Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-09-16

| o"e e"thVot SonNcIsdtiou. lie was llSt-
enin2 attentively as he sat in his favorite
place at her feet, though his eyes were
downcast, and sense of shame stole
over him.
You remember the passage in which
this way is described > asked his moth
er.
Charley took down the little we'll
worn Bible in which he always loved to
read aloud to his mother. Turning to
the 18th of Corinthians, he slowly read
the first six verses.
DO you think, mother, he asked that
this forbids seeking any other way 70,
ones self 1t says 'seeketh no' her own.
1T is not necessary for us to seattle the
bearing of this question Of prizes in
schools. But one question comes near
er to the case in hand. Do you think
that in strict honesty the star would be
your own, if you gained it. no. by su
perior scholarship, but BY your own
prosperous circumstances. and Henry's
ninderance through his mothers n"ces.
sites: The only value Of the sign i.
the thing signifed. To me this badge
would mean, not that my by was bet.
ter scholar than Henry. but that his
father was richer than Henry's mother
Mother don't want the star at all, ,
said Charley with resolute effort, tha,
is if Henry can get It. | am going
round now. if you are willing. to show
him about the arithmetic. and to ask his
mother to arrange if possible. so that he
can attend school constantly, for the
next sig weeks
Mrs. Colton's consent to the latter ar
rangcment was easily gained, especially
when Charley had begged permission to
assist in doing the errands after school
hours. The obstacles in arithmetic were
cleared away, SO that the two rivals star
ted on their friendly race with a clear field
and no favor to either Henry had been at
the end Of the class Just TIE same length
Of time that Charley had been before him
when three weeks before examination.
lie was taken sick. /. would be difficult
to say which of the two class mates was
the most disappointed at this dcransc-
mcnt of their plan. Charley watched
the progress tf the fever almost as anx.
iously as Mrs. Cotton. and daily besct
the doctor to learn the prospect Of a
/ speedy recovery.
| The third week hal arrived before
! Henry was able to be dressed, and
breathe outer air for f W minutes of
! the dav. Examination day came, and
| by Chdrleys earnest ontreatles, the in
. yalll Wa permitted to be present on
the important occasion. He sat next to
his fiiend and leaned upon him when too
weary with the effort and excitement -
After many less interesting exercises.
thc president arose and with some word,
of explanation proceed 4 to confer, as he
said, the highest mark of honor ever re.
c,ivcd in the institut on. The star was
awarded ITO Charles Morris, for punctu-
all;y of attendance, propriety of deport-
| ment, and succe>s in scholarship
| There was moment OF almost breath
less attention through the crowded audi
cnce, as Charley walked to the foo, o.!
the platform, and was seen to address a
few words to the president. Those who
we're present could hear him say
The star, does not rshtfulIy belong
to me. Henry Cotton has worked hard
er than l TO obtain it. He is better
scholar, and but for sickness would have
been at the head OF all his classes
| After moments consu tation with
the gentlemen on the platform, the pres
ident replied:
The faculty. Morris, prefer that yon
should retain the star, as you have lit
orally fulfilled the conditions prescri bed
1T would not be right SIR, said Char
ley, firmly, though with a trembling
voice. i beg you will give it to Hen
ry.'
In that case you must yourself bestow
it.. said the president. Henry Cotton
will come forward
Henry unsuspecting what was going
on. advances, his pale face flashed with
wonder and excitement. Charley stoop,
ing down, fastened the star upon his
breast, and then supported him back to
heir seat. The noisy APP lause OF the
audience Jared almost painfully upon
his heart. full as it was Of il deeper joy
than earthly fame can gIve-the JOY OF
obedience to the precep,, la honor pre-
terring one another. In his mother
loving smile he found full reward for
the sacrifice of his selfish ambition. -
Covetns earnestly the best gifts. he had
found in the spirit Of brotherly kind
ness, - more excellent way.