Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-12-12
Honesty.

DEAR CHIL DREN :-f on all like to hear
about something that has really happened,
and although the following acecdo;e has
not the charm OF being wonderful 1t is quite
true. Two winters ago, when tae ground
was covered with snow, cicies h2ogibg
from the trees, and Duddington's old loch
looking bright with its group OF merry skat-
ers, little people in Edinburgh thought il
was glorious weather but the aged drew
their warm wrappings more closely round
them, while the infrm rested near he
warm glow of winters fire and coatsnted
themselves by admiring the snowy aRd-
scape from the window. It IS IN ain.er
that the poor feel their wants most kce0lv
and the half-clad child, who pines "
hunger and cold, will lack strength ana
spirit to cross that famous slide, will you
happy little boy or girl, are ruuning Over It
scores of times.
Pierciog was the wind one winters morn
ing last year, for snow had fallen ia the
night, covering the doorsteps aud pavement
with couotless flakes. a gentleman was
leaving his house when 4 little urchin in
ragged GARD stepped forward, broom il
hand and eagerly asked permissjoo 10 sweep
away tho snow.
You are very litte sweeper, said toe
gentleman; dc you taink you can manage
such work this cold moroing3'
Try me, sir; do try me, said the boy.
Very WE'LL replied the gentleman kind
y.
Work away; and after you have finish
ed you shall have some money add Jour
breakfast
%. thaok you, sir ? almost gasped tue
little sweeper.
And in very short time tho dcor-teps
bad lost their white carpet, while broad
pathway had been cleared on tbe pavement
leading from the house. The laughing eyes
of several youngsters watched the little tel
low from the windows; and no sooner wes
his busy work completed than be was ad-
mitted to warm kitchen. where. seated
near blazing fire, he did ample justice to
his breakfast.
The pleasure Of giving iood to the hun
CRY was abundantly realized in that happy
home that ruorning, and after cur little
friend had finished his meal, he Was brought
up stairs to talk to the lady. Nor did he
leave before ne had received silver coin
of his very own ; while below his arm he
was hugging precious bundle which con-
tanned an entire suit of cloaths. Fortu-
nate sweeper" you are saying. Yes, dear
children. but his story was a sad one. He
had no mother to care for him, and his
father was sick, while they lived IN q mis-
erable room in the Old Town.
Beggars sometimes tells us such tales,
and We fear they are not true; but there was
an apparent sincerity in this boys state
ments which interested his listeners greatly.
And, SIS he ran briskly from the door, the
children hoped that they might see the nice
little boy again. The morning hours pass
ed away. and the bright rays ofthe midday
sun were melting the snoT IN the garden
and on the trees; but tee i-a n the lochs
vas still frozen, aud the anticipated pleas
ure of days skating vas great. One
o'clock struck, apd a loud ring came to The
door-bell, while q servant entered -ie draw
ing-room TO say that the boy who Sas there
in the morning had returned, and wished
to see the lady
What can II be, mamma e exclaim more
than one eager voice.
We shall hear presently she replies, as
she hastens down stairs.
There stood the little sweeper, dressed in
comfortable clothing, MS face washed, and
the uncombed locks, which formerly stood
on end, reminding one of the old pictures
of giant Despair in the Pilgrims Prog
ress,' were now beautifully brushed, nd
quite smooth. Altogether, tie change n
his appearance was marvellous.
Well, my little fellow. have you come
to show US your new clothes 2 said his ben
efactress.
No, maam,' ne replied. like sou
to see them and the little gentleman who
gave them TO me but it was not for that
came He then produced pretty iv3ry
tablet and pencil-case. saying, Them
things was in the pocket Of the JACKIE,
ma am but you see father teached me out
of the good book that it IS wrong to keep
what does not belong 70 me, SO l have
brought them back
Yes, dear children, The little sweeper ac-
ted honestly. He did what vas Fight, and
we may learn bright lesson from the ear
uest heed which he gave 10 Gods blessed
word. You may be sure that the kind lady
approved OF his conducs, eucou. aging him
to continue in the study If no Bible, and
telling him that there he Eculd ind stories
of Samuel and Timothy-taose holy chill
dren who in boyhod's years we're ever listen
ing to the heavenly Fathers voice.
We would like to tell you that this poor
child was becoming wise ind good, but with
last years snow he disappeared and nov
we cannot say where he j.. Yet We know
that he who careth for the little birds, shel-
tering them 10 the winters storm, will
watch over him and remember. dear chill
dren, there is 0one so safe as be whom God
is keeping Childrea'S Hour.