Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-02-09
The Faithful COmrade.

1t is scarcely six months ago that in a
market town of Belgium the erection of
magnificent church was nearly finished.
Only one thing remained to be done, which
was the replacing of a weather-cock on the
summit of the steeple; for on a well con-
structed church-steeple weather-cock is
never wanting. Its elevation, however, ap-
peared to be impracticable for the slender
staging upon which the workmen carried on
their work, only one step from the depth be-
low, did not extend high enough to enable
them to raise it up. There remained no
other way to accomplish the fastening and
soldering OF the brazen weather-cock but by
having one man do it while standing on the
shoulders of another man. 1t was no pleas
ant task which the two men undertook-the
one with his broad shoulders and frmness,
the other with his fearlessness and skill !;
and it was needful that they have entire
confidence in each other, and perfect trust in
the merciful God into whose hands they
placed their lives. And 30 the two men as
cended up to the highest board Of the stag
ing, taking nothing with them but the
heavy weather-cock the vessel of melted
lead, and the implements requisite for doing
the work. Then the broad-shouldered man
placed himself firmly on his feet, and taking
hold of pole OF the staging with one hand,
stopped over while the other man climbed
cautiously upon his shoulders. Then he
handed him the pan OF hot Goals with the
melted lead and the weather-cock. Thus
the work Of fastening and soldering began,
while from the market below, and from the
windows of the houses, the inhabitants OF
| the town gazed breathlessly up. Aud as
| they beheld with astonishment the fearless
ness of the two men there were many silent
prayers offered that God would mercifully
shield them from harm. 1t lasted long
long time, for every moment seemed to the
anxious gazers an eternity. The broad
shouldered man stood upon his board as
motionless as a rock. Hold on do moi
move, else your comrade is lost The man
standing on the shoulders of the other works
and soldiers as rapidly as possible. Now the
weather-cock is fastened-at last, at last
The man carefully descends from the shoul
ders of his bearer. The lookers-on take
breath, and "Thank God" comes frou
many lips. But why does the broad-shoul
dered man SO tightly grasp the pole of th'
staging? Why does he not joyfully descent
the ladder after having finished his Difficult
task? Has the power to do so forsaken him
Not yet; now he is coming down, slowly ant
unsteadily, and when he has reached tn,
ground he falls down. The other workmeI
hasten to him and the crowd press around
The shoulders, arms and breast of the poo
man are covered with terrible burns Will
his comrade, whom he bore on his shoulders
was soldering the weather-cock, the boilinI
lead with which the work was done wa
running down, drop by drop, on the resolut
man. Although tormented with fearfu
pains, he had not moved limb, for an
movement might have caused his conrad
to totter and fall. The life of fellow-beinl
had been entrusted to him, and he had beel
faithful to his trust, Notwithstanding his un
speakable anguish. The noble man wa
carried to hospital, and after long and ST
we're suffering was cured. But throughou
all Belgium and its borders the report of tn
heroism of this workman spread abroaC
and many from far and near sent him token
of their love and admiration.-Selected.