The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-12-07
Wis ceIIan e GUS.
T. Nh a ss Il NJ n;
OR THE REVERSED IN FORTUNE.

Turn ye not alcay the poor,
NOR shield yourselves lcith false PreteRSions
1t was early in the evening Mrs. Sanders
sat IN her parlor, surrounded by all the pomp
and ostentation which wealth could procure, or
luxury and fashion suggest. Suddenly a knock
was heard at the front door; a servant was sent TO
answer the call, and in few minutes ushered into
the presence of Mrs. Saunders, young girl, whose
appearance betokened distress. Her attire Though
clean and we'll arranged, told poverty; her eyes
were swollen with grief, and the tears had scarce
dried upon her cheek, while a melancholy over
spread her countenance which spoke the anguish
OF her breast On first enterIng,t the though, OF her
errand overcame her, (fer she was no common
beggar,) and for a moment she was unable to make
known her wants.
MADAM said the poor GIRL but she could not
proceed
BE quick, child; what is your business with me?
Why do you hestate? said Mrs Saunders, in a
voice rather harsh for the delicate feelings of the
poor girl whom she addressed
Madam resumed the poor girl, 1--WE in ex>
tIeme want, and have come to ask assistance
Father and mother down with the fever. and
there is nothing for them my little brothers or
sisters to eat, and she burst into tears.
Airs. Saunders looked at her for moment if
somewhat subdued by her words; but then turning
| away with halfscornful smile, she said
Oh! is that all? Well. never encourage beg.
CARS there is way for all to get along through
the world. The more give TO such people the
more we may give, and what proof b ave we OF the
poverty about which we hear much complaint ?
fl were certain that there is real need ] might
be induced to give, but will not encourage indo-
| lence; and with her last words she beckoned the
servant to show the girl to the door. This how.
ever, she might saved herself the trouble of doing,
Tor her words had caused the poor girls heart TO
sink within her and put a seal upon her lips.
Nv readers will doubtless condemn Mrs Saun-
ders, and probably in pretty strong terms Bot be
not hasty. is she not like half Of the world?
Has she not dooe just as many others would do
as some of you would do perhaps under similar
circumstances Too many Of US, fear, are in the
habit OF censcrng others for doing that which We
| condemn by profession, but reach by example
Some allowance, however, re to be made for the
manner IN which Mrs Saunders had been educa-
ted. She had never known wsnt, and was there
fore unable TO appreciate the suferngs of the poor
She was taught TO believe that all the stories
which she heard OF poverty snd distress, were idle
fabrIcations-thar indoence in Short, the oIi-
gin of alt poverty, and they who suffered from it
were unworthy Of assistance.
Soon after the beggar girl had departed Mr. Saun.
ders came in.
'Well Julia, said he, he closed the door after
him; 81 have brought you BuIwers last novel
| 30, that is very kind, Charles; aud won I
you read to me this evening" said Julia; she
adjusted the lamp aud drew her chair toward that
| of Charles.
Certainly my dear, if such be you, WISH said
Charles, with smiIe-and so saying he common
| ced
Charles had read but a few chapters before Ju-
LAS pretty face turned to crimson, and the
Tears trickIed down her burning cheeks. He laid
aside the volume, end drawing his young wife to
his bosom and brushing away the dark curls which
hung ronnd her brow, he imprinted in their stead
a fervent kiss.
! IF you had seen the real Distress said Charles,
(which have seen this evening dear julia, you
would not thus weep over such fiction. But he
continued, tell me who the little girl saw
! leaving the door, as came up the street,?
| SIT was some beggar girl said JuIia,-'she came
with pi,iful story, but you know cannot be-
lieve these people.
'But, Julia, said Charles assuming a more grave
| tone, Il had much rather GU had given her some.
thing; her story may be correct and il is Just as
possible that it is so, otherwise; and then if you
had assisted her. her story should prove incorrect
you would have acted with good inten and your
conduct would have been just praiseworthyas IF
her story should be Then too, he continued
:your mind would be clear of doubt; and if this c.
tom thus awakens your sympathes, what would
be your feelings know that this poor girl is now
really suffering
| Indeed, Charles, fear have done wrong, said
Julia, drying the tears from her eyes. 'It would
certainly be great satisfaction to now, if had
assisted the poor girl But what was it you saw
this evening"
| Il will tell you,' said Charles. 'As 1 was pass
ing house in back street, l thought heard
something inside, which seemed much like the
groans of person in distress-minged with the
cries OF child. passed the house, but it seemed
as if something told me to go back, and felt un
willing to proceed further until had learned the
cause of those symptoms of distress which 1 had
heard. therefore returned, knocked at The door
aud a feeble voice baGe come in. My heart
was sickened with what there and heard