Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1853-11-25


d see poor widow, in such state Of lo'
y health, that she had to lie in bed neary hal
Of every day. She had two small chill
E dren, and supported herself and them b.
6ne embroidery, at which she worke'
nearly all the time. I never saw a neate
D room in my life tlan hers, and her chill
dren, though in very plain and patched
: clothing, were perfectly clean. How diff
ferent is ali here; and yet, when l entered
= you all sat idly amid this disorder, and
shall 1 speak plainly-flth."
The woman, on whose face the color ha(
, deepened while Mr.. Prescott spoke, nov
rose up quickly, and commenced busting
about the room, which in few moments
looked far less in disorder. That she fell
his rebuke, the visitor regarded as good
sign.
i "Now," said he, as the woman resumed
her seat, "let me give you the best maxim
for the poor in the English language; one
that, if lived by, will soon e1tinguish pov.
erty, or make it very light thing-'God
helps those who help themselves To be
very plain with you, it is clear to my eyes
that you do not try to help yourselves; such
being the case, you need not expect gratu-
itous help from God. Last evening you
were aided by Mr.. Jonas, who promised
more efficient aid to-day. You have not
yet heard from him, and what is more
will not hear from him. Some one to
whom he applied for contribution hap
pened to know more about you than he
did, and broadly pronounced you set Of
idle vagabonds. Just think Of bearing
such character! lie dropped the matter
at once, and you will get nothing more
from him. am one of those on whom
he called. Now if you are all disposed to
help yourselves, l will try to stand your
friend if not, l shall have nothing to do
with you. I speak plainly; it is better ;
there will be less danger of misapprehen-
sion. That Oldest boy Of yours must 60
to work and earn something. And your
daughter can work about the house very
we'll while you go out to wash, or scrub,
and thus earn dollar or two, or three
every week. There will be no danger of
viii Saato oyoap 5hiadqsamae paHdvSs Ssap 'Afs4r 'Afs4r!
Gardiner can help some, l do not in the
least doubt"
And Mr.. Prescott looked cnquiringly at
the man.
"lfI was only able-bodied," said Gar
diner in half reluctant tone and manner.
"But you are not. Still, there are ma
ny things you may do. If, by little e1-
ertion you can earn the small sum of two or
three dollars week, it will be far better
even for your health-than idleness.
Two dollars earned every week by your
wife, two by your boy, and three BY your
SELL, would make seven dollars week, and
if l am not very much mistaken, you don't
see half that sum in a week now"
"Indeed, sir, and you speak the truth
there" said the woman.
"Very we'll. It's plain, then, that work
il better than idleness"
"But We can't get work" The woman
fell back upon this strong assertion.
"Don't believe a word of it. can tell
you how to earn half dollar day for
the next four or FIVE days at least. So
there's beginning for You. Put yourself
in the way Of useful employment, and you
will have no difficulty beyond"
"Wbat kind of work, sir?" inquired she.
"We're about moving into new house,
and my wife commences the work of hav-
ing it cleaned tomorrow morning. Will
you Gomez"
The woman asked the number of his
residence, and promised to accept the offer.
every we'll. So far, 50 good" said Mr..
Prescott, cheerfully, as be arose. "You
shall be paid at the close of each days
work, and that will give you the pleasure
of eating your own bread-a real pleasure.
you may depend upon it, for loaf earned |
is sweeter than the richest food bestowed
by charity, and far better for the health"
But about the boy, sir?" said Gard
liner, whose mind was becoming active
with more independent thoughts.
Gail in good time," said Mr.. Prescott,
smiling. "Rome was not built in day,
you know. First, let US secure . begin
ming. If your wife goes to work to-mor-
row, I shall think her in earnest as will
ling to help herself, therefore worthy to
be holped. All the rest will come in due
order. But you may rest assured, that if
she does not come to work, it will be the
end of the matter as far as am concerned.
So good evening to you"
Bright and early came Mrs. Gardiner
~ r.