The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-08-21
'es not teach man such absurd pride rs

ih'So SHOOh HST leau, duu pSSau
to lament tire increase of false professors.
SWELL" thought Caleb, II believe that
in spending some Of my cash N the ed
ucalon ofny children, l couu not go very
wrong, but find | am misunderstood, even
here"
The next scene was the drawing room Of
the John Watson of whom Mr.. Edmopds
had spoken. A lady was making tea be-
hind silver urn and gentleman-her
husband sat beside her.
''roor Thompson" said Mrs. Watcon-
for it was slc-"l trust he will succeed"
"lIc shall, if by Gods blessing, can
compass it,"
ale is very deserving young man."
continued the lady; 'the manner in
| which lie bore the loss of all his property
would win esteem, even if he had no 9th
cr claim"
Mr.. Watson did not reply, his mind had
| wandered to another branch of the subject.
"Ihat Caleb Edmonds," he said at length,
Il am surprised at the ilI-feeling he dis
plays"
Edwards Thornton 2"
"Yes, lie is evidently annoycd at the
opening of another shop, so uear his own :;
whereas in the principal street of town
like this he should have expected compc-
tition. Besides, he has madca little for
tune, and has nothing to fear yet he will
not treat George Thornton with ordinary
civiIi,y."
81 thought he was religious man." said
Mrs. Watson.
"lle pretends 10 be-" replied her hus-
band" "hut | have not such faitl, in re-
| ligon which brings forth so little fruit"
Poor Caleb his wiEc's word-thc Mas
ter's word-all sound in his ears as they
had never done before, meeting ,,.h re-
sponsvc echo is his heart.
Again change, and Mr.. Edmonls found
himself besidca sickIy looking woman,
who, leaned on her husbands arm, walked
| slowly towards the house Of prayer. 1t
was impossible TO look without interest up-
on her pale and anxious Eacc-a face
which had once been beautiful and equally
impossible to disregard the careful tender
ness with which her steps were guided by
the strong man at her side. Their conver-
satlon, too, was worthy Of rcmark-tley
were speaking Of the consultations Of the
Gospel
"Who knows?" exclaimed the invalid,
T 'pcrl'aps there may he words Just suited to
our case this morning? Words for the
poor r.
"poor as regards this world only, Mary"
Her eyes frightened rs she looked un
chccrfully. "Ycs, rich in treasure far more
costly than carths gold. God help us to
look up, aud to trust Him for the "mcat
that pcrishc,h not"
They walked on for while, and then
the wife said, mournfully, 81 sometimes
fear that it is pride which makes me shrick
from meeting Mr.. Edmonds. do Shrek
for it. Oh, if we could but pay him.
"Wc shall he able TO do so soon. I hone "
said Wclsforl '.it has been a hard strur.
g'e Mary, starvation almost, but | :l,inl j,
is nearly ovcr.'
All, it was all for me! I am sure Mr.. Ed.
monds would be patient, if he knew how
much you spent in medicines for me
and how little work you have !"
"1le is patient, after fashion; and We
have reason to be thankful for that still
he had said some crushing things to me-
harsh things which he may live TO repent
| things which have made me doubt his
| Christianity"
"Nay," said Mrs. Welsford, gently l
,xoald not judge him ; how many inconsis.
Tent things arc do !"
"Iou are right. I may not lift nv
voice; alas, but little likeness to my Lord
is found in me :"
Again the ecl,oing voice thrilled tlro'
the soul oftle listcner-again he heard the
! words, "Judge not !"-and as lie dwet up-
on them the vision slowly faded and he,
Bunyan like, awoke, and behold it was a
dream. But the lesson of the dream was
not quite lost upon linn, for he awoko to n
deeper spirit Of Christian charity, a nobler
sclf-dcnial, holicr humility, a nearer like.
ness to Jesus. lie had been taught in that
bricftw;ligbt musing one of the grand old
lessons Of the Book ofGod.
The fireside morning worship was lust
ended, and Charles sNNcsford was about to
90 forth to his daily toll, when a gentle
Knock at the door spoke ola visitor; how
great was the surprise Of all when Caleb
Edmonds entered.
"You are come, sir
o! am come" said the grocer, interrupt
ing him, "exprcss my hope that you are
not under any concern about the little a.
mount YOU owe me. Take your time, my
good. Sir take your time"
lie poor mans eye were filled will,
tears. as grasping the out:stretclcd hand,
i'e tried to speak his thanks.
"My wife," said Mr.. Elmonds, turning
towards Mrs. WelSford, "put something in
to ny hand, just as left, for you, ,na'am.
And forth from his pockets came tea, su-
gar, biscuits, from tlIc good wifc's ample
store till Mary's eyes too filled with CRATE
ful tears.
"And now,' said the visitor, kindly
don't torsakc the shop get your little par
,4e's there, AMI pay just when it suits you
+ by the way, if.a sovereign would he of any
service to you, have one which will burn
mole IN my poeket-as the saying goes
unless, !. give it to somebody. And be-
Tore they could reply, lie had laid tie coin
upon the tat'fe and was gone.
6MarV ~ Aaid NJ N,I,c..1 u,