Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1859-02-10
Richer or Poorer.
By T o. ARTHUR.

II was thc last udl anu last evening
Of the week and of the year; and Mr..
Stephens sat alone, reviewing the in
cidcnts of his life during II months
just completed.
Il think" he said within himself,
THAT | have cause Of self-congratula-
ton. Providence has specially favor
ed me. All my work has prospered. I"
Yet, even while he thus referred to
providential agency, the pride OF
human prudence was swelling in his
heart.
A"How many goodly vessel has
been shattered to pieces on the seeth-
ing breakers; yet my staunch ship still
rides the waves ir safety"
Mr.. Stephens arose from his chair,
as he said this, and drawing his thumbs
into the arm holes of his waistcoat,
throwing his head back, and his chest
forward, he commenced pacing the
floor of his elegant parlor with the air
of a man who felt at peace with him
self and all the world. AS he walked,
he said, half aloud:
providence has smiled on me, and
| am thankful. God has crowned my
seasons with blessings. morrow,
on the first Sabbath Of the new year,
| will give him thanks in the congre-
CATION of his people; for the Lord
aecepteth thankful heart. Many a
man," he continued, "has lost his
earthly good things, for lack of a
thankful heart. Mine shall abound in
gratitude"
And then Mr.. Stephens. by a natu-
raj progression of thought, began
making a hurried estimate of his gains
for the year. They were large. AS
he resumed his seat in the great cush-
ioned chair, he said, with futtcr of
pleased emotions
81 am richer to-day, by many thou
sands, than was year ago."
"Richcr; 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 moments S interval. 1t was
so in the present case.
"Richer, richer" was still upon the
merchants lips, when the rustic of
garments reached his ears, and he saw
by his side form of angelic beauty
"And yct," said a voice that wen.
thrilling to the very center of his life,
"you have lost fearfully."
Lost! lost! Oh, no; / have lost
nothing" answered the merchant,
quickly recovering himself. Every
venture has proved successful"
LET us see" And the strange Wis.
itor sat down just in front of Mr. Ste
phcas, and fixed her calm, searching
eyes upon his face. ''lf | have esti-
mated correctly, you are vastly poorer
now than you were at the years be-
ginning"
\ low sllulder Of fear ran along the
merchants nerves. What could this
mean? He thought of his solid real
estate, his we'll secured stock, his
bonds, his ships, and his merchandise
81 am richer. not poorer" he an
swered. with regaining confidence.
"You have lost integrity" said the
visitor; zone of the priceless jewels OF
a mans life"
Il am an honest man." The mcr-
chant spoke with flush of Indignation
upon his face.
Honest before mcn-not before
God. You have forgotten that ar
All-seeing eye was upon you"
t "What have l done? Bring my
deeds to the light. l have wrongcd
no man."
f, The merchants voice was confident
The visitor handed him, in silence
a narrow piece of paper, on whicl
y were some written and printed words
= "What is this?" He read, and an
swered his own question. "Oh, a ta,
bill" His tone was indifferent.
= "Is it paid?"
c paid! L have never seen it be
fore"
"You believed yourself forgotten il
n this particular instance by asscsso
: and collector" said the visitor, severe
", "and counted this sum as so mucl
in the years gain. You knew tina
IS the debt existed; that vow owed tn
= . State just SO much for the protection
= it gave to your life and property
That so much was due as an item i
your contribution in support of order
&c education, and the helpless poor. Bu
!, - this high obligation you have wilfull
is set aside. and indulged a feeling c
selfish pleasure at the trihing gain
left in your hands-gain of less tha