Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-01-17
The Bootblack, and What He Became.

More than hundred years ago there
lived in the city Of Oxford boy whose
name was George. lie was very poor, SO
much so that he was compelled to clean the
boots of the students at the University to
obtain money with which TO buy the neces-
saries of life. His countenance was one OF
no ordinary appearance. His eye was keen
and piercing, his forehead noble and lofty,
aud every feature of his face was perfectly
developed. BY his easy and polite man
ners, his obliging disposition, and MS warm
and generous nature, he soon won the conf
denoe and esteem of many of those upon
whom he waited. The poverty of clothing
served better to show the richness of the
mind, which needed only cultivation to
make it one of the brightest in the whole
country The students of the University,
seeing such noble qualities in the lowly and
the humble bootblack, determined to edu-
cate him, and many of them devoted no
little share of their time to that purpose.
They found him ready, willing and studious.
lie lost not a moment of his precious time,
but applied himself diligently, perseveringly,
| to his studies, and soon became equal,
If not superior, TO some of his instructors.
His advance in merit was very rapid so
great was it, that numbers were unable to
recognize in the gifted and talented young
man the once poor and needy bootblack.
About this time there was great change in
the religion Of England. There arose a sect
which were strict observers of the Sabbath
faithful readers of Gods Word, and who
had stated engagements in prayer. With
this party George Immediately connected
himself, and soon became one of the ablest
and most consistent members. The youths
who once sought his company now treated
him with sneering contempt Those who
once considered him young man of extra
ordinary abilities then considered him 9
reckless fanatic, and avoided his society a.
they would have done poor drunkard. Al
this did not move him. He was as firm
as rock. Nothing could change him
Like Moses, he preferred life of Christian
consistency to the enjoyment of sin for |
season. His unchanging conduct won TO
him many warm and ardent admirers, ant
numbers who formerly branded him as
fanatic became his best friends. have no
the time children, to say more concerning
the character of this interesting young man
1t will be sufficient to add that he soon be
came one of the most pious and talente,
preachers in England and such number
tlocked to hear him that the largest hous
in London could not contain them. ii
preached in the open fields to thousand
upon thousands, and the great amour
OF good which he did, eternity shall tel
Dear boys, do not mind the sneers of you
companions. DO year duty, let const
quences be what they may. BE industrious
energetic. Don't mind difficulties. The
only make your arm stronger, your hear
Drawer. If this poor boy could arise fror
I Al i Al L i Al
one of the most pious and eloquent preacl
ers England ever produced, cannot you G
and ado likewise Z" You have no ide
what you can do till you try. Energy, con
bined with earnest prayer, will accomplis
the most difficult task. Would you like
: know tho name of the boy who blackene
the boots of the students at Oxford univer
ity? 1t is George Whitefeld.-Smdd
| school IdrOcdfe.