Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-11-20

little discOmposed by her interview with III
teacher, Mrs. Thompson stepped into sneighborin
grocery to purchase some trifing article of famil
stores.
Il have little account against you Wilt b
convenient for Mr.. Thompson to settle II this even
iugl" asked the polite shopkeeper, as he produce,
4 the desired article. a@-
as it his usual time for settling p was again tn
surprised inquiry.
NWell, 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, Il you would like to look at II. I
viii call around this evening 1t is but small af-
fair"
Thirty dollars is no small sum to us lust now. -
thought Mrs. Thompson, as she thoughtfully DUR
sued her way toward home.
at seems strange that all these payments must
be met just now, while We are struggling to reeov
err from the heavy expenses of the winter. 1 can
not understand it."
Her perplexity was increased by finding her hus-
band with two bills in his hand and a eountenance
! expressive of anxiety and concern.
%Look, Mary" he said, as she entered, "Here are
two unexpected calls for money one from the doc
tor, and the other from the dealer in leather from
whom purchased my last stock They are both
very urgent for Immediate payment although they
have always been willing TO wait a few months I'M
til could make arrangements to meet their claims
But misfOrtunes never come single, and if man
gets little behindhand trouble seems to pour in
upon him." -~4s
"Just So" replied the wife. "The neighbors
think we are going down hill, and every one is rea-
dy to give US push. Here are two more bills for
youon from the grocer, and the other from the
teacher"
Reply was prevented by knock at the door, and
the appearance of a lad, who presented neatly
folded paper, and disappeared
"The butchers account, as I hveT 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 en-
ployment as usual, and the usual credit allowed
me, could soon satisfy all these claims but to
meet them now is impossible, and the acknowledge
ment of my inability would send US still further
on the downward path
ave must do our best and trust in Providence |
was the consoling remark of his wife, as second !
knock at the door aroused the fear that another /
claimant was about to appear.
But the benevolent eountenance of Uncle Joshua,
rare, but ever welcome visiter, presented itself
Seating himself in the comfortable chair that Mary
FASTENED to hand him. he said in his eccentric but
friendly manner:
"WeIl, good folks, I understand the world does
not go 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 Affections which
the Almighty sees to be necessary for us. The
and misfortunes, which we endeavored to bear with
patience All would now go well if those around
me were not determined to push me in the down
ward path"
"But there lies the difficulty, friend Thompson.
This is a selfish world. Everybody, or at least,
great majority, care only for number one. If they
see poor neighber going down hill, their first
thought is whether it viii 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 behindhand and all viii go well with you
Every true, Uncle Joshua, but how is this to be
done? Bills which did not expect to be called up
on to meet for the next three months are pouring
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 a miracle can save me"
"A miracle which is very easily wrought then,
imagine my good friend. What is the amount of
your debts which press so heavily upon you, and
how soon in the common course of events, could
you discharge them"
"They do not exceed one hundred dollars" repli-
ed the shoemaker: "and with my usual run of work,
1 could make all right in three or four months
"We will say SIX" was the answer Il will adj
vance you one hundred and fifty dollars for six
months. Pay every cent you owe, and with the re-
mainder of the money make some slight addition or
improvement 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 sec what
effect it has upon our worthy neighbors. No, no.
never mind thanking me. | am only trying little
experiment on human nature. 1 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
shoemakers prospects was indeed wonderful He
was now spoken of as one of the most thriving men
in the village, and many marvellous stories were
told to account for the sudden alteration in his az
fairs. -.
1t was generally agreed that distant relative
had bequeathed to him a legacy, which had entirely
relieved him of his pecuniary difficulties. They
had never before realized the beauty and durability
of his work. The polite butcher selected the best
pieces of meat for his inspection rs he entered and
was totally Indifferent as to the time of payment
The teacher accompanied the children home to tea,
and spoke in high terms of their improvement, pro-
nouncing them among her best scholars. The dress
maker suddenly found herself free from the great
press for work. and in friendly note expressed
her desire to oblige Mrs. Thompson in any way in
her power.
"Just as expected" exclaimed Uncle Joshua,
rubbing his hands exultngly, as the grateful shoe
maker called upon him at the expiration of SIX
months, with the money which had been loaned IN
the hour Of need. Just as l expected. A strange
v,orIdf Tbav oro readv TO push man up hill If he