The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-10-11

{" Is it his usual time for settling :" was again
the surprised inquiry. .,..
"Well, not exactly; but money is very tight
Just now, and am anxious to get all that is due
me. In future Intend to keep short accounts.
There is little bill, if you would like to look at
it. I will call around this evening 1t is but
small affair.""
"Thirtv dollars is no small sum to us just
now," thought Ms. Thompson, as she thought
fully pursued her way toward home.
at seems strange that all these payments
must lie met just now, while We are struggling
20 recover from the heavy expenses of the win
ter cannot understand it."
Her perrlexity was increased by finding her
husband with two bills in his hand and a coun.
tenance expressive of anxiety and concern.
"Look, Mary" he said, as she entered :" Here
are two unexpected calls for money; ono from
the doctor, and the other from the dealer in
leather from, whom purchased my last stock.
They are both very urgent for Immediate pay
ment, although they have always been willing to
wait few months until l could make arrange
meuts to meet their claims. But misfortunes
never come single, and if man gets little be:
hindhand, trouble seems to pour in upon him."
"Just so" replied the wife. "The neighbors
think we are going down hill, and every one is
ready to give us y push. Here are two more
bills for you--one from the grocer, and the 9th
or from the teacher"
Reply was prevented by 4 knock at the door,
and the appearance of a lad, who presented
neatly folded paper, and disappeared.
"The butchers account, as live ~ exclaimed
the astonished shoemaker "What is to be
done, Mary? So much money to be paid out
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 satisfy all these
claims :-'but to lneetthen now is impossible, aud
the acknowledgment Of my inability would send
US still on the downward path"
r" We must do our best and trust to Providence"
was the consoliug remark of his wife, as a Sc
another claimant was about to appear.
--o But the benevolent countenance of Uncle
Joshua, a rare, but ever welcome visitor, pre-
sen,ed itself Seating himself in the comiorta-
ble chair that Mary FASTENED to hand him, he
saidin his eccentric but friendly manner:
"Well, good folks, understand the world
does not 60 as well with you as formerly. What
is the trouble:'
"There need be no trouble" was the reply,
if men would not try to add to the afflictons
, Which the Almighty sees to be necessary for US.
The winter was trying one. We met with
sickness aud misfortuncs, which We endeavored
to bear with patience. All would now 60 we'll
if those around me We're not determined to push
me in the downward path"
g But there Les the difficulty, friend Thomp-
son. This is selfish world, Everybody, or at
least, great majority, care only for number one.
Ii they see poor neighbor going down hill,
their first thought is whether it will affect their
own interests, and provided they can secure them
selves, they care not how soon he goes to the
bottom. The only way is to keep up appear
anccs. Show no signs Of going Jcl,indhand, and
all will go well With YOU"
"Very true Uucle 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 rouring in upon me. My best customers
are leaving me for a more fortunate rival In
short, am on the brink of ruin, and nought but
miracle can save me-"
"a miracle Which is very easily wrought then,
imagine my good friend. What is the alnoun:
of your debts which press so heavily upon YOU,
and how soon in the common course of events,
could you discharge them I"
They do not exceed one hundred dollars"
replied tile shoemaker; and with my usual run
of work, | could make all right in three or four
m ntlIs." -.-.
ave will say six,' II will advance YOU one
hundred and fifty dollars for six months Paw
every cent you owe, and with the remainder of
! the money make some slight addition or i'm
provement in your shop or house, and put every
thing about the grounds in its usual neat order.
Try this plan for few weeks, and we will see
what effect It has upon our worthy neighbors
No, no, never mind thanking me- am only
trying a little experiment on human nature /
know you Of old, and have no doubt my money
is safe in your hands"
Weeks passed by. The advice of Uncle Joshua
had been strictly followed, and the change in
! the shocmaker's prospects was indeed wonder
full He was now spoken of as one of the most
/ thriving men in the village, and many marvel
ious stories were told to account for the sudden
alteration in his affairs.
1t was generally agreed that distant relative
had bequeathed to him legacy, which had en-
tircy relieved him of his pecuniary difficulties.
They had never before realized the beauty and
durability of his work. The polite butcher Sc,
lected the best pieces Of meat for his inspection,
as he entered, and was totally.indiferent as to
the time of payment. The teacher accompa-
MED the children home to tea, and spoken high
terms Of their improvement, pronouncing them
among her best scholars. The dress-maker sud-
denly found herself free from the great press for
work, and in friendly note expressed her de-
sire to obligc Mrs. Thompson in any way in her
power.
"Just as expected" exclaimed Uncle joshua