Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1860-01-27


character. There was nothing Of the yea
yea, aud may, nay spirit in his bargain
making but an eager, worthy effort to gain
an advantage in trade. ! noticed that only
five per cent over cost was asked for a Ger
tain article; he still end-avored TO procure
it at lower figure than was named by the
seller, and finally crowded him down to the
exact cost, knowing as he did, that the mer.
chant had large stock on hand, and could
not well afford TO hold il over.
Hes a sharperr said the merchant, turn
ing toward me ms Grey left The store.
Hes Christian, they say was my quiet
remark.
"A Christian
Yes; don't you know that he has become
religious and joined th church ?
You're .iokingy
Not word of it. Didn't you observe
his subdued, meek aspect, when he came
inp
why, yes; now that you refer to it, |
do remember a certain peculiarity abont
him. Become pious Joined the church
Well, I'm sorryp
For what ?
Sorry for the injury he will do to good
cause. The religion that makes man bet
ter husband, father, man of business, law
| yer, doctor, or preacher, | reverence, for it
is genuine, as the lives of those who accept
it do testify. But your hypocrilical pre-
! tenders | scorn and execrate.'
! 1t is, perhaps, almost too strong language,
this, as applied TO Mr.. Gray said |.
What is hpyocrite !? asked the mer-
chant.
"a man that puts on the semblance of
Christian virtues which he does not possess.
And that is what Mr.. Gray does when
he assumes to be religious. A true Chris.
tian is just. Was he just to me when he
crowded me down in the price of my goods,
and robbed me of living profit, in order
that he might secure a double gain?
think not There is not even the live and
let live principle in that. Mono, sir. If
he has joined the church, my word for it,
there is black sheep in the fold; or
might say, without the abuse of language,
a wolf, therein, disguised in sleeps cloth
ing
Give the man time said I. 'Old habits
of life are strong, you know. In little
while, trust that he will see clearer, and
regulate his life from perceptions to higher
truths
i thought his heart was changed an
| swered the merchant, with some irony in
his tones. That he had been made a new
creature
did not care to discuss that point with
him, and so merely answered.
The beginnings of spiritual life are as
the beginnings of natural life. The babe
| is born in feeblensss.. 4ead we must wait
through the periods of infancy childnood
and youth, before we. can have the strong
man ready for the burden and heat of the
day, or full-armed for the battle. If Mr..
Gray is in the first effort TO lead Christian
life that is something. He will grow wiser
and better in time hope
There is vast room for improvement, said
the merchant. In my eyes, he is, at this
time only hypocritical pretender. / hope,
for the sake of the world and the church
both, that his new associates will make
something better out of him.
went away pretty much of the mer-
chants opinion. My next meeting with
Mr.. Gray was in the shop of a mechanic
to whom he had sold bill of goods some
months previously. He had called to col
lect a portion of the amount which remain
ed unpaid. The mechanic was not ready
for him.
Il am sorry, Mr.. Gray, be began, with
some hesitation of manner.
Sorry for what z sharply interrupted Mr..
Gray.
Sorry that / have not the money to set
tie your bill. | have been Disappointed
4 don't want that old story. You prom
ised to be ready for me to-day, didn't YOU?
And Mr.. Gray knit his brows, and looked
angry and imperative.
Yes, promised. Bot -
Then keep your promise. No man has
right to break his word. Promises are
sacred things, and should be kept religious
y.'
If my customers had kept their promises
to me there would have been no failure in
mine 10 you,' answered the poor mechanic.
1T is of no use to plead other mems fail
ings in justification of your own. You said
the bill should be settled to-day and | cal
culated upon it. Now, of all things in the
world, hate trihing. shall not call again,
sirr
IF YOU were to call forty times, and
had not the money-to settle your account,
you would call in vain,' said the mechanic,
showing considerable disturbance of mind.
You needn't add insult to wrong Mr..
Gray's countenance redeemed, and he look
ed angry.
If there is an insult in the case it is on
your part not mine, retoried the mechanic |
with more feeling. j am not digger Of
gold out of the earth, nora coiner of money. /.
must be paid for my work before can
pay the bills | owe. 1t was not enough that
told you of the failure Of my customers
to meet their engagements-
You've no need to have such customers
broke in MIR Gray. No right to take my
goods and sell them TO men who are not
honest enough TO pay their bills
'One of them is your own son. replied
the mechanic, goaded beyond endurance.
His bill is equal 10 balf of yours have
sent for the amount great many times, but
still he puts me off with excuses. will
send ii to you next time
This was thrusting home with sharp
sword. and the vanqui>hed Mr. Gray re-
treated from the battle field, bearing a pain
ful wound.
That wasn't right in me. know said
r H.,