Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-03-23

pocket; but the good judgment upon which he
prided himself prevailed; and, resolved not to be
deceived by appearances of distress, which were
easily assumed, he kept on his way.
Several times during the evening, the remem-
brance of the boy seemed to haunt him, and as
he passed the same spot on the following morning
| and recalled the earnest, despairing entreaty of
that last look, he could not but regret the
| he had taken.
! s"I wish 4 had given him trife,'' he said to
himself cit is quite probable that he was an i'm
poster; but there's possibility that he was not;
and would rather bestow money upon one who
was unworthy, than refuse it to really needy
lpersoE.' ~'
- As these thoughts passed through his mind, he
was oVertaken by friend who lived in his imme-
diate neighborhood, and was often his companion
in his daily walks to the city,
"Yeu have the start of me this morning." he
exclaimed, as quite out of breath he overlook Mr..
Campbell, 'but have been employed in a good
work, SO must not regret the delay.''
"Did your benevolent duties detan you % ask
ed his friend, who knew that the gentleman had
been appointed by the society for the relief of the
poor, visitor for the vicinity in which they resi-
ded
"They did, indeed,'' was the reply. Gas touch
ing case as have met with. The family in
question consists of widow and four children-the
eldest pale, sickly-looking boy of ten years,
and the other three, pretty little girls of differ
ent ages They have not long been in the neigh
borhood, and have no acquaintance or friends-
They have formerly been in better circumstances
and though reduced by misfortune to the very ex-
treme of poverty, are reluctant to ask assistance
Last evening, for the first time, as am told, the
boy, after unsuccessfully endeavoring to obtain
some trifing job by which he could earn few
pennies, applied to two three of the passers-by
for aid, but was ranked with the common class of
beggars,. and coldly repulsed.''
'About ten years old, say you % interrupted
Mr. Campbell. "What is his appearance 9''
s'Rather tall for his age, and very slender; dark
eyes and hair. But let tell you the rest of the
story. I found the poor mother in an absolute
state of starvation, having deprived herself almost
entirely of food for many days, in order to feed
her hungry little ones.
Exhausted nature could at length endure
no more, and long and death-hke swoon
SO alarmed her children, that they ran to the
nearest house for assistance; and in this way
became aware of their situation. The physician
whom l called in, tells me that there is yet
chance for the mothers life, but that had relief
been withheld few hours longer, nothing could
have saved her. A kind neighbor has offered to
remain with her through the day, and administer
the proper restoratives and food in small quanti-
ties''
Sand you think she will live :" asked Mr.
Campbell, with an expression of anxiety which
surprised his friend.
II think So" he replied; s'but why does my sto-
ry affect you so peculiarly Surely you are not
acquainted with the family 90
"Not at ALL" was the reply; "but to confess
the truth, I suspect am one of the persons who
refused to aid the boy, last evening. l have re-
GREETED it several times, but you know the streets
swarm with young beggars."
81 know they do, and it needs great discrimi-
nation to distinguish the deserving from the i'm
poster. We must be careful not to condemn them
from appearances"
"No, never judge from appearances" said
Mr. Campbell hastily, s'but in this case it seems
it would have been better if had done So"
"You did do SO, should say,'' returned his
friend, smiling; 'sand there lay your error. You
Judged from the appearance of the boy, that he
was common beggar, and therefore you refused
assistance. In fact. appearances are all we haye
to rest our Judgment on in many instances. My
rule, therefore, is not that will form an opinion
for this it would often be impossible to avoid
but that will not rashly condemn. l generally
suppose good until am compelled to admit evil. :"
.'That is my wife's theory; but I maintain that
the judgment must not be swayed by appearances.
but hold itself suspended and wait for proof"
ssWhat man never done and never will do, in
my opinion was the laughing reply. "You are
attempting an impossibilty, your experience
of last evening may convince you. You refused
to aid the boy because you would not be deceived
by the appearance of necessity, and of truthful
ness, which am sure must have been apparent;
but you must confess that you allowed yourself
to be Influenced by another set of appearances
which decided you against him."
"Perhaps so, but this is only solitary instance
There are always exceptions to general rules
But it is of no use to argue the point as neither
of us will be likely to convince the other of his
error.''
"Experience will be your teacher, friend Camp
bell. and do not tdespair Of hearing you acknowl
edge your mistake. But, in the meantime, l mus
wish you good morning, as I have reached the
door of my Office"
Immersed in the cares and perplexities of tht
day, Mr.. Campbell had not bestowed a secont
thought upon the conversation of the morning
and was busily engaged with his usual duties
Z when he was interrupted by the entrance of