Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-11-02
THE SICK MANS DEED or LOVE.

twisted out OF all useful shape, and lower
limbs paralyzed so that he had to drag
them after him wearily when he moved
through the short distances that limited
his sphere of locomotion-a poor, unhap-
by, murmuring, and at times, ill-natured
cripple, eating the bread which mothers
hard labor procured for him. For hours
every fair day during spring, summer,
and autumn, he might be seen in front
of the little house where he lived, leaning
upon the gate, or sitting on an old bench,
looking with q sober face at the romping
village children, or dreamily regarding
the passengers who moved with such
strong limbs up and down the street.
How often bitter envy stung the poor
cripple's heartl How often, as the
thoughtless village children taunted him
cruelty with his misfortune, would he
fling harsh maledictions after them. Many
pitied the poor cripple; many looked
upon him with feelings of disgust and
repulsion; but few, if any, sought 10 do
him good.
Not far from where the cripple lived
was man who had been bedridden for
years, and who was likely to remain SC
to the end of HE days. He was sup
ported by the patient industry of wife
If good works were TO be the only
passport to heaven he said to a neigh
Dor one day, my chances would be
small
well done, good and faithful servant,
is paltof the language of welcome he,
replied and the neighbor looked at the
sick man in way that made him feel {
little uncomfortable.
/ am sick and bedridden-what car
I do?' he spoke, fretfully.
When little is given, little is required
But if there be only single talent, i
must be improved
4 have no TALENT said the invalid.
Are you sure of thatT
What can do? Look at me N
health-no strength-no power to ris
from this bed. A poor, helpless creature
burdening my wife. Better for me, an
for all, if I were in my grave
IF that were so, you would be in you
grave. But God knows best. Ther
is something for you to do, or you woul
be no longer permitted to live said th
neighbor.
The sick man shook his head.
AS ! came along just now, continue
the neighbor, stopped to say wol
to poor Tom Hicks, the cripple, as
stood swinging on the gate before b
mothers house, looking SO unhappy tn
pitied him in my heart. What
you do with yourself all through the
long days, Tom?' 1 asked. Nothing
he replied moodily. Don't you rel
sometimes ? I queried. Cant rea
was his sullen answer. Were you new
at school?' l went on. No: how c.
get to school?' sWhy don't yo
mother teach you?' Because she ca
read herself replied Tom. 1T isn't
late to begin now, said I, encouragingl
suppose 1 were to find some one will
to teach you, what would you say :? L
poor lads face frightened as if the ST
shine had fallen upon it; and he answ
ed. Il would rather say that nothi
could please me better promised
find him a teacher, and, as / promised
thought of you, friend Croft, came il
my mind. Now, here is something t
you can do; a good work in which
can employ your one talent
The sick man did not respond wal
ly to this proposition. He had been
long a mere recipient of good Office
and SO long felt himself the object
ward which pity and service must te
that he had nearly lost the relish
good deeds. Idle dependence had m
him selfish.
Give this poor cripple lesson ey
day.' went on the neighbor, press
home the subject, and talk and rea
him. Take him in charge as one
Gods children, who needs to be instr
ed and led up to higher life than
one he is now living. Is not tn
good and great work? It's, my fri
one that God has brought to your h
and in the doing of which there vii
GREAT reward. What car you do! MI
Think Of that poor boys weary iiie'
of the sadder years that lie still be
him. What will become of him
bis mother dies? The alms-house
will open its doors for the helpless
Bpt who can tell what resources
omen before him if stimulated by thol