Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1850-04-30

by over-exertion and the denial of yourse
and family of all those little Injuries and re
creations which both so much need, and the
say how deeply dyed would be that dishon
esty which would cause you in moment O
darker and deeper discouragement than usua
TO throw the crushing weight from you
shoulders and resolve to bear it no longer
You must leave man some hope in life
you would keep him active and industrious
in his own sphere
MI. Perton said nothing in reply TO this
but he looked sober. Ills friend soon afte
left.
The merchant as the reader may infe
from his own acknowledgements, was one o
those men whose regard 10 only their owl
interests has become so confirmed habit
that they can see nothing beyond the narrow
circle of self. Upon debtors he had never
looked with particle of sympathy; and, in
all cases, exacted his own as rigidly as if his
debtor had not been a creature of human
wants aud feelings. What had just been
said, however, awakened a new thought in
his mind; and, as he reflected upon the sub
ject, he saw there was some reason in wha,
had been said, and he felt ashamed of his
allusion TO the interest of the tailor's fifty
dollar debt.
and from some cause mentioned the name OF
Moale.
Hes an honest man--that am ready to
say TO him. remarked Mr.. Perton.
Honest, but very poor was replied.
Hes doing very well, believe said tho
merchant.
Hos managing to keep soul and body to-
gether, and hardly that
Hes paying off his old debts
i know he is; but blame him for injur
ing his health and wronging his family in
order to pay a few hundred dollars to men
thousand times better off in the world than
he is. He brought me twenty dollars on an
old debt, yesterday, but | wouldn't touch it,
His nlisfortunes had long ago cancelled
the obligation in my eyes. God forbid! that
with enoughto spare should take the bread
out of the months OF poor mans children
is he so very poorl' asked Mr.. Pertou.
surprised and rebuked at wha, he heard.
He has family Of six children to feed,
cloihe aud educate; and he has 10 do il with
his unassised labor. Since he was broken
up in business, some years ago, be has had
great difficulties TO contend with, and only
by pinching his family aud depriying both
Of nearly every comfort has been able 10 re-
duce the claims that have been standing
against him. Btl he has shortened his Own life
thereby, and has deprived his children Of the
benefits of education, except IN a very lim
ted degree-wtongs that are iuepatable. |
honor his stern integrity of character bo,
think he has carried his ideas of honesty too
far. God gave him these children, and they
have claims on him for earthly comforts and
blessings 10 the extent of his ability to provide.
His misfortunes he could not prevent, aud
has f., ba
ment Of those who lost by him. as they were
for his own. II, subsequently,; his greatest
efforts were not able TO provide more than
ordinary comforts for the family sill depend
ent on him, his FIRST duty was TO see that they
did not want. II he coulc not pay bis debts
without injury TO his health or wrong to his
family. he was under no obligstions to pay
them; for ii is as clear ihat no claims upon
as are so imperative as TO require US 10 wrong
others in order To satisfy them.'
Here was another new docJtine for the mer
chant--doctrine strange, as well rs new. lie
did not feel quite so comfortably as before "a
bout the recovered debt OF fifty dollars. The
money still lay on his desk. lie had not yet
entered ii upon his cash book, and he felt
now less inclined TO do it than ever. The
claims of humanity, in the abstract, pressed
themselves upon him for consideration, and
he saw that they were not to be lightly thrust
aside.
In order 10 pay the fifty dollars so long due
the merchant, Mr.. Moale had. as alledged,
denied himself and family, at every point,
aud Over-worked himselfto degree serious
!y Injurious 10 his health. But his heart
felt lighter after the sense Of obligation was
removed.
There was little at home no wever, TO make
him feel cheerful. His wife, not feeling able
10 hire domestic, was worn DOVE by the
care aud labor of her large family. The
children were, rs necessary consequence
neglected both in minds aud bodies. Alas.
there was 90 sunshine in the poor mans
dwelling.
Well, Alice said Mr.. Moale, as his wife
came and stood by the board upon which he
sat at work, holding her baby in her arms. Il
have paid off another debt, thank heaven
'Whoser
treated me as such. hope he thinks differ
ent now
Il wish that all men were as honest in their
intentions as you are
SO do [, Alice. The world would be much !
beuer than il is. am thinking
And yet, William said his wife, i some
times think that we do wrong to sacrifice so
much to get out OF debt. Our children-
'Alicer spoke up the tailor quickly, Il .
would almost sell my body 10 slavery TO get
free OF debt. When think OF what still
owe, feel as il [ would suiTocate.'
Il know how badly you Ieel about il, Will
lam; bat your heart Is honest, and shall not |
that reflection bear you up.
what is an honest heart without an hon
est hand, Alcel' replied the tailor, bcudiDg
still TO his work.
The honest heart is the main thing. VII
liam. God looks at that Man judges only
by the action; God sees the heart and ITS pur-
poses
Bot what is the purpose without the
actl'
III is all that is required, where no ability
10 act IS given. Wlllam, God does not de-
mand Of any one imposshiIiIies.'
Though man often does. said the tailor
biuehy.'
There was pause, broken, at length, by