East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1863-01-13

4" Misfortunes," it is said, "neyel
come singly." This was certainly yer
fled in the family of William Thornby
The world had gone fortunate with hin
for time, but soon promising specula
tons failed entirely, and his affairs be
came sadly involved. Some hopes o
recovery presented themselves, when I
Erc hiOke out in the place, his house o.
business fell prey TO the flames, ant
To render the misfortunes greater, tbs
insurance bad expired the day before.
lhornby and his large family wcr,
reduced TO absolute poverty. Nor wa,
this all his anxiety and exposure dur
ing the fire brought on fever, and fol
weeks his wife and daughter hung ovel
him, almost despairing of his life. A
length, however, the fever abated, anC
though he was left week and helples,
as an infant, reason had returned, ano
nothing was needed for his restoratio
TO health but good nnrsing and freedom
from mental anxiety.
Careful and affectionate nursing was
not wanting, but it was impossible &c
prevent mental uneasiness. His child
rem must be supported, but how? They
would share with him the poverty, per
haps the disgrace, which the involved
state of affairs would bring upon him
and many would heap npon him unmer
tied reproach.
There remained but one way by which
this fair name could be entirely retain
ed, aRG on this he at once resolved
The house in which they lived was val
liable, and would command ready and
favorable sale. 1t was hard to part
with home he had made so comforta.
blc, but there was no alternative. The.
house was offered for sale and a pur
chaser soon found.
Every just claim was satisfied, and
the family removed to distant part of
the country. Here in small, neat
dwelling, they found themselves in the
possession OF many comforts, and in
their affection for each other the moth.
er and child soon found contentment
and happiness.
But the fathers heart was still and
sad. He felt want of confidence in
himself, and mistrust of his fellow crea.
lures. His whole Appearance was
changed. His countenance was down.
cast and sad his steps lingering and
Tresolutc, and no one would have rec
ognlzed the once happy merchant in tie
III dreSFod md n"h"rFy l~"h'nS man,
who now busted himself in cultivating
a small piece Of lard that surrounded
his little dwelling.
His wife sought by every means in
her power TO arouse his dormant ener
giss. The little property they had
saved from the wreck would soon be
exhausted he was yet in the prime of
life; his health was fully restored; why
not again go forward and endeavor to
regain at least part of what they had
lost Surely it was a duty which he
owed to himself aud his children. But
her husband shrunk from again ming.
ling with what he deemed cold and
unieeling world.
at will be in vain, Mary" he replied,
" shall lose the little we have. You
can hardly imagine the unfeelng man.
ner in which the unfortunate are treat.
cd. Many will help those who seem
likely to rise themselves, but very few
viii extend hand to save those who
arc comparatively sinking"
This is part true" said his more
hopeful wife, 4" but / trust not to the
extent whidh you seem to believe
Place more confidence in your fellow
men, and above all, have more reliance
upon your heavenly Father, and yol
will succeed. Begin at the bottom of
the ladder, and seek situation as clerk.
You are certainly well qualified either
ror salesman or accountant, and will
no doubt obtain good salary"
Mr.. Thornby sighed deeply.
My health" )" said he, /" will not per.
nit me 10 lead the sedentary life OF an
as salesman, fear
should stand little chance of success"
Not with that sad countenance, in.
decd, but strive to recover your former
cheerful temperament, and all will 90
well. :"
For you sake, Mary, and that of
NY children, / will make the attempt,
Jut l am sure it will fail"
He resolved TO go and seek employ.
nent. lie left home for the city with
he same sad countcnance, downcast
ook, and slow and measured step.
His wife, who had watched him anx.
ously until he was out of sight, turned
orrowfully from tic window, and said
o her eldest daughter:
T" 1t is all in vain, Sarah, your poor
ather will never succeed until he can
earn TO look up, not only naturally, but
piritually.f
After some expressions Of mutual
.oEiidCEcc and affection, the excellent
mother aud daughter determined npon
wo things frst to commend tie father
nd husband TO the kind protection Of
lcaven, and next to commence togcth.
n, if possible, the keeping of a small
chool
This latter, plan, however, they de-
ermir ed TO submit TO the father on his
eturn.
AS Thornby approached the crowded
ity, he felt more oppressed by the
oubts and fears which ho urged IN the
with his wife.