Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-07-07
say nothing of the wish to assist the blind

man.
All these various reasons triumphed, and
Mrs. Williams took the pen from the hand of
her friend and added her name with feeling
of satisfaction slightly mingled with selfre-
proach.
"And now, Mrs. Evans" continued the
fair patroness of the blind man.
The lady appealed to shook her head. ''It
is quite out Of my power" she said firmly
81 am grieved to appear uncharitable to SO
many of my friends, but it is my endeavor to
act conscientiously in these matters, and to do
this l am often obliged to refuse appeals to my
benevolence."
"But the sum is so trifing, and the cause
such good one, Mrs. Evans. Charity is
great virtue, you know.
"It is, indeed, but it consists not in mere
alms-giving. Iconsider the right performance
Of all our duties as so many acts of charity
In the first place, we should pay particular re-
gard to the welfare of those who are more es-
pecially placed under our care by the Divine
Providence. Our children are certainly among
the first objects of our charity, and their NOR
al and physical well-being should be cared
for. Other near relatives or friends are gen.
orally pointed out as demanding our kindness
and care. | do not entirely acknowledge the
doctrine that as we are all one great family,
those connected by ties of relationship have no
peculiar claim upon us. God hath seen fit to
divide US into families, and as a general rule,
| think that those thus connected can be better
mediums of good to one another.
"Would you then assist none but your own
near connectionsl'' inquired Mrs. Ackerman,
with some severity of tone and manner
Certainly, as far as my means would per-
NIT. have certain rules in regard to these
matters by which regulate my conduct, but
fear their repetition may be wearisome to
you. In the first place, have an accurate
knowledge of the amount of my husbands in
come, and make it my especial study to pro-
vide for the comfort of my family in an eco
nomical and prudent manner. This done, l
put aside certain sum for sickness and un-
foreseen expenses, which / consider positive
duty, as otherwise there are times when debts
will accumulate, and to withhold from any one
his just due is decidedly uncharitable. then
set apart another sum for the relief Of the poor
and needy, which l endeavor to expend in
ways which appear to me most productive of
good. first seek out the poor in my own
immediate neighborhood or those who by
some providential circumstances are brought
particularly 10 my notlce. After they are
cared for, | am ready so far as my means will
permit to assist those at greater distance,
even to the heather in foreign lands. At the
present time / have had unusual demands up
on my little fund; and must be cautious lest |
trespass upon money devoted to other purpos-
es. Excuse this long explanation, ladies', but
it seemed necessary for my own justification.
With somewhat altered feelings, the guests
took leave. The remarks of Mrs. Evans had
at least furnished them with food for refec-
ton, and with regret Mrs. Williams recalled
the manner in which three dollars of the little
fund appropriated to the payment of just
debt, and to the comfort of her children, had
been expended.
eff Mrs. Evans is right in her ideas of true
charity, have certainly not acted in accord
ance with it" she mentally exclaimed, as she
proceeded to purchase one pair of shoes, and
few yards of flannel
Her self-reproach was increased when, on
reaching home, she found the young semp-
stress awaiting her.
"Could you conveniently let me have the
dollar you owe me, Mrs. Williams." she
asked, in timid but earnest manner
81 am sorry to say that cannot, this morn
ing, Alice" was the reply. ''Call the latter
part of next week, and it shall be ready for
you"
The girl hesitated. She evidently disliked
to urge her request, but necessity overcame
her reluctance, and she again said
alt would be great favor if you could let
me have it."
"It is impossible, Alice, but if you really
need it, will endeavor to send it to you in
day or two. What is your number1"
With deep sigh, Alice gave her address,
and took her leave. The tears fell fast from
her eyes as she left the house, for with that
trifing sum she had hoped to procure some
necessary comforts for her invalid and destitute
mother.
Quite dspirited, Mrs. Williams returned to
her parlor, and looking with disgust at the
pin-cushion and work-bag, which accidentally
met her eye, she hastily thrust them out of
sight, exclaiming-
elbow I wish Alice had the money which
| paid for these. | suppose | must ask Henry
for dollar for her, though hate to tell him
of my foolishness.
The reluctance to tell her husband prevented
the request from being made that evening, and
the next morning it passed from her mind un-
til he had gone to his daily business.
"Nevet mind" was the reflection. eI
said in day or two. Twill ask Henry for
the money when he returns, and send it to AL
ice, this evening"
The morning was cloudy, and soon after the
children went to school the rain came down in
torrents. On their return, little Ellen's thin
shoes were perfectly saturated with wet, and
with some anxiety her mother hastened to
warm and dry her feet, for the child was natu-
rally delicate, and could bear little exposure.