The Union and journal., 1861-11-29

busted himself in cultivating q small piece o
land that surrounded his little dwelling.
His wife sought by every means in he
power to arouse his dormant energies. TIL,
little property they had saved from the wrecI
would soon be exhausted he was yot in th'
prime of life; his health was fully restored
why not again 60 forward, and endeayor 4
regain, at least a part, what they had lost
Surely it was duty which he owed to him
self and his children. But her HUSBAND
shrunk from again mingling with what HI
deemed a cold and unleeling world.
alt will be in vain, Mary" he replied. al
shall lose the little We have. You can hard
ly imagine the uniecllng manner in which
the unfortunate are treated. Many will helT
those who seem likely to rise themselves, but
very few will extend hand to save those
who are comparatively sinking"
This is part true" said his more hopeful
wife, "but trust not to the extent which
you seem to believe. Place more confidence
in your fellow men, and above all, have more
reliance upon your Heavenly Father and you
will succeed. Begin at the bottom OF the
ladder, and seek situation as clerk. You
are certainly well qualified either for sales
man or accountant, and will no doubt obtain
good salary"
Mr.. Thornby sighed deeply.
"My health, s,idhe "will not permit me
to lead the sedent,ry life Of an accountant ;
as a salesman. fear should stand little
chance Of success"
"Not with that sad countenance, indeed !;
but strive to recover your former cheerful
temperament, and all will 50 WELL"
"For your sake, Mary, and that Of my
children, l will make the attempt, but feel
sure that it will fail"
He resolved to go and seek for employment.
He lett home for the city with the same sad
countenance, downcast look, and slow and
measured step.
His wife, who had watched him anxiously
until he was out Of sight, turned sorrowiully
from the window, and said to her eldest
daughter:
alt is all in vain, Sarah your poor father
will never succeed until he can learn to look
up, not only naturally, but spiritually"
Alter some expressions of mutual conf
dence and affection, the excellent mother and
daughter determined upon two things; first
to commend the husband and father to the
kind protection Of Heaven, and next to COM
mcncc together, If possible, the keeping ofa
small school. This latter plan, however,
they determined to submit to the father on
his return.
As Tnornby approached the crowded city,
he felt more oppressed by the doubts and
fears which he had urged in the conversation
with his wife.
The first placcat which he called was the
Office Of commission merchant who had ad-
yertised for a person having qualifications
which William Thornhy felt an undoubted
assurance that he possessed. On stating his
business. u young clerk requested him to be
seated; at the same time surveying him with
contemptuous air.
Half an hour passed, and the employer en-.
tered. Thornby S name and application were
laid before him. lie stood for a moment
quietly observing him, and without waiting
to hear the qualifications he was about to
urge, said quietly,
"You will not answer my purpose, SIR
The applicant turned away without remon'
STRANGE, aud left the Office, saying to him.
self,
.Just as expected. have every qualiti'
cation he required in his advertisement; but
my appearance docs not suit him, and that
is enough"
The next trial was a large wholesale dry
goods establishment. The refusal vas
equally decisive as the other; and as he
turned to leave the store, he heard the EN-
ployer remark to the head clerk,
"I make it rule never to employ person
who looks as IL he were unfortunate. Every
thing about the man shows that he is going
down hill"
"And therefore, mentally added poor Mr.
ThorHby, "you will give him a push"
lie had resolved not to try again, but tn
thought OF those depending on him urged an
other trial. With Desperate determination
he resolved to 90 to every warehouse in tn
street through which he was passing. Blu
he was unsuccessful, and with every failur'
he became more and more depressed till hi
anxious countenance could not fail to excite
the observation of those around HIM.
As he turned from the last shop, he wa
accosted by benevolent looking old gentle
man in the garb OF quaker, who exclaime'
in friendly tone Of inquiry;
"Looking for situation, friend 2"
"Yes, sir, was the reply, "can you ali
me in my search 2"
"Not directly, but can give thee it'll
advice, which, If rightly acted upon, viii
finally help thee attain what thee desires.
"Ishall be grateful for your advice"
alt is this-Iook Ur."
At these words ThOrnby raised his eye
from the ground, supposing it to be com
mand to look at his adviser; but to his sur
prise the old gentleman had already turned
aud walking rapidly away in an opposit
direction.
"Some insane person. Thornby muttcred
al am in no humor for his folly"
Then sorrowfully he turned towards hi