Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-02-19

20 oS u01S' HAeiy % much money 70 be
paid out, and very little coming in for go
Of my best customers have left me, although
my work has always given satisfsction III
could only have as much employment as usual
and the usual credit allowed me, could soon
satisfy these claims but to meet them now ia
impossible. and the acknowledgment of nv in
ability will send US still further on the down
ward path"
1--WE must do our best and trust in Proyi.
dence,' was the consolatory remark of his
wife, as a second knock at the door aroused
me fear that another claimant was about to
appear.
But tho benevolent countenance of Uncle
joshua, rare but ever welcome visitor, pre-
sented itself. Seating himself in the comfort
aoie cnair which Mary fastened to hand him,
ne sald, In his somewhat eccentric but friendly
manner:
Wen, good folks, understand that the
world does not go quite as well with Won as
formerly. What is the trouble 20
There need be no trouble, sir" was the
reply, eff man would not try to add 10 the
Affections which the Almighty sees to be neoes-
sary for US. The winter was a irving one~
we net with sickness and misfortunes, which
we endeavored to bear with patience. All
would now go well, if those around me vera
not determined to push me into the downward
path -
But there lies the difficulty, friend ThOmp-
son. Ihls is selfish world everybody, Or
at least great majority, care only for number
one. If they see poor neighbor going down
NIL, their first thought is whether il will sf-
feet their own interests, and provided thew can
secure themselves, they care not how soon he
goes to the bottom The only way is to keep
up sppesrances--show no signs Of going be-
hIndhand, and all will 60 well with you .
Very true, Uncle Joshua but how is tbis
to be done2 Bills which did not expect to
be called upon to meet for the next three
months are pouring in upon me my best Gus
toners are leaving mo for a more fortunate
rival in shert, am on the brink of ruin, and
noUght but miracle can save me ,;
"A miracle which is very easily wrought,
then, imagine, my good friend. What is the
amount Of these debts which press so heavily
upon you; and how soon, in the common
course of events, could yos discharge them?''
They do not exceed one hundred dollars"
replied the shoemaker; /" and with NV usuaI
run OF work could make all right in three or
four month";
We will say SIX" was the answer. "I
will advance you one hundred and fifty dol
lars for six months" Pay every cent that
you owe, and with the emainder of the mo-
ney make some slight addition or improve
ment IN your shop or house, and put every
thing about the grounds in its usual neat or
der. Try this plan for few weeks, and we
will see what effect it has upon our worthy
L am only trying little experiment on human
nature. / 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 followed, and the change
the sh0enlakcrs prospects was indeed wonder
ful. He was now spoken of as one of the most
thriving men in the village, and many mar
vellous stories were told to account for the
ol .,,I - r..
orally agreed that distant relative had be-
queathed to him q legacy which had entirely
relieved him CT his pecuniary difficulties
Old customers and new ones crowded in
upon him They had never before realized
the beauty and durability Of his work The
polite butcher selected the best pieces of meat
for his inspection, as ne entered, and was To-
tally Indifferent as to the time of payment.
The dealer in leather called to inform him
that his best hides awaited his orders Tho
teacher accompanied the children home to tea,
and spoke In high terms Of their improvement,
pronouncing them among her best scholars
ihe dress-maker suddenly found herself free
from the great press OF work, and in friendly
note expressed her desire to oblige Mrs.
thompson In any way In her power.
Just as L expected" exclaimed Uncle
Joshua, rubbing his hands exultingly, as the
grateful shoemaker called upon him, at the
expiration of six months, with the money
" hlch had been loaned in the hour of need.
" Just as expected. A strange world They
are ready to push a man up hill, if be seems
to be ascending and just as ready to push him
iown, If they fancy that his face is turned
Ihat way. In future, neighbor Thompson, let
everything around you wear an air Of pros.
perlty, aud you will be sure to prosper"
And with a satisfied air. uncle Joshua placed
his money in bis pocket-book, ready to meet
some other claim upon his benevolence, whilst
be whom he had thus befriended, with light
'teps and cheerful countensnce, returned to
ais happy home.