Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1872-02-21

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school time. Then he put his ak away, /
There, L have made ? good beginning"
he said do believe three or four turns
more will finish it, Hes piled wha. he
had chopped snugy away in one corner,
and was in his seat at school when the bell
rang for nine, looking bright and happy,
with his mind in good trim for study. 1t
was fifteen minutes before Henry and his
companion came in, and very sheepish
they looked when the teacher asked their
AZ excuse for being tardy."
The week passed swiftly away James
spent all his spare moments at his task,
while Henry spent his in skating. snow
balling, AMI other school-boy amusements
The teacher had invited some of the large
boys, including Henry and James. to 20
with him to his home in the city on Sat
urday. They we're TO visit the museum
and other places of interest. and return in
the evening, Henry was almost wild with
enthusiasm. He was giving his father
glowing description Of the grand time he
expected to have, when he stopped him
with the grave question, Have you hn-
ished your task Henry p Heurys >pjr-
/ its sank several degrees below zero in al
instant He had forgotten alI about that.
q" No, sir he replied, and his voice
shook little. " But l can finish it next
week"
1 told you, Henry, that you must I'm
/ ish it this week replied Mr.. AcnoId very
firmly, land cannot allow you to 60 on
any pleasure excursions until it is finished
Poor Henry He now reaped the
fruits Of his idleness. O, papa he
pleaded, IF you will only let me 20 this
once l will always do everything when it
ought to be doue; indeed | will Please.
papa, forgive mo this once. The teacher
viii never give Us such a treat again.
" Ifthis were your first offense, Henry,
might excuse you, but you have broken
your promises so many times that can
no longer trust you | am very sorry
that you did not finish your task. / shou.
like to have you enjoy the excursion to-
day, but cannot see you grow up an Idle
worthless man, without making an effort
/ 10 save you
enry pushed back his plate, burst in-
to tears. aud LETT the room Mr. Arnoid's
heart ached. He would gladly have spar
ed his dear boy this pam could be have
done 50 conscientious y, for he was q KIND
and tender father, but he wished Henry 10
learn a lesson that he would never forget
10 the seclusion of his room Henry listen
ed to the happy voices Of the party and
the merry juggling of the bells and
they died away IL the distance he flung
himself or the bed and sobbed aloud But
sad and bitter Is was the disappointment.
be knew that his punishment was just,
and many repentlnt, heathtu. thoughts
came TO him as he lay there alone At
last q hand was softly laid on his shoulder
and a kind voice said, Henry. my dear
boy, We are al sorry that you have been
disappointed.
Henry lifted swollen tear-~taluel
face q" Q, Uncle Foster be exclaimed in
a trembling voice, ] wanted % 20 50
much, and teacher vii. never give US -Ieh
a chance again 90
But Henry, you know tna, sou were
to blame, and papa did il for your good
The face was hidden gain and low -.a
was the only answer.
Henry. my boy, Uncle Foster went
% laying bis wthered hand oa tse -o.t
brown hair, wicked little wizard Is try
IN 10 get possession Of you. and sou must
conquer him now or be Will conquer you
lie Is one Of the devils aids, aud cum
uing soldier he Is Henry lifted his face
again, and gazed at Uncle Foster wonder
ingly He is with YOU at school Henry
although you cannot see him When YOU
open your book be says. Don ., study.
Henry. and when YOU whisper or play. ut
DO something to amuse your schoo' mates.
he whispers. That's right Henry Whoa
you are at home, and MANN. wishes you
70 do an errand, he steals Is your Sc ana
whispers, Make some excuse Henry.
and when papa leaves task for you % do
he says, There no hurry. Henry .e ami
enjoy yourself
Henry face was hidden again. and this
time IL was covered with bushes but luz
Gle Foster took ne notice Of III. and coutn-
uei Aud by and by when SOU a-e
older. and have no papa to take care of
you, I'm afraid he will whisper in your
ear, Don't work Henry. hlt "a ami
steal"
20 Uncle Foster :" exclaimed Henry
,hudderng.
Many an honest, wei.-melun. 10Y
has been led astray b. this same wicked
wizard, Henry. You must fight him and
conquer him now. or he will ruin vau
F." will conquer him /" cried Henry.
springiug up, a new FIRE flashing in his
eyes.
=" Y es with Gods help you can conquer
him" replied Uncle Foster % You must
take this book for your guide, laying his
hand on Henry's Bible. and 20 armed
with the trusty weapon, prayer Don,
forget these, Henry. and you will be sure
TO overcome Uncle Foster turned and
left the room, and Henry took up bis little
Bible reverently, read a chapter and then
kneeIed and prayed God to give him
strength to overcome his sinful habit for
Jesus sake.
\ half hour later he was working 81 his
task, and when night came the Voc pile
had nearly vanished Henry was very
happy that night, be had gained one VIC
tory over the wicked wizard. Incidence
It was not the last one. lie persevorel
until, with Gods he'p, be conquered he
Is now a prosperous merchant, but be has
never forgotten the lesson be learned 10 his
boyhoOd. Does this wicked wizard dwell
in the hearts Of any Of my readers If
so, take Henry's weapons, boys and girls,
and drive him out Immediately He will
ruin you if he remain, but now. with Gods
help, you can conquer him.-N " Id
Uocate.
\ LITTLE BOYS TROUBLES Il don be-
leve any other little boy has half the
trouble that have. Mamma says it's all
my own fault. She tells me TO put every