The Van Buren press., 1859-09-07

this way is described 20 asked his mother
Charley took down the little well worn
Bible in which he always loved to read l.
loud to his mother. Turning to the 18th
OF Corinthians, he slowly read the first six
verses.
''DO you think, mother" asked he, ssthat
this forbids seeking any other for ones self?
1t says 'seeketh not her own.'''
cit is not necessary for us tc 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 your oscn
if you gained it, not by superior scholarship,
but by your more prosperous circumstances,
and Henry's hindrance thro' his mothers
necessities :? The only value of the sign is
the thing signifed. To me this badge
would mean, not that my boy was better
scholar than Henry, but only that his ia
ther was richer than Henry's MOTHER
Mother, ] don't want the star at ALL"
said Charley with resolute effort. "that is
If Henry can get II. eoino ~----l
now to show him about the arithmetic, and
to ask his mother to arrange if possible, SO
that he can attend school constantly, the
next six weeks
Mrs. Colton's consent to the latter ar
rangement was easily gained, especially
when Charley had begged permission to as
sist in doing the errands after school hours.
The obstacles in arithmetic were cleared a.
way, SO that the two rivals started on their
friendly race with fair field and no favor
to either. Henry had been at the end of the
class just the same length of time that Char
ley had been before him. when three weeks
haf 1,o l., Il
would be difficult to say which of the two
classmates was most disappointed at this
arrangement of their plans. Charley watch
ed the progress of the fever almost as anx-
iously as Mrs. Cotton, and daily beset the
doctor, to learn the prospect of a speedy re-
covery.
The third week had arrived before Hen
ry was able to be dressed, and breathe the
outer air for few minutes of the day
Examination day came, and by Charley's
earnest entreatics the invalid was permitted
to be present on the important OCCASION
He sat next his friend and leaned upon him
when too weary with the effort and excite
ment. OF many less interesting exercises,
the President arose, and with some words
of explanation, proceeded to confer, as he
said. the highest mark of honor ever re-
ccivcd in the institution. The star was a
war,lcd ''to Charles Morris, for punctuality
of attendance, propriety of department, and
success in Scholarship
There was moment of almost brcathless
attention through the crowded audience, as
Charley walked to the foot of the platform
and was seen to address few words to the
President. Those who were present could
hear him say:
'.1'he star, sir, does not rightfully belong
to me. Henry Cotton has worked harder
than to obtain it. He is better scholar,
the head of his classes
After moments consultation with the
gentlemen on the platform, the Presidsnt
replied:
1.-The faculty, Charles, prefer that you
should retain the star, as you have literally
fulfilled the conditions prescribed
cit would not he right, SIR" said Char
ley firmly, though with trembling voice.
81 beg you will give it to Henry
''In that case you must bestow it," said
the President. "Henry Cotton will come
forward
Henry, unsuspecting of what was going
on, advanced, his pale face flushed with
wonder and excitement. Charley, stoop-
ing down, fastened the star upon his breast,
and then supported him back to his seat
The noisy applause of the audience Jared
painfully upon his heart, full as it was of
deeper joy than earthly fame can give,-the
joy of obedience to the precept, .'In honor
preferring one another" In his mothers
loving smile he found full reward for the
sacrifice of his selfish ambition Coveting
earnestly the best gifts, he had found in the
spirit of brotherly Kindness, ga more ex-
cellent way"