The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-12-08


every one is ready to give us push
Here are two more bills for you, one from
the grocer and the other from the teach
er.'
Reply was prevented By knock at
the door, and the appearance of lad,
who presented a neatly folded paper and
disappeared.
'The butchers account, as | live y ex-
claimed the astonished shoemaker.--
'What is to be done, Mary! So much
money to be paid out and very little COM
ing in; for some of my best customers
have left me, although my work has al
ways given satifaction. If | could only
have as much employment as usual and
the usual credit allowed me, could
soon satisfy all these claims; but to meet
them now is impossible, and the acknowl-
edgement of my inability would send US
still further on the downward path
'We must do our best and trust in
Providence was the consoling remark of
his wife, as a second knock at the door
aroused their fear that another claimant
was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance OF Un-
Gle Joshua rare but ever welcome visi-
tor, presented itself Seating himself in
the comfortable chair that Mary hastened
to hand him, he said, in his eccentric, but
friendly manner,
well, good folks, understand the
world does not 90 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 winter was
irving one. We met with sickness and
misfortunes, which we endeavored to bear
with patience. All would now 60 well
if those around me were not determined
to push me in the downward path
But there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson. This is a selfish world
Everybody; or at least, a great majority,
care only for number one. If they see
poor neighbor going down hill, their first
thought is whether it will 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 will go well
with YOU
very true, Uncle 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 pouring in upon
me. My best customers are leaving me
for more fortunate rival In short [
am on the brink of ruiu, and nought
but miracle can save me,
"a miracle which is very easily done
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 dis
charge them!'
'They do not exceed one hundred dol
lars replied the shoemaker; 'and with
my usual run of work, | could make all
right in three or four months
'We will say six, was the answer i
will advance you one hundred and fifty
dollars for six months. Pay every cent
you owe, and with the remainder of the
money, make some slight addition or
improvement in your shop or house, and
put everything about the grounds in Its
usual neat order. Try this plan for a
few weeks, and we will see what effect it
has upon our worthy neighbors. No, no,
never mind thanking me. am only
trying little experiment on human ma
ture. | know you of old, and have no
doubt that my money is safe in your
hands,
Weeks passed by. The advice of Un-
Gle Joshua had been strictly followed
and the change in the shoemaker's pros
poets was indeed wonderful, He was
spoken of as one of the most thriving
men in the village, and many marvellous
stories we're told to account for the sud
den alteration in his affairs.
1t was generally agreed that distant
relative had bequeathed to him 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 select,
ed the best pieces of meat for his inspee
ton, as he entered, and was totally In
different as to the time of payment. The
teacher accompanied the children home
to tea, and spoke in high terms of theil
improvement, pronouncing them among
her best scholars. The dress maker sud
denly found herself free from the grea
press of work, and in a friendly note ex
pressed her desire to oblige Mrs. Thomp
son in any way in her power.
Just as | expected exclaimed Uncle
Joshua, rubbing his hands exultingly, al
the greateful shoemaker called upon hin
at the expiration of six months, with th'
money which had been loaned in tht
hour of need. Just as | expected. A
strange world! They are ready to pusl
man up hill if he seems to be ascending
and just as ready to push him down, i
they find that his face is turned that way
In future, neighbor Thompson, let every
thing around you wear an air oil prosper
ity. and YOU will be sure to prosper. -