Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-01-14

Let no poor boy, after reading the follow
ing interesting fact, ever despair of making
a respectable living.
| A gentleman was once walking down one
of the streets of P, when beggar
loudly craved for "few coppers for a nights
lodging" The gentleman looked earnestly
at the poor man, and inquired, ''Why do
you not work you should be ashamed of
begging"
"Oh sir, l do not know where to get en-
ployment."
"Nonsense !" replied the gentleman, "you
can work if you will. Now listen to me.
was once abeggar like you. A gentleman
gave me crown piece, and said to me-,
Work. and don t beg; God helps those who
help themselves immediately left P,
and got out of the way OF my old compan-
ions. | remembered the advice given me
by my mother before she died, and began
to pray to God, to keep me from sin, and
to give me his help, day by day. went
round to the houses in the country places,
and with part of my five shillings bought
old rags. These took to the paper-mills,
and sold them at profit. | was always
willing to give fair price for the things [
bought, and dId not try to sell them for more
than believed they were worth. deter.
mined to be honest, and God prospered me.
My purchases and profits became larger &
larger, and now have got more than ten
thousand GROOM pic;es that can call my own.
"One great thing that has contributed to my
success is this haze kept from drink and
to5acco'
As the gentleman spoke, he took out his
purse and drew from 1t fve-shilling piece
and handing it to the astonished beggar, he
said, 'Now you have the same chance of
getting on in the world as had. Go and
work, and never let me see you begging
again. II do, l will hand you over to the
police.'
Years passed away. The gentlemen had
forgotten the circumstance, until one day,
when travelling through P, he enter
ed arespectable looking bookselers's shop,
in order to purchase some books that he
wanted.
He had not been many minutes in con-
versation with the bookseller, before the lat
Ter, eagerly looking into the face of his Gus
toner, inquired, "Sir, are you not the gen.
! tleman who, a few years ago. gave five
shilling piece, to poor beggar at the end
of this street" ?"
eyes, remember it we'll"
"Then, sir, this house, this well-stocked
shop, is the fruit ofthat fve-shilling piece"
Tears of gratitude trickled down his cheeks,
as he introduced the gentleman to his hap
py wife and children. He was regarded as
their benefactor. When gathered round
the table, to partake of tea, the bookseller
recounted his history from the above event
full day. 1t was very similar to that of the
welcome visiters. BY industry, honesty,
and dependence on Gods's help he had
risen, step by step from buying rags to sci.
ling papers and tracts in the streets, then to
keeping an old book shop, and ultimately
to be owner of one of the ebestcirculating IL
braries in the place. Before the happy party
separated the large old family Bible was
brought, out of which psalm of thanks
giving was read, and then all bent round
the family altar. Words could not express
the feelings of those who formed that group.
For some moments, silence, intermingled
by subdued sobs, evidenced the gratitude
to the Almighty Disposer of all events,
which was ascending to heaven.
When they rose, and bid each other fare
well, the bookseller said-"Thank God
have found your words to be true. God
helps those who help themselves III is
better to cork than 10 beg!'" "