Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1859-02-10

tion you fell. Is this gain, or loss
Are you richer, or poorer, by the act?'
The merchants head sank low upor
his breast, in shame and self-condcm
nation. 1t was all too true. He had
knowingly, omitted to pay a tax bill
that was Justly due. Had failed that
much in one of his higher obligations
to society. and for the paltry gain oi
few dollars. In all his public walk
before men, he had maintained an up
right stature; but stopped to a petty
fraud in secret.
"a fearful loss," said the visitor
"for it is loss of just so much Of the
property that goes to make up mans
riches in heaven. / said you were
poorer now than at this time last year;
and so you are, by this large item.
And you have lost, besides, a pearl oi
incstimable value; one that you could
have taken with you as rich inheri-
tance into the other life. God gave
you an opportunity to help a brother
in need, who came to you in his sore
distress, and tried to awaken your
sympathy. But you heard him only
in part, and turned him aside with
cold and cutting words. 1t was not
enough that you saw the struggles OF
manly pride in his face, and the pale
anguish Of features; not enough that
he was weak, and in sore trouble, YOU
must add rebuke to denial, as if mis-
fortune was a crime AS merchant,
you had prospered in every venture;
you were at ease, and in comfort; and
so God sent to You this man, that you
might help him in his need, and thus
add to your heavenly riches. But love
of self, triumphed over love of the
neighbor. You preferred gold to
good. The treasures that moth and
rust corrupt, to that which is enduring
as eternity. The pure pearl of tender
compassion was offered for your ac-
ccptance, but your eyes were too dim
to see its priceless value. God did
not forget his needy child. The good
deed you failed to do, another per-
formed, and to him heaven sent the
blessing that mi ight have been yours
And so there is more lost treasure to
be taken into the account"
"Sparc me!'' cried the merchant,
raising his hands with deprcciating
gesture "Oh, spare me-"
"Not yet" said the visitor. "Mon-
cy gave You power, and you used that
power to wrong thousands of your
weaker fellow men,"
81 have wronged no one," answer
ell the merchant, boldly. "All my
dealings have been in justice between
man and man."
"You deceive YOURSELF" returned
the visitor. "Is mere speculation
honest? Is it just to monopolize al
article that the poorest mechanic and
humblcst day-laborcr must have, am
so enhance its price that many com
forts must be given mp in or Ter to pro
cure the needed supply? You have
not been Just between man ana man
for you have done this, anil done it a
the peril of you soul; for loss o
neighborly regard and honest princi
pies were involved in the act Gold
gained by fair trading, did not come
in fast enough to satisfy your thirs
for riches. and so you laid plans, tina
were too successful, for dcfraudins
your weaker brethren. You dimin
ishcd the supply of bread in th'
mouths of hungry children, and mad'
the poor mans burdens heavier, tha
YOU might add to the wealth alread,
increased beyond your power to en-
JOY"
Again the head of Mr.. Stephen
sank upon his breast, and he was GOV
cred with shame and confusion.
''Is there cause for self-congratula
ton in this? Are you really a richie
man tonight than you were at tn
years beginning?"
Leave me-" said the merchant
with groan of anguish.
Not yet, for my mission is incom
pletc," answered the beautiful moni
tor. at is said that Mr.. Stephens
high minded, honorable merchant
Everywhere, in business circles, me
bear this testimony in his favor"
The merchant began to recover hin
self. a glow of pride warmed hi
, heart.
MEN can say nothing less" b
made answer.
"Let your own heart judge. Wha
better arc You than the thief who al
propriatcs unlawfully the goods Of al
other? Or what honor is there
taking. by constraint, dollar frol
the earnings of ten thousand differcr
men. in order that you may add te