The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-03-31
Youths Department.
II he Four EOistareC

n n H our II 8 "a re q hp y.
When John was abou. thirteen years old he left
his Paternal roof in the north Of New Jersey, and
went 10 Philadelphia to learn trade. lie entered
as an apprentice with his brother, coach mnier in
the northern part of the city On a certain occasion
he was sent to dug store for half gallon of OIL
He had frequently been on similar errand and
he had been accustomed pay twenty five cents for
the oil Bat it happened that oil had fallen, and the
price was only twenty cents, of which, however, he
was not informed. lie had taken with him to nav
for the oil, dollar note, and having obtained the
article, he presented the note and received in change
NOT as he expected, three quarters of dollar, bu,
four plstareens, Of the value of twenty cents. John
who was ignorant Of their value, supposed they were
quarters OF dollar and that the druggist had given
him four instead Of three
He had been taught when child to be honest
He knew that he ought to do to others as he would
have others do to him; and that il was as dshones,
to take advantage Of anothers mistake 10 take what
was not his own. as to cheat in any other way His
first impulse, therefore, was TO return one of the
pieces to the man; but before he had time to carry
out his feelings into practice, Satan and the evil in
his own heart tempted him; the thought occurred
that he would give three of them to his brother as the
right change, and keep the fourth for himself He
closed his hand upon the money took up the Jug and
left the store.
The jug in which he carried the oil had no handle.
and had to carry ii by string tied round its neck
This so cut his fingers, that after changing it from one
hand to the other several times he was compelled TO
stop at the distance of square and rest,whch he did
at the first and second corner, doubling each time
whether to go on or turn back with the money
Tho next corner brought John third time to
stand. Rest relieved the smartings OF his hands but
the cuttings OF his conscience were not so easily pre-
vented. He mcdtated minutes Conscience
now became urgent in its demands. But he was A.
shamed to go back. He wished be had obeyed his
first homes. impulse. He felt very unhappy but he
must not delay. He had already been good while
about his Grand. He took up his Jug. lie was un-
decided whether to go forward or to return He
stood one moment and determned--to go back.
1t was hard task to trudge back three long squares
with heavy jug without handle; and more than
once he had almost determined to give up his honest
resolution. But he persevered, reached the store.
and set down his load. ssYou have given me tho
much change, said he, presenting the four pstareens
to Mr. W.; ''you have given me four quarter dol.
lars instead Of three
"You have your right chanse, said Mr. W,
''the oil is twenty cents, and those four pieces are
not quarter dollars, they are twenty cent pieces
Here is quarter'' continued the benevolent store
keeper, taking one from his drawer, switch will
give you. you can notice the difference between
them as you go home; and let me advise you always
to deal as honestly as you have to day"
Who can imagine the feelings of the boy when he
saw the true state ofthe matter, and knew IN an in