Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1859-08-04

HE will, ii be knows Of the -plan,' said
Charley. moodily.
.'He learns his lesson at home, does he
not, so as to keep up with his claes, though
be should be absent for single day''
Yes, mother, but to-day we had special
explanation of something in arithmetic that
know be cannot work out by himself
is my boy quite conscious os the spirit
be is indulgingp asked the mother. gently.
Does he really wish to gain ttis prize for
himself at the expense of one who deserves
It full as much, and deserves it perhaps even
morer
sThen you don't want me to get the star
after all, MOTHER said Charley. after few
moments silence.
You, will not doubt your mothers inter-
est in your improvement, even ie she sho'd
be less solicitous about this particular hon.
o. Mrs. Morris replied. You know all the
ambition l have in the world is centered in
my children. would see them active, ener-
getic, foremost, if possible, in the pursuit
of every honorable attainment. And yet
there is "a more excellent way which l
would have them follow: an attainment
higher even than mental wealth.
without which. though possessing all know
LEDGE they are nothing ,,t.
Cherley's growing ambition had some
what cooled, duriDg his mothers calm, but
earnest conversation. He was listening
attentively as he sat ia his favorle place
at her feet, though mis- eyes were downcast.
and sense of shame stole over him
You remember the passage in which this
'way' is describedl' asked his mother.
Charley took down the little well worn
bible in which he always loved to read aloud
to his mother. Turning to the l4th of Co.
rinthians, he slowly read the first six verses
DO you think, mother,' he asked, sthat
this forbids seeking any other way for ones
sell, 1t says 'seeketh not her own''
Ia is not necessary for US TO settle the
bearing of this on the question of prizes in
school But one question comes nearer to
the case in hand. Do you think that in
strict honesty the star would be our own,
If you gained it, not by superior scholarship
but by your own prosperous circumstances,
and Henry's hndrance through his mothers
necessitiesl The only value of the sign is
the thing signified To me this badge would
mean. not that my boy was better scholar
than Henry, but only that his father was
richer than Henry's mother
Molher, don't want the star at ALL said
Charley, with resolute effort, that is, if
Henry can get it. am going around now.
if you are willing, to show him about the
arithmetic, and TO ask his mother to grange
if possible, SO that he can attend school
constantly, the next six weeks
Mrs. Colton's consent to the latter ar.
rapgement was easily gained, especially
When Charley had begged perm ission to
assist IN doing the errands after school
hours. The obstacles in arithmetic were
cleared away, SO that the two rivals started
on the friendly race with fair field and no
favor tc either. Henry had been at the end
of the class just the same length of time
that Charley hFd been before him, when
three weeks before examination, he was
taken sick. II would be difficult to say which
of the two classmates was most disappont.
ed at this arrangement of their plaEs.-
Charley watched the progress of the fever
almost as anxiously as Mrs. Cotton. and
daily beset the doctor to learn the prospect
Of speedy recovery.
The third week had arrived before Henry
was able TO be dressed, and breathe the
ouier air for few minutes of the day
Examination day came. and by Charley's
earnest entreaties the invalid was permitted
to be present on the important OCCASION
-If--s..rne-.. 10 bis friend, and leaned upon
him when too weary with the effort and ex-
citement After many less interesting exer-
cises, the President arose, and with some
words Of explanation, proceeded to confer,
as he said, the highest mark of honor ever
received in the institution. The star was
awarded 'to Charles Morris, for punciuality
of attends nee, proDriety of department, and
success in scholarship
There was moment Of almost breathless
attention through the crowded audience, as
Charley walked to the foot of the platform
and was seen TO address a few words to the
President. Those who were present could
hear him say: ..r.,
The star. sir. does not rightfuliy belong
to me. Henry Cotton has worked harder
than TO obtain it. He Is setter scholar,
and but for sickpess, would have been at
the head OF all his classes
After a m ,ment's consultation with the
gentlemen on the PLATFORM the President
replied:
.The faculty, Morris. prefer that you sho'd
retain the star, as you have literally fulfilled
,he conditions prescribed
1t would not be right. SIR said Charley
firmly, though with trembling voice. 4
beg you will give it to Henry
in that case you must yourself bestow
it, said the President. Henry Cotton will
come forward -.-- -..-..-.-
Henry, unsuspecting wha, was going on,
advanced, his pale face flushed with wonder
and excitement. Charley, STOPPING down,
fastened the star upon his breast and then
\ supported him back to their seat The noisy
applause of the audjence--full as it was oil
a deeper joy than earthly fame can give
the Joy of obedience to the precept. sln
honor preferring one another. I'm his mot.
hers loving smile he found full reward fol
the srcrifce OF his selfish ambition. Covet.
ing earnestly the best gifts, he had found
in the spirit of brotherly kindness, "a more
excellent way
r"Is Mr.. Smith in!'' mo" was the
reply; "will you leave your name!" "Och