Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-08-15

now, while we are struggling to escape from
the heavy expense On the winter. | cannot
understand it.
Her perplexity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his hand, and
a countenance expressive cf concern.
Look Mary he said as she entered, Here
are two unexpected calls for money, one from
the doctor, and the other from the dealer in
in leather, from whom | purchased my last
stock. They are both urgent for immediate
payment, although they have always been
willing to wait few months until could
meet their claims. But misfortunes never
/ come singly, and if man once gets behind
/ hand, troubles seem to. pour in upon him..
| just So, replied his wife, The neighbors
think we are going down hill, and every one
is ready to give US push. Here are two
| bills for you-one from the grocer and the
other from the teacher
Reply was prevented by knock at the
door, and the appearance of a lad, who pre-
sented neat folded paper and disappeared.
The butchers account, as Ilivei' exclaim-
ed the astonished shoemaker. What is to be
done, Mary So much money to be paid
out, and very little coming in, some of my
best customers have left me, although my
work has given satisfaction. III could have
as much employment as formerly, and the
usual credit allowed me, / could soon satisfy
their claims but to meet them now is impos-
sible; and the acknowledgement of my ina
bility will send me still further on the down.
ward path
we must do our best and trust to Provi-
dence,' was the consolatory remark of his
wife, as knock at the door aroused the fear
that another claimant was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance of Uncle
Joshua rare but ever welcomed visitor,
presented itself Seating himsefin the com
Portable chair which Mary FASTENED to hand
him, he said, in his somewhat eccentric but
friendly manner:
We'll, good folks, I understand that the
world does not go quite as well with you as
formerly. What is the trouble 2
There need be no trouble, SIR was the
reply, if man would not try to add to the af-
> 1ictions which the Almighty sees to be ne
cessary for u.s. The winter was a trying one;
= we met with sickness and misfortunes which
7 we endeayored to bear with patience. All
I. would now go well, if those around me were
. not determined to push me into the down
. ward path
y But there lies the difficulty, friend Thomp-
. son. This is a selfish world; verybody, or
C at least great majority, care only for num-
!, Der one. Ii they see a poor neIghbor going
- - down hill, their first thought is whether il
:. will hurt their own interest and providing
= they can insure themselves, they care not
y how soon he goes to the bottom. The only
ie :. way is to keep up appearances-show nc
~ signs of going behind hand and all will 20
- well with you
-. ~ Very true Uncle Joshua; but how is this
70 to be done? Bills which did not expect to
l. be called upon to meet for the next three
- months, are pouring in upon me; my best
=, customers are leaving me for more fortune
- ate rival; in short, am on the brink Of ruin
~ :, and nothing but miracle can save me-
"A miracle which is very easily wreugh
,;s then, Iimagine, my good friend. What
10 70 the amount of those debts which press 81
,,' u, heavily upon you? and how soon, in th
y common course of events, could you discharg
- them !?
~ They do not exceed one hundred dollars,
81 replied the shoemaker and with my usua
:. ran of work, / could make all right in thre
- or four months
"a We will say six was the answer i vii
10 advance you one hundred and fifty dollars 70
~ six months Pay every cent you owe, an
MM MM with the remainder Of the money make som
slight addition or Improvement in your shoT
., and put everything about the ground in il
M IN usual good order. Try this plan for fey
o.r weeks, and we will see what effect it has up
! on our worthy neighboTs. No, no, neve
,os mind thanking me. | am only trying a Ii
'~' tie experiment on human nature. | kno
tbo you of old and have no doubt that my none
th is safe in your lands
vi Weeks passed BY. The advice of Unc
'J ~ Joshua had been followed, and the chang
We in the shoelnaker's prospects were inde'
IN wonderful He was now spoken of MS one
10 the most thriving men Of the village, and IN
- nv marvellous stories were told to accoul
~ for the sudden alteration in his affairs.
e I was generally agreed that distant RELATE
u had bequeathed to him legacy, which hi
,.o, entirely relieved him of his pecuniary diltici
ties.
~; Old customers and new ones crowded
upon him. The had never before reaiz'
toa the beauty and durability of his work. III
-, butcher selected the best piece of inca: T
anv his inspection, and was indifferent as to I
49,, ' time Of payment. Thedealer in leather Ca
~, u" ed to inform nim that his best hides await
a,a his orders. The teacher accompanied t
. : children home 10 tea, and spoke in hi
terms of their improvement, pronounce
or,s them among her best scholars. Tae DIRE
ths maker suddenly found herself free from
lren great press of work, and in friendly ne
expressed her desire to oblige Mrs. Thom
SOC son in any way in her power
call. Just as expected, exclaimed Uncle Jo
ion4 ua, rubbing his hands exnlLingly, as the gra
y ful shoemaker called upon him, at the eN
. ration of six months, with the money viii
had been loaned in the hour of need. j
Ia is as | expected. A strange world! They {
Is a ready to push man up hill ifhe seems to
dop ascending, ana !uSt as ieauy 70 pus.l l,ui w
any future, neghbor Thompson, let eyerythi
nge- wear an ar OF prosperity anu you "iii
sure to prosper
Il # And, with cheerful air, Uncle Jost
= placed the money in his pocket-book, res
,,xed to meet some cher claim upon his bene
in n Ience, whilst he whom he had thus befrie
..Inst ed returned with light steps to his hal
cent. nome.
ILL.,
way. Beautiful Thought.
0 for A., l.,