Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-05-12
EVENING STAR,
LOOK UP.n

"L00K UP"
Misfortunes," it is said, "never come
singly." This was certainly verified in
the family Of William Thornby. The
world had gone prosperously with him
for time, but soon promising specula
tions failed entirely, and his affairs be.
came sadly involved. Some hopes of re-
covery presented themselves, when a
fire broke out in the place, his house of
business fell . prey to the flames, and
almost every article was consumed, and
to render the misfortune greater, the in.
surance had expired the day before.
Thornby and his large family were re.
duced to absolute poverty. Nor was
this all; his anxiety and exposure dur
ing the fire brought on fever, and for
weeks his wife and daughters hung over
him, almost despairing of his life. At
length, however, the fever abated, and
though he was left weak and helpless as
an infant, reason had returned, and
nothing was needed for his restoration
to health, but good nursing and freedom
from mental anxiety.
Careful and affsctionate nursing was
not wanting, but it was impossible to
prevent mental uneasiness. His chill
dren must be supported, but how! They
would share with him in poverty, per-
haps the disgrace which the involved
state of affairs would bring upon him !;
and many would heap upon him un-
merited reproach. There remained but
one way by which his fair name could
be entirely retained, and on this he at
once resolved. The house in which they
lived was valuable, and would command
a ready and favorable sale. 1t was hard
to part with home he had made so com. L.
Portable, but there was no alternative.
The house was offered for sale, and a
purchaser soon found.
Every just claim was satisfied, and the
family removed to distant part of the
country. Here, in a small, neat dwell
ling they found themselves in the pos
session of manv comforts and in their
affection for each other, the mother and
children soon found contentment and
happiness.
But the fathers heart was still sad.
He FELT want of confidence in himself,
and mistrust in his fellow-creatures.
His whole appearance was changed. His
countenance was downcast and sad; his
steps lingering and irresolute, and no one
would have recognised the once happy
merchant in the i'll. dressed and unhappy
looking man, who now busted himself in
cultivating small piece of land that sur
rounded his little dwelling.
His wife sought by every means in her
power to arouse his dormant energies.
The little property they had saved from
the wreck would soon be exhausted. He
was yet in the prime of life; his health
was fully restored, why not again 60
forward, and endeavor to regain, at least
part of what they had lost? Surely it
was duty which he owed to himself and
children. But her husband shrunk from
again mingling with what he called ga
cold, unfeeling world"
L" 1t will be in vain, Mary, he replied;
Il shall lose the little we have left. You
can hardly imagine the unfeeling manner
in which the unfortunate are treated.
Many will help those who seem likely to
raise themselves, but very few will ex.
tend hand to save those who are COM
paratively sinking"
This is partly true" said his more
hopeful wife; q but I trust not to the
extent which you seem to believe. Place
more confidence in your fellow men, and
above all have more reliance on your
Heavenly Father, and you will succeed.
Begin at the bottom of the ladder, and
seek q situation as clerk. You are
certainly well qualified either for sales
man or accountant, and will, no doubt,
obtain good salary"
Mr.. Thornby signed deeply. "My
health, said he, "will not permit me to
lead the sedentary life of an accountant;
as salesman I fear I should stand little
chance of success"
"Not with that sad countenance. in.
deed; but strive to recover your former
cheerful temperament, and all will 20
WELL"
For your sake, Mary, and that of my
children will make the attempt; but
feel sure that it will fail"
Advertisements were put in the papers
stating his capabilities, and want of o
situation but these failing to call forth
any applications, he resolved to 90 him.
self and seek for employment. He left
home for the city with the same SAD
countenance, downcast look, and slow
and measured step.
His wife, who had watched him anx.
iously until he was out of sight, turned
sorrowfully from the window, and said
to her eldest daughter, 4" 1t is all in vain
Sarah; your poor father will never sue.
ceed until be can learn to look up, not
only naturally but spiritually" After
some expressions of mutual confidence
and affection, the excellent mother and
daughter determined upon two things
first, to commend the husband and father
to the kind protection of Heaven; and
next to commence together, if possible
the keeping of small school. This lat.
ter plans however, they determined te
submit to the father on his return.
As Thornby approached the crowded