Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-07-21
The Philosophical Cobbler.

In walking down Second street, on my
way 10 the Arsenal, found q crack ia my
boot, aud recollecting the old adage, "a
stitch IN time saves nine," popped into the
first cobbler's shop found to get il mended.
Unlocked for pleasures are generally most
relished. had no expectation Of meeting
with a philosophical cobbler. Pulling of
my boot looked at the man. What an ex.
pansive forehead What an expressive
eye! There is truth in Physiognomy, en-.
claimed TO myself That fellows brains
are not made Of green peas As he was
fixing the boot. thought Of man born
with capacities for intellectual pleasure and
improvement, "loitily, lordly," wasting his
whole existence, peni up in n small room,
knocking away with his hammer, aud bend
ing from morning till night over lap-stone
and piece OF leather. took another look
at the man. and, while the glorious sun
was rolling in his golden course, and all ma
ture smiling in her most gorgeous and su-
peTb scenery, moving the gaze and filling
the beholder with sublime feelings, here,
said ! TO myself, sits man perpetually
straining his eyes TO poke hogs bristle
through hole. What an employment for
a man capable. If properly instructed, Of
measuring the distance 10 Mercury! II is
impossible that he can be bsppy-he is out
Of his sphere. Just as he got the thread
through the third hole. | spoke to him and
said, "Your room is very small are you
happy here p He answered with some en-
ergy, "IIappy Yes. as happy as the day
is long, and would not exchange situations
with the President. don't interfere with
politics; but know all about them"
"But are you happy in your employment.
confined all day in this small room ~
ayes, certainly. The fact is, half Of the
world don't know how to be happy. was
for while humbugged about happiness;
but, sitting on my stool aud rejecting seri-
ously one day, got the secret. thought
that TO be happy you must be rich and great 1,
and have an inconveniently large house,
and more furniture, 10y far, than necessary.
and table groaning with every thing. But
| soon found out, all that was stuff. | am
happier here with my last and hammer. than
thousands with their fine houses and splen-
did equipage, and have great deal OF en-
joyment, in looking out of my little cabin.
and laughing at the fallies Of the world
They don't see me, and il does them no
harm. Between you and me, the world arc
busy pursuing mere shadows; one wants TO
be rich, another 10 get into ofiice-never
satisfied but here am J. mending old shoes
conlenied with my lot aud situation, and
happier by far than King. Indeed, am
thankful that Heaven in its wrath never
made me King, for it is poor business"
BY this time my boot was ready, and
wishing TO prolong the conversation with I
man who displayed SO much real practical
Philosophy. said
Have you no distressing cares TO ves
you, no anxieiies, no sleepless nights, nc
bills 10 meet, no pangs for yesterday, nc
fears for tomorrow 7"
He stared at me moment, and said
mo, none. The only cares have ar,
comforts. have wife, the best in Tho
, world, aud two children, which are comforts
for any man to enjoy. As to bills, hav,
none 10 meet. never buy on credit, ant
never buy what do not really need. A.
for the fears Of tomorrow, have no fears
bu, trust in kind and oyer-rulng Provi
dence, believing that sufficient unto the da,
is the evil thereof, and resignation to Prov
, idence to be the iruest Philosophy"
What a noble fellow, said to mend
/, crack in boot Himself piece OF no
: BILE workmanship! felt inwardIy the trui
! Of the saying, "conIentment is kingdom !;
and after left my Philosophical cobbler,
= thought much about him, and am satisfies
! that his philosophy was sound, and tina
mankind 10 general have yet 10 learn the Sc
cret TO be happy. His situation in life
obscure, but
"IIonor and fame from no condition rise,
Act well your part, there all the honor lies"
, "Contentment is kingdom = woul
! tina, the whole human family realized thi
!, sentiment more fully, and practiced man
Of the maxims Of the cobbler--such as ne'
! er 10 buy on credit, and never 10 buy whs
y they do not need, and trust more TO on
! Heavenly Father, who has promised 10 Civ
|" US whatsoever we ask in His name.
. Albany CultiUdf0l