Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-11-23


ally honest, if he were to crowd and chafe
me until in very desperation as it were,
gave him the whole of what mainly be-
longed to the others? Would you not say
that he had possessed himself Of your prop
erty | know you would. And let me say
to you plainly, that | do not think your
present effort to get me TO pay off your
claim entire, regardless of others equally
as much entitled to be paid as yourself, at
all indicative of unselfishness, or a spirit of
genuine honesty. If have any money to
pay, it belongs equally to all my creditors,
not to any one of them exclusively"
10 be turned upon thus by man who
was in debt to him, to be charged with a
dishonest spirit by thepoor creature whose
relation to society he regarded as essenti-
ally dishonest, this was to much for the self
complacency of Mr.. Green. He rose up
quickly, saying, in threatening tone
You will repent Of this insult, sir
have torborne for years, believing that you
were really honest but for this forbcar-
ance l now meet with outrage | shall for
bear no longer. You are able enough to
pay me, and | will find way to compel
you to do So"
Left alone with troubled thoughts, poor
Mr.. Wilkins felt not only Inundated and
wretched but alarmed for the integrity of
his household. There was no way in which
his creditor could extort the sum due him
except by seizing upon his household fur
nlture That Green would do this, he had
but too good reason to fear for he had
done it in other cases His fears proved
net altogether groundless. On the next
day, sherif1's writ was served on him at
the suit of Harvey Green
80 W hat do you propose doing 2" asked
Wilkins, on meeting with his creditor few
days afterwards.
" TO get my money" was answered stern
"But have nothing"
1--WE will soon see about that Good
morning !"
Mr.. Green imagined that the Indignation
felt toward Wilkins was directed against
his dishonest spirit, was, in fact, a rig ht-
eous Indignation, when its spring was in
cupidity and wounded pride.
1t was the day before the trial of his
cause against Wilkins, when he expected
to get Judgment by default, as no answer
had been made by the defendant i'll the
case. And it was his purpose, as it had
been from the beginning, to order execu-
tlon as soon as the matter was through the
court, and seize upon any property that
could be found
Evening came, and Mr. Green sat with
his children around him in his pleasant
home. sweet little boy knelt before
him. his pure hands clasped in prayer,
while from his lips came, muscally, the
words taught by the Lord to his disciples,
"FOrgive us our debts, as we forgive our
Debtors There seemed to be deep mean
ing in the words, murmured by innocent
childhood, than had ever before reached
his perceptions His thoughts were stirred;
new emotions awakened The prayer was
said. the little one arose from his knees
and lifted his rosy lips for the good night
kiss.
Father" said he, turning back after
going across the room, Pm not going to
let Harry Williams pay me for that sled.
1t got broke all to pieces the next day after
let him have it,"
1" He bought it from YOU" said Mr. Green
{" know he did but Harry's mother is
poor, and he only gets a penny now and
then. 1t will take him long time to save
a dollar and then the sled is broken, and
no good to him. have a great many more
nice things than he has, and why should
want his pennies when he gets so few"
"What made you think of this z" asked
his father who was touched by the words
of his child
1T came into my mind just now when |
was saying my prayers. | prayed, For
give us our debts, as we forgive our debt
ors." Now Harry Williams is my debtor,
is he not 2"
Yes, my SON"
"Well, if don't forgive him his debt,
how can | expect God to forgive me my
debt? If pray to him to forgive me my
debts as forgive Harry, and if l don't |
forgive Harry, at ALL don't | ask God |
not to forgive me, father ?"
The child spoke earnestly, and stood |
with his large, deep, calm eyes fixed intent |
ly on his fathers face. Almost involuntar-
lily Mr.. Green repeated the words:
"lf ye forgive not men their trespasses,'
said our Saviour, neither will your Father |
forgive your trespasses,"
/" Fll forgive Harry the debt father, Pm |
sure he isn't able to pay for the sled and |
have great many more nice things than |
he has. If don't do it, how can | ever
pray that prayer again 2"
20, yes, yes Forgive him the debt by
all means !" replied the father, kissing his
boy.
That evening was spent by Mr.. Green
in closer selfcommunion than he had known |
for many years. The words of his child |
had come to him like rebuking precepts |
from Heaven, and he bowed his head, hui
inflated and repentant, resolving to forgive
in the future as he would be forgiven.
On the morning that followed, as Mr.. |
Wilkins, from whose mind the cloud had |
not lifted itself, who was yet tremblng.for
the home Of his children, was passing from /
his door, a lad placed letter in his hand |
He knew the face of the boy from its like
ness to that Of Mr.. Green.
"More trouble" he sighed to himself as
he thrust the note into his pocket An |
hour afterwards he opened it, and to his |
bewilderment and surprise, found within
his account fully drawn out, and receiptcd |
with the signature of Harvey Green. Be-
low the receipt was written, | stand re- I
buked. must forgive, if hope to be for
given"
1t was with difficulty that Wilkins could |
restrain a gush Of tears, SO great was his
instant revulsion of feeling. And, if Har