The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-28

She thought, when he returned from
the counting-house for the day that he
looked more free and happy, though he
was still silent and thoughtful.
Come and sit by me, Amy said
Edward to her, when they were alone
in the evening.
Amy sat down by her husband.
'Do you not enjoy, Amy, our hand
some house, and pictures, and carriage,
etc?'
Surely, Edward, take great pleas
ure in these things. But why do you
ask?'
'And you love to have money enou-
oh to give to those who want lt?'
'Why, what a question, Edward
you know that | value this power
more than | can tell.'
'And can you voluntarily resign all
these luxuries, Amyp
sWhy should | voluntarily resign
them Edward? What makes you so
enigmatical? Tell me what you mean?'
Suppose that all the money that en-
nabIes US to indulge in these luxuries
is not our own; what would you have
me to do, Amy?
is it you, Edward that ask me wheth-
er would be dishonest!'
But suppose, according to the law
of the land, and the customs of soci-
ETY., and the tacit consent of those
most interested, this property was Sc
cured TO your
'When | am satisfied said Amy,
that | can plead the law of the land,
the customs of society, and the opin-
ion of the world, before the judgment
seat of God, as an excuse for violating
that higher law, which he has written
on my heart; when ] have placed the
opinion of the wurld in the scales
against my own seif-respect, and find
it weightest then Edward, | mighthes-
itate. But why ask me such ques-
tons? Why do you not speak plain
| ly?
Il will, ANY, answered her nus
band, 'When | failed in business be-
fore our marriage, made a settlement
with my creditors, by which paid
them seventy-ive cents on dollar
They knew that | paid them all | had.
and signed release from all future
claims, Of late; my mind has been
troubled about tn ese debts, for as such
consider them. A few days ago one
fmy creditors brought his son, to me,
and asked ME to take him into my
store. He mentioned, in the course
of the conversation, that he had in
tended to send his son to college, for
the boy had thirst for learning; but
he was in fact, fitted to enter; but that
he found he was too poor, 'lt' said
the father, 'by denying myself every
thing but the nece: ,ries of life could
feed my boys mind, would thankfully
do it; but | cannot honestly indulge my
selfeven in this luxury | felt smitten
to the heart. When | failed, | owed
that man twelve thousand dollars. |
paid him but nine. now, Of cours e
owe three and the interest upon it.
The sum would enable him to give his
son the advantage he so much desires,
| have been thinking over the whole
subject, and studying 1t fairly. Dry
mans Essay would satisfy, me, if |
were not convinced before, of what
is right
'And you will of course do it, there
can be no doubt
i knew you would say so, Amy; but
you must think it over calmly. You
know upon the subject of property, as
well as other things, we have no mine
and thine; as we have one interest and
duty, so we have equal rights. l can
not take this step without your full ap.
probation and consent
is that all that has troubled you
for these few days?' said Amy, as she
looked into her husbands face, with an
expression ofjoyful relief.
'All,' said Edward.
'And why not speak to me at first
about it?-Why not letme share every
trouble as it arisesp
%; Amy, felt it only on your ac-
count. hated to deprive you of all
these luxuries. You know with what
delight l see you doinggood, real good
with the money!
'Never again, Edward, do me the
injustice to suppose that l prefer the
lower virtues ofcharity to the higher
one of justice.