The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-08-27
The Two Clerks.
BY d. c. CoLEswoRTHY.

Use not reproach--a bitter sting
Or holdto view an iron rod.
With pleasant words, and looks that speak
The warm out-gushings of the heart,
Go--and the adamant will break,
And tears of deep contrition start.
"When l get through with Haler, I shal
set up in business for myself; and tell yo1
what Harry, shall make money hand owe
fist"
$50 you may think, Charles, but like hun
dreds Of others, you will be disappointed"
"Not exactly. l know what shall do,ant
l will succeed admirably. | have been some
what Observing and noticed what business
produces the greatest profit with the least cap
ital, and how those men manage who become
rich"
"What business do you contemplate enter
ing upon, when you become of age? 7"
!" That's secret yet; but know"
"All have to say is, that you will be dis
lay by a little every year l shall be satisfied.
GA little won't satisfy me, that | assure
you. intend to become rich"
Henry NVelby was the son of poor wild
ow. His mother had early instilled into his
childhood he was taught that good name and
spotless character were invaluable to an indl-
vidual-more precious than gold. A strict
regard for truth, and tender sympathy for
the unfortunate and suffering, had ever char
acterized the boy, Mrs. Weby had the sat
isfaction of seeing her son practice upon the
instructions he had received from his mother.
No oath polluted his Ii ps-no falsehood mar
red his character, and no vice leprosied his
heart. Kind and generous, faithful and in
dustrious, he won the encomiums of his neigh
bors, and when of a suitable age was solicited
by Mr.. Haler wholesale groeer,to enter his
store.
Charles ingalls, was the reverse of Henry
in almost everything. He was brought up by
indulgent parents, who were in easy circum-
stances, and suffered too often to follow the
bent of his inclination without being checked
His father did not believe it to be his duty to
severely correct his son, when guilty of a
wrong act,and would often suffer him to pur
sue his own course without a word of advice.
The parents Of Charles were of that class,
who look more to the appearance than at the
heart. If boy conducts well in company,is
particular in his dress,and is constantly aping
the foolish fashions Of the day, with such all
is well the lad must make a smart and active
man. Thus Charles was suffered to grow up,
the bent of his pcrverse nature, till
he was of suitable age to do something to-
wards his own support. His father was anX-
ious to put him into lawyers office, deeming
the profession Of the law the height prospect
ability, No opportunity presenting, he final
ly secured place for his boy at the store of
Mr.. Haer.
The wholesale merchant was gentleman
of middle age, who did an extensive business,
and was rcputed to be rich. He had one or
two older clerks in his employ, when Henry
and Charles entered his store. These lads
generally lived on good terms with each 9TH
err; but occasionally a dispute would arise
between them, on account of the overbearing
disposition of Charles. He was determined
at times to have his own way, no matter how
much it interlcred with his companions. But
as Henry was kind and yielding, and seldom
angry or revengeful feelings, the
lads on the Whole lived on pleasant terms.
The young men had been in the employ of
Mr.. Haler several years, when the converse
zion at the beginning Of our story took place.
They had often converscd on the business they
would pursue in after life, and while Henry
insisted that small gains and safe business
we're to be preferred, his companion declared
that nothing would satisfy him but large prof
its and an extensive trade. 1t was seldom
that Charles spent an evening at home with
his parents, or at the house OF his master. In
the summer season he would walk the streets
with his companions, engaged in idle CONVEX
sation, while in winter he would resort to
some shop,where he passed his time in profit
less amusements, if not vicious pursuits On
the contrary, Henry improved his leisure
hours in reading and study. His evenings
we're generally passed at home, reading some
useful book or paper, or in drawing or VIII
-ing. His companions were chosen from those
who were industrious, and thought more OF
the improvement of the mind and heart, than
She decoration Of person, or the qualification
of the appetite.
1t was not unfrcquently that Henry inqui-
red of his companion, on returning at night,
where he had passed the evening, "Oh,
have had fine Time" would be his reply,
"Whv don't you read more 2" once said
Henry to him.
81 don't love to read and besides, l get
but little time you know"
You have as much time as / do, and in
the course of few months past | have read
a dozen volumes, besides various periodicals"
"But you read everything, while l am en-
joying myself"
''If you would take my advice, Charles
and think it is good advice, and in the end
you will find it sol would say, don't 60 into
the society of the idle and frivolous. There
bad habits are contracted which lead to every
thing that is bad"
mo, Harry, you know nothing about it
IF you could 60 with us and enter into our
sports, you would be happy"
That is what | have no desire to do"
All the persuasion Of the virtuous youth
could not produce the desired effect. Charles
spent his time in idleness and folly, made a
fine appearance in society, and took pride in
his dress and exterior department.
A few years passed, and the young men had
completed their clerkshps. Welby, by the
earnest solicitations of the merchant was per-
suaded to remain in his employ another year
IL. l.. 1I,