Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1846-09-02


before large failure in the city deprived me of at
least half ofDy fortune, saw clearly enough that
there was but way to- find happiness in this life,
and that was to engage dilgent in some useful en-
poyment from right ends. shut my eyes to this
over and over again, and acted in accord
ance with it only when necessity compelled me to do
so. | should have found much more pleasure in the
pursuit of business had acted from the higher mo-
tive of use to my fellows which was presented SO
clearly to my mind than do now, having entered its
walks from something like compulsion."
"And you really think yourself happier than you
were before, Mr.. Steeler'
81 kno,U it, friend Parker"
"And you think wouldb happier than am now
if were to open my shop again.
81 do, much happier. Dou't you think the same?'
'1hardly know what to think. Theway live now
is not very satisfactory. cannot find enough to
keep my mind employed"
''And never will, except in some useful business,
depend upon it. SO take my advice, and reopen
your shop before you are compelled to do it."
"Why do you think will be compelled to do itr
because it is very strongly Impressed upon my
mind that the laws of Divine Providence are SO ar
ranged, that every mans ability to the general
good is brought into activity in way or other,
no matter how selfish he may be, nor how much he
may seek to withdraw himselffrom the common uses
of society. Misfortunes are some of the means by
which many persons compelled to become useful
ly employed. Poverty is another MEANS"
"Then you think if do not go into business again
am in danger of losing my propertyF'
81 should think you re;--but may be mistaken.
Man never foresee what will be the operations of
Providence. If you should ever recommence bust
ness, however, it ought not to be from this fear
You should act from higher and better MOTIVE
You should reflect that it is every mans duty to
gage in some business calling by which the whole
will be benefited, and, for this reason,
and this alone, resolve that while you have tho abl-
ty you will be working bee and not drone in the
hive. 1t is not only wrong, but disgrace for any
man to be idle when there is SO much to do"
Mr.. Parker was surprised to hear his old customer
talk in this way: but surprise was not his only feel
ng-he was deeply impressed with the truth of what
he had said.
81 believe, after all, that you are right aud am
wrong. Certainly, there is no Disgusting the fact
hat my life has become real burden to me, and that
business would be far preferable to state of idle
less."
This admission seemed made with some reluctance
t was the first time he had confessed even to him
clf, that he had committed an error in giving up his
hop. The effect of what Mr.. Steele had said was
resolution, after debating the pros and for near
L
could take place the kind ofbusiness must be deter
mined. Since MIR. Parker had ceased to be a halter
md set up for gentleman of fortune his ideas ofhs
own Importance had considerably increased. To
come back into his old position, therefore, could not
'e thought of. His wife argued for the shop, but
lie would not listen to her arguments. His final de-
ermination was to become grocer, and grocer he
'ecane. No doubt he thought II more worthy of his
Lightly to sell rice, sugar. soap, candles, ets, than
lats. Why one should be more honorable or digni-
led than the other We do not understand. Perhaps
here is difference but we must leave others to de-
inc tive cannot.
A grocer Mr.. Parker became instead of halter.
Of the former business he was entirely ignorant of
he latter he was perfect master. But he Guild be
,rocer-a merchant. He commenced In the retail
inc, with the determination, after he got pretty well
acquainted with the business, to become wholesale
ealcr. That idea pleased his fancy. For two years
he kept retail grocery store and then sold out glad
get rid oft. The loss was about one-third of all
lie was worth. To make things worse there was
treat depression in trade and real estate fell almost
ne-half in value. In consequence of this, Mr.. Par
ers income from rents, after being forced to sacri.
ice very handsome piece of property to make up
he deficit that was called for in winding up his gro-
cry business did not give him sufficient to meet his
urrent family expenses.
There was no alternative left. The retired halter
vas glad to open shop once more, and look out for
ONE Of his old customers. Mr.. Steele saw his an
ouncement that he had resumed business at his old
taud, and asked fora share of public patronage. A
out two weeks after the shop was re-opened, that
entlcman called in and ordered hat. As he came
0 the door and was about reaching his hand out to
pen it, he heard the hatters voice singing an old ia
liIiar air. smile was on the face of Mr. Steele as
Q entered.
"All right again." he said, coming up to the coun-
,r and reaching out his hand. "Singng at your
'ork as of old! This is better than playing the
cntleman, or even keeping grocery store
ooh, yes, thousand times better,' the halter re.
lied, warmly. 81 am now in my right place."
"Performing your true use to the community and
lppy in doing So"
81 shall be happier, am sure. am happier area-
Y. My hatblocks and irons, and, indeed, everything
ound inc, look like familiar friends, and give me