Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-06-13
Help, or Hinder; Which Z

Harry Harry There, dear, wouldn't.
Harry, If you please"
These were some of the mild, deprecatory
expressions that Mrs. Linn was often con
strained to use during class exercises, as her
attention was unwillingly attracted toward
the mischievous and demoralizng pranks of
one of the brightest, and, in some respects,
most interesting pupils of her large class of
boys.
One Sunday Mrs. Linn asked Harry to
stop few moments after school. "Ive a
favor to ask of you" she added, in her bright
est and pleasantest manner, that at once
disarmed any rising RIGHTEOUSNESS in the
lad, who knew that he had been even more
than usually reckless in his annoying actions
that morning, and who suspected that his
teacher desired to demonstrate in private
with him concerning those habits that
caused her such grief and pain. But her
countenance treasured him, and he waited
willingly, all the chivalric element of his
bright boy nature responding heartily to his
teachers implied demand upon him for loyal
service.
Its just this, Harry" said Mrs. Linn,
taking the lads hand as If to bid him "good-
bye" and by the act indicating that she
meant not to detain him, "you comprehend
how person may render positive service p
Certainly" answered the boy.
We'll, I've been thinking that it may be
possible for one to render service negatively.
| don't know for a certainty that such a
thing can be done. | know, however, that
if it can you are the very boy to demonstrate
its possibility to me. The favor | ask of
you is of the negative sort. | will deal can
didly with you in asking it; you may deal
as candidly in granting or refusing it. !
must have the help, the cooperation Of every
member of my class the positive help, if |
can if not that, then, if it can be had, the
negative help. You have shown plainly
that you will not accord to me that positive
help which so much need and would SO
highly prize. The weight of your influence
you throw against me. | fear, too, that
your influence may be even strong enough
to bar some of your companions out of the
kingdom. dread to think of your assuming
the responsibility and the consequent ac
countability of such grave action. The
favor | wish is your promise that, since you
will not help either your teacher or YOU
classmates in the way of life at least you
will try not to hinder them. Is that more
than fair 2"
"No, suppose not" said the lad, thought
fully.
"Deal fairly by me in your answer, then,
said Mrs. Linn. " If you will not or cannot
grant my favor, that ends the matter, o.
course. | don't wish you to make promise
that you are certain not to perform. But il
you think you can cordially grant it, shall
be grateful indeed for your promise moi
to hinder, by any word or deed, those OF
your companions who, but for you, might
strive to enter in at the straight gate. 1t il
of the nature of negative service, and, a
| said, perhaps it is an impossible thing
| only ask you to promise to try it,"
Harrys hand remained in his teacher
while she stood and made known her wishes
to him. He did not withdraw it as he stooc
a moment aud thought only moment
Then he gave her hand quick, decided
grasp, and said, All right, | know wha
you mean. III try it. You can depenc
| on me-"
"Thank you, Harry" said Mrs. Lynn
81 thought could depend on you if only
could get you enlisted" Aud with brigh
smile she babe him "good morning" an
went her way.
Weeks passed. Harry stood manfully t.
his promise. No sly, irreverent word or ges
ture was suffered to escape him. No ridi
Guile or soothing remark fell from his lips
had heen sbvlv and tremhI;naIv seeLi1g RI,
wav of salvation at LENGTH snnonnced hi
new. fonnd hone Harry On far controlle,
himself as IN renress boih word and gr;mnce
,hongb he was aching ~ wbisnsr - Gorrsct
Go nn basd, CI.ar nm into bnIioess corne,
Rrotb.r Rnrns =" in tbl old teasing faShi,m
OnIv h.. had nronised Mrs Linn nm, n hi,
Ier One sunday il came Uarrv's urn +,
,sk Mrs Linn 70 remain a fsw moment
with him. Without nreface or anoIogy h.
hlurt.d ont The matter :. Ir,s ali NM Mr.,
Iinn' +, can't he Jone, You've GOT IN he'll
nr vou,ve gnt IN hinder /"
w. D.? gantlv said Mrs Linn in an il,
ouiring tors ' '"' '''''' ' 49, -
81 don't believe there /, sucb n thing a
NEGATIVE service" said Harry with a scorI,