won for him many warm and ar
dent admirers, and numbers who formerly
branded him as fanatic. became his hest
5 friends. ] have not the time. children
10 say much more concerning the clar-
S aoter Of this interesting young man. Ii
VIII be sufficient to ada, that re soon Je
! came one Of the most pious and talented
a preachers in England, and such numbers
e aocked to hear him that the largest house
in London could not contain them.
= lie preached in the open fields to thou
, sands upon thousands; and the great
: amount Of good which he did, eternity
j shall tell. Dear boys, do not mind the
n sncers Of your companions. Do your
duty, let the consequences be what they
may. BE industrious and energetic
Don't mind difficulties. They only make
your arm stronger, aud your heart bra.
a yer. If this poor boy could rise ftoa,
L the lowiy position Of booi-biack TO that
IS OF one Of the most pious and eloquent
. preachers England ever produced. cannot
At you 60 and do likewises" You have
'e no idea Of what you can DO till you try
ig Energy combined with earnest PRAYER
T. viii accomplish the mos, difficult task.
ss Boys, would you Eke to know the name
10 Of the boy who blaeked the boots Of tlls
sr atudeits at Oxford University It i
Of GEoItoE WHIrEFrELD.