Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-11-02


rapid progress under the most limited
advantages, becoming generally known
a gentleman, whose son had been one of
Toms visitors, and who had grown to
be a better boy under his influence,
offered to send him in his wagon every
day to the school-house, which stood half
mile distant, and have him brought
back in the afternoon.
1t was the happiest day in Toms life
when he was helped down from the
wagon and went hobbling into the school
room.
Before leaving home on that morning
he had made his way up to the sick-room
of Mr.. Croft.
l owe it all to you, he said, as he
brought the white, thin hand of his ben
efactor to his lips. 1t was damp with
more than a kiss when he laid it back
gently on the bed. And our Father in
heaven will reward YOU
You have done a good work, said the
neighbor who had urged Mr.. Croft to
improve his one talent, as he sat talking
with him on that evening about the poor
cripple and his prospects; (which will
not trust be forgotten in that day when
the record of life is opened. Not because
of the work itself, but for the true chari-
ty which prompted the work. 1t was
begun, I know, in some self-denial, but
that self-denial was for another's good /;
and because you put away love Of in
difference, and forced yourself TO do kind
offices, because our Heavenly Father has
commanded it. God will send heaven
ly love of doing good into your soul,
which always includes a great reward.
You said,' continued the neighbor,
only few months ago, What can ]
do? and spoke as man who felt that he
was deprived of all the means of ac-
complishing good and yet you have
with but little effort, lifted a human soul
out Of the dark valley of ignorance, where
it was cropping in self-torture, and placed
= it on an ascending mountain path. The
light of hope has fallen, through youl
aid, with sunny warmth upon a hear
: that was cold and barren little while
ago, but is now green with verdure ant
blossoming in the sweet promise of fruit
The infinite years to come alone can re
L veal the blessings that viii flow from thi
one act of bed-ridden man, who fel
that in him was no capacity for goo
deeds
- The advantages of a school bein
10 placed within the reach of Tom Hicks
= he gave up every thought to the acquire
. ments of knowledge. And now came
serious difficulty. His bent, stiff finger
could not be made to hold either pen {
pencil in the right position, or to us
- them in such way as to make intellil
a. ible signs. But Tom was too much
, earnest to give up Oh the first, or secor
~ effort. He found, after a great man
: trials, that he could hold pencil mo-
- firmly than at first, and guide his har
"e in some obedience to his will. This w
: sufficient TO encourage BIN to daily, lon
Ia' continued efforts, the result of which W
u a gradual yielding of the rigid muscle
OF which become in time so flexible that
could make quite passable figures, al
ne write fair hand. This did not salts
ed him, however. He was ambitious to
nd better; and SO kept on trying, until f
me boys in school could give fairer copy
'ys Have you heard the news ? said
ays neighbor to Mr.. Croft, the poor bedridd
use man. II was five years from the day
md gave the poor cripple, Tom Hicks,
Us first lesson.
, 10 What news? the sick man asked
md feeble voice, not even turning his be
dis toward the speaker Life's pulses w
ore running very low. The long strug
me with disease was nearly over.
leir Tom Hicks has received the appoi
ON ment of teacher to our public school
uch Are you in earnest? ? There wa
oil mingling Of surprise and doubt in the
use; tones that crept out upon the air.
be Yes it is true what say. You kn
e in that after Mr.. Wilson died, the direci
got Tom, who was favorite with all
nee scholars, to keep the school together
.nge few weeks until successor could
igh- appointed. He managed so well, /
cted such good order, and showed him
gen. SO capable as an instructor, that, W
the the election took place to day. he recei
his a large majority Of votes over nun
we're of highly-recommended teachers,
E in this without bis having made appIica
,me- for the situation, or even dreaming
dis such thing
A. a. s -