The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-07-20


were actuated, Mrs. Evans was about to
add few explanatory words, when anoth-
er visitor Mas announced.
A pleasant looking young lady entered,
and uttered an exclamation of pleasure at
finding Mrs. Alderman and Mrs Williams
seated with Mrs. Evans.
at vii! save me such long walk" she
said; for you must know that l am on
charitable mission this morning, and in
tend to call upon you all for aid"
"Many beside yourself appear to be
engaged in the good cause OF charity this
morning." replied Mrs. Evans, smiling.-
This is the third call which I have re-
ccivci."
"lndecd But my business must be of
different nature, for am the only agent
at present. l have a little here, edited by
n poor blind man, rs a means of gaining
Il support for himself and his family. The
subscription is only one dollar for the wear,
pay 'bIc i'll advance, and you will not only
have the satisfaction Of aiding most
worthy family, but you will possess work
tuII OF useful reading, aud valuable rs be-
ing cond'tcteI, and indeed mostly written
by one who is entirely deprived Of sight"
Mrs. Ackcrman took the paper which
WAS offered for examination, and also the
list OF persons who had already subscribed.
~ Ou have been successful" she re-
marked, ms she glanced over the names.
81 have no objection to bestowing dollar
upon so worthy an object, and if Mrs. Ev-
ans Will kindly furnish me pen and ink,
will add my nam" ut once
"And the other ladies will follow your
example and do tue same, hope" was
the reply; and again poor Mrs. Williams
fingered the purse in which her little store
was now deposited, with peculiarly un-
easy sensation.
The baby must have his flannel That
was certain and Mary's shoes were too
bad but EIlen's might do a little longer.
True, they were thin for the season, but
week or two could make little difference,
and Mr.. Williams expected to receive a
considerable sum before many days.
/ hen followed the desire To appear rs lib
craI us Mrs. Ackcrman, and to aid in set
ting a good example to Mrs. Evans, to say
nothing of the wish to assist the blind
man. ...
All these various reasons triumphed.
aud Mrs. Williams took the pen from the
hand Of her friend and added her name
w,h Il feeling Of satisfaction slightly min.
gled with self.rcproach. ..
And now, Mrs. Evans" continued the
fair patroness Of the blind man.
The lady Appealed to, shook her head.
ut is quite out of my power" she said
tir'tl. Il ana gricvcd to appear unchar-
't"b'e To 50 many OF my friends, but it is
my endcarort To act coiscientiously in these
matters, aud to do this am often obliged
t" refuse Appeals to my benevoIence."
But the SUN is SO triiling, and the
cau>c such good one, Mrs. Evans. CHAR
~ Is a great virtue you know"
1t is, indeed, but il consists not in
mere almsgivirg. | consider the right
performance Of all our duties rs so many
acts of charity. In the first place, we
should pay particular regard to the wei.
fare of those who are more especially
placed under our care by the Divine Provi-
dence. Our children are certainly among
tic first objects of our charity, and their
moral ard physical well-being should be
strictly cared for. Other near relatives or
friends are generally pointed out as de-
mandIng our kindness and care. do not
entirely acknowledge the doctrine that as
we are all one great family, those connec-
tod by ties Of relationship have no peculiar
claim upon Us. God hath seen fit to di-
vide us into families, and, as q general
rule, think that those thus connected
can be better mediums Of good to one an
other"
"Would you then assist none but your
owi; nea. connections I" inquired Mrs.
Ackerman, with some severity Of tone and
manner.
Certainly, as far as my means would
permit have certain rules in regard to
these matters by which regulate my
conduct, but fear their repetition NAV
he wearisome to you. In the fiss place,
ha an accurate knowledge OF the
amount Of my husbands income, and
make it my SPECIAL study to provide for
the comfort Of my family in an economi-
cal and prudent manner. This done, I nut
aside certain sum for sickness and un-
foreseen expenses, which l consider a posi-
tive duty. as otherwise there ARE times
when debts will accumulate, and to with
hold from any one their just due Is deci.
ded!y uncharitable. l then set apart an
other sum for the relief Of the poor and
needy, which | endeayor to expend in
ways which appear to me most productive
OF good. i first seek out the poor in my
own immediate neighborhood, or those
who by some providential circumstances
are brought particularly TO my notice
After they are cared for, | am ready so
far as my means will permit to assist those
at greater distance, even ~ the hesthen
in foreign lands. At the present time.
have had unusual demands upon my little
fund, and must be cautious lest | tfespass
upon money devoted TO other purposes. q.
Excuse this long explanation, ladies, but
i seemed necessary for my own justifica-
tion.' q ga as IS
With sosnewhat alterAd fsSl,os. a.