Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1853-10-14
time / fear that it will not be in my power

different direction, Shc muttcrcu 10 nCfScll
Just as | expected. | never shall sec a
cent. Every body says they are going down
hill. | must get rid of the children some
way. Perhaps | may get pair of shoes or
two for payment for the half quarter, if |
manage right but it viii never do to go ON
in this way
j little discomposcd by the interview with
the teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into II
ncighhoring grocery to purchase some triiling
articles Of family stores.
:" have little account against you.--
Will it be convenient for Mr.. Thompson to
settle it this evening I" asked the polite shop
keeper as he produced the desired article.
9 Is it his usual time for settling - was
again the surprised enquiry.
well, not exactly but money is very
! tight now, and am anxious to get all that
is due me. In future intend to keep short
accounts there is the little bill, if you would
like to look at it. | will call around tins
cycning-it is but Il small affair."
''Thirty dollars is no small sum to- us just
now" thought Mrs. Thompson, as she
| thoughtiully pursued her way towards home.
1t seems strange that all these payments
must be met Just now, while we are strug-
| Cling to recover from the heavy expense OF
! the winter. | cannot understand it.
| Her rcrplcxity was increased by finding her
husband with two bills in his hand, and Il
countcnancc expressive Of anxiety and con
Germ
Look Mary" he said as she entered
'' here are two unexpected calls for moncv
one from the doctor, and one from the dealer
in leather from whom purchased my last
stock. They are both very urgent for inliiie-
diatc payment :-although they have always
been willing to wait few months, until |
could make arrangements to meet their
claims. But misfortune never come single
and if man once gets little behind hand,
trouble seems to pour in upon him
just SO" replied the wife. " The neigh
bors think we are going down hill, and every
one is ready to give us II push. Here are two
more bills for yOu-onc from the grocer and
the other from the teacher"
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door, and the appearance of Il lad who pre-
Scntcd Il neatly folded paper and disappeared
" The butchers account as live go cx-
claimed the astoniShcd shoemaker. "What
is to be done, Mary So much money to he
paid ont and very little coming in for some
of my best customers have left me, although
my work has always given satisfaction. If |
could only have as much employment as usual
and the usual credit allowed me, could soon
now Is impossible, and the acknowledgement
of my inability would send US still on the
downward path"
" We must do our best and trust in Prov-
dcncc,' was the conSoling remark of his wife,
as second knock ut the door aroused the
fear that another claimant was about to az
pear.
But the benevolent countcnancc of Uncle
Joshua. rare. but very welcome Wis ter pre-
srntrd itself Seating himSclfin the comfnrt-
able chair that Mary hastcncd t. hand him, ,
he said. in his eccentric, but friendly manner !:
:. Well. good folks, | understand the world
does not 90 as we'll with you as formerly
W hat is the trouble 80
:. There need be no trouble" was the re
ply. " if men would not try to add to the af-
lictions which the Almighty sees to be nee
csSary for us. The winter was Il trying one.
We met with sickness and mistortun"s, which
we cndcavorod to bear with patience. All
would now 90 well if those around me w"i,'
not determined to push me III the downward
Imth.'
:. Bat there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson. This is IA selfish world. Every
body, or at least great majority, caro- only
for number one. If they see poor ncighbor
going down hill, their thought is whether it
will affect their own interests, and, provided
they can secure themselves, they care not
how soon he goes to the bottom. The only
way is to keep up appearances. Show no
signs Of going bchindhand, and all will so
well with you.'
every true, Uncle Joshua, but how is this
to be done Bills which did not expect to
be called upon to meet for the next three
months are pouring in upon me. My best
customers are leaving me fora more iortunate
rival. In short, am on the brink Of ruin,
and nought but Il miracle can save me-
4" \ miracle which is very easily wrought
then, imagine, my good friend. What is
the amount Of your debts which press 81
heavily upon YOU, and how soon in the com
smon course Of events could you dischargc
them ~
''rhoy do not exceed one hundred dollars,
replied the shoemaker; "and with my usual
run of work, could make all right in three
OF four MONTHS
I've will say SIX" was the answer % |
will advance you one hundred and fifty dollars
for six months. Pay every cent you owe,
and with the remainder of the money make
ONE slight addition or improvement in your
shop or house, and put everything about the
grounds in its usual neat order. Try this
plan for few weeks, and we will see what
cnect III mas upon our worthy nclShhofS. NO,
no, never mind thanking me. am only
trying little experiment on human nature.
| know you of old, and have no doubt that
my money is safe in your hands,
| Weeks passed by. The advice of Uncle
Joshua had been strictly followed, and the
change in the shoemaker prospects were in
decd wonderful lie was now spoken Of n
one Of the most thriving men in the village
and many marvellous stories We're told to ac-
count for the sudden alteration in his affairs
1t was generally agreed that distant rel
atiye had bequeathed to him IL legacy, which
had entirely relieved him of his pccuniary
difficulties. Old customers and new ones
crowded in upon him. They had never hciur,
realized the beauty and durability of hi,
work. The polite butcher selected the best
pieces ofmcat for his inspection, as he enter
ed, and was totally Indifferent rs to the time
Of payment. The teacher accompanied the
children home to tea, and spoke in high terms
of their improvement, pronouncing then
among hor best scholars. The drcsS-makcl
suddenly found herself free from the great
press for work, and in IA friendly note cx
pressed her desire to oblige Mrs, Thompson
in any NvuV in hpr noVpr