Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-07-22


to which he belonged, the deacons always
noticed that he never put into the box more
than a half dime. and this amount he never
failed to give, whatever might be the object
of the contribution.
In the neighborhood whore Mr.. Jacobs re-
sided. there lived young man by the name
Of Edward Mason. His parents were poor
but when quite lad, he devoted much OF his
time to reading and study. The old miser
appeared to feel some interest in young Ed
ward, and repeatedly said he would make a
smart man. Although in humble circum-
stances. Mr.. Jacobs never offered to give him
dollar or otherwise assist him.
One morning, as Mason was passing along
the street, n gentleman with whom be was
slightly acquainted, called him and inquired
if he would not like to enter college
IL should" said the boy, "but my parents
are not able to give me an education
81 think as you take to learning. cassi-
cal education will be of great advantage to
you. For some days l have thought on the
subject, and now I'll tell you what proposed
to do. If you will continue diigent in your
studies, | will procure the necessary funds
and have you enter college
/ Edward thanked his friend. at the same
time remarking, 81 did hope Mr.. Jacobs
would render me some little assistance but
now have no hopes Of him he is almost
too mean to live. as is known by every one. -
Young Mason continued his studies, and,
when prepared. entered college his friend
furnished the means necessary. His vaca-
tons he spent at home with his parents, and
occasionally called upon his old friend Jacobs,
whom he found to be as sociable as ever to
him. But gradually he became weaned from
the miser, and took occasion to speak disre-
spectfully of him During one of the vaca-
/ tinns he called upon the old gentleman. and
contrived to pin piece of paper on his back,
on which was written, 81 am a misor - As
| Mr.. Jacobs passed along the streets he heard
much laughter, but did not suspect the cause
| till he called into a merchants counting-room,
who, seeing the paper, pointed it out to him -
This is some of Msson's doings." said the
old gentleman. "IIe should have more re-
spect for me, and feel that ! am too far ad-
yanced in life to be traed with"
Ever after this circumstance, Edward was
/ shy of the old gentleman, but he was free to
condemn his niggardly course and miscry
| disposition. When he was with his associ-
ates, and Mr.. Jacobs happened to pass along,
he would fling out some improper remark,
that caused a laugh at the old man expense.
Finally Mason graduated, studied law, and
commenced practice in his native town. He
had brass enough to be a good lawyer, and
impudence sufficient to succeed. Edward
had not been in practice but year or two,
before he was engaged in a case in which Mr..
Jacobs was an interested party. Mason was
opposed to him. In his plea he was very Sc
we're upon the old gentleman. He touched
upon his mean and niggardly behavior, which
had become notorious. for long series OF
years. and accused him of being anything but
an honest man. He had never been known
to be generous in single instances like a
sponge, he was constantly drawing in, but
letting nothing out.
Every body he continued, "in this vicin-
ity has heard of his disposition even the
children shun him. If should repeat one
half the folles and meannesses that are laid
to his door, most of which are true, | have
no doubt, you, gentlemen of the jury, would
be astonished beyond measure But will
not rake up the past. In the present case you
have heard the evidence on both side, and il
you have an iota Of common sense you can
not hesitate in whose favor to decide"
Notwithstanding the plea of Esquire Ma
son. the Jury decided in favor of Mr.. Jacobs.
Having the name of being hard charac-
ter, no one seemed to put any confidence in
him. and his enemies often resorted to the en-
tanglemonts of the law, depending mostly up
on his unpopularity for their success; but
they we're often defeated.
The name Of Jacobs became so notorious
on account of his reputation for meanness,
that no one pretended to call upon him for
charitable purposes He was known as the
rich miser, and likened unto Dives of old
He had lived to the common age Of man,
and longer, and the period drew nigh when
he must give up the ghost. The old gentle
man was taken sick, but he was calm and col
lected. His minister called upon him often,
aud, from the tenor of his conversation, APP
peared to feel deep interest in him.
81 have not long to live" said Mr. Jacobs
to his pastor, land know not but am will
ing to go. have lived many years, and
hope have not spent them in vain | trust
/ ! have done some little good, and hope may
do some more"
The minister was struck with astonishment
at his language "He must be wandering" "
said he to himself Everybody knows that
/ he has been oppressive to the poor, and saved
every mill that came into his hands"
This is wearisome life" continued the
sick man, ''and we are not rightly Judged
Our motives few can understand. They are
deceived in us
"True, replied the pastor, "man cannot
look into the heart Of his neighbor."
Thus far have / endeavorcd to live use
ful life, and hope to be at rest in heaven
not on account Of my own righteousness, but
trust in the mercy of God.
Just as the pastor was about to reply, Mr.,
Jacobs remarked-"As do not expect to
continue long in the world, ] wish to entrust
to your care several papers, which you will
find in small trunk in my desk. The keys
are lying by the window"
The minister assured him he would do as
requested, and took the trunk from the desk.
In day or two after the old gentleman
died, and was buried, it was singular to hear
the remarks that were made after his decease.
He was no benefit to any one while he lived,
one remarked, land I'm not sorry he is dead. ''
"He was an old reprobato,' said another,
"aud the devil has got him at Last Ellis
whole life was worse than blank remark
ed a third, land no one regrets that the old
fellow is dead"
Mr. Jacobs had been dead few days when
the minister Of the parish called few of his