The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1859-08-05
Richer or Poorer.

hLCu6T OF EOOI6T,
It was the last day and last evening of
the week and of the gear aud Mr.. Ste |
phens sat alone, reviewing the incidents of
his life during the twelve months now just
completed.
Il think" he said within himself, |
that have cause Of self fcougratuialon.
Providence has specially favored me-
AL my work has prospered."
Yet, even while he thus referred to r
providential agency, the pride OF human
prudence was swelling in his heart.
How many goodly vessel has been
shattered 10 pieces on the secthing break
ers yet my stanuch ship still rides the
waves in safety"
Mr.. Stephens arose from his chair, as
he said this, and drawing his thumbs into
che sym holes of his waistcoat, threw his
commenced pacing the floor of his elegant
parlor with the air of man who iecls al
peace with himself aud all the world
As he walked he said, halfaloud -
Providence has smiled on me, and
am thankful. God has crowned my
seasons with blessing. Tomorrow, on
the first Sabbath of the new year, will
give him thanks in the congregation OF his
people; for the Lord accepth a grateful
heat. Many man," he continued, "bas
lost his earthly good things, for lack of a
thankful heart. Mine shall abound in
gratitude"
And then Mr.. Stephens, by natural
progression of thought, began making
hurried estimate Of his gains for the year.
They were large. AS he resumed his
sea, in the great cushioned chair, he SAID,
with futter of pleased emotions
II am richer to-day, by many thou
sands, than l was year ago"
"Richer-yes, richer"--he murmured,
half aloud, as if speaking to some one
Several minutes had passed. and, with
eyes partly closed, he was sinking down
among the soft cushions of his chair
From waking consciousness TO sleeping
vision there is, sometimes, scarcely a mo-
ment's interval. 1t was SO in the present
case.
Richer-richer, was still upon The
merchants lips, when the rustic of gar
ments reached his ear, and he saw by his
side form of angelic beauty,
"And yet" said a voice that went
thrilling to the very center Of his life, "you
have lost fearfully."
"Lost lost Oh, no--I have lost
nothing" answered the merchant, quickly
recovering himself. Every venture has
proved successful"
Let us see" And the strange visi.
tor sat down Just in front of Mr. Stephens,
and fixed her calm, searching eyes upon
his face. elf have estimated correctly,
SOU are vastly poorer now, than you were
st the years beginning"
4 low shudder of fear ran along the
merchants nerves. What could this
mean? He thought OF his solid real es.
tate, lis we'll secured stocks, his bonds,
his ships, and his merchandise.
al am richer, not poorer" he answered
with regaiuing confidence.
"You have lost your integrity" said
che visitor " one of the priceless jewels
of mans life."
81 am an honest man." The mer
chant spoke with flush Of indignation
upon his face.
Honest before men-but not befor,
pou' GU nave loTSOlIen tHdt an dll
seeing eye was upon you"
"What have dcne Bring my deed
20 The light. Ihave wronged no man."
The merchants voice was confident.
The visitor handed him, in silence,
narrow piece Of paper, on which wer
some written and printed words.
What is :his ?" He read, and an
swered his own question" Oh, ta
BILL" His tone was Indifferent.
I" Is it paid ?"
"Paid have never seen it before.
"You believed yourself forgotten, i
this particular instance, by assessor an
collector" said the visitor severely. "an
counted this sum as 50 much in the year
gain. You knew that the debt existed
tha, you owed the State jus! SO much Il
the protection it gave to your lie an
property. That so much was due to
as an item in your contribution in suppo
of order, education, and the helpless poo
But this high obligation you have wili'ul
set aside, and INDUCED a feeling of self,
pleasure, at the trifling gain i. left in yo
hands-gain Of less than hundred pc
ishable dollars ?"
A cold chill Of conviction struck 10 4
heart Of Mr.. Stephens.
"But the loss is fearful to think of
was continued. Loss of manly inte
rity and heavenly virtue. No one cou
know Of this, you said within your hoa