The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-10-17
The Five Clerks.


If young men, and especially young
Christians, knew how much their fu.
ture life depends on the habits they form
in early manhood, there would oftener be
found such records as the following from
the C0ngregattonaliSt:
In one of our inland town were, a few
years since, five boys, apprentices in as
many different stores. Bya similarity of
disposition, education and age they be-
come very intimate, and in revival that
occurred in that village all became Chris
ians.
They at once Identified themselves as
such before the world, and went out to
labor in the vineyard Of the Master. In
Sabbath and mission schools they were
faithful, jealous, earnest workers, their
voices were heard in prayer and praise 10
the weekly church meetings; the outcast
the sorroWing,the despondent,w were cheer
ed with words of hope and courage their
respective pastors looked to them, even
in their youthfulness, for active coopera-
tion IN every goood word and work, and
did not look IN vain.
Although entirely dependent upon
their own industry for support, and in
some instances aiding dependent brothers
and sisters with the meagre salary of clerks
under age, yet from a sense Of duty they
made mutual pledge to each other to
give one tenth of their income to the Lord
Nobly has that pledge been fulfilled,
and God has testified in experience that
be will honor those who honor Him.
Without money or influential friends each
has attained an enyiable position in bust.
ness circles aud in society.
One is a highly esteemed merchant 10
one Of our cities, whose heart is ever de.
viSing liberal things, responding to every
call made In behalf of the poor and needy.
As he once remarked to the writer, II
cant help giving, there is SO much pleas
ure 10 it."
Another is an active, energetic business
man in Cleveland, O., but even more &C,
tive in the Church and Sabbath school,
discussing freely of his own substance,
and the trusted almoner of others bouGty.
The third is the cashier of a bank in
Wisconsin, Of whom 4 well-known West.
ern missionary writes thus: "Noble soul
that he is Your town has sent out none
more noble. think that for Christ his
daily example tells as much as any that
know"
The fourth is partner in the banking
house of one of the most responsible firms
in Wall street Upon few men do such
heavy business responsibilities rest
Honored, trusted, loved by his partners
and held in respect and confidence by
the Street fraternity, he has attained a
position that few could reach after years
of most laborious effort. In the church
and Sabbath school he is faithful, devo.
ted laborer. The other is also a business
man of rare probity, shrinking from no
duty, though it lead through fire and fame
conscientious to the last degree, and ever
diligeOt in business, serving the Lord.
The enviable position these once poor
and penniess boys now sustain shows the
truth of the eternal word, "There is that
scattereth and yet lncrcaseth, and proves
that godlinesS is profitable even in this
life. Their bonefaetions are not limited
by their pledge but in many cases, per-
haps in each exceed that amount.
Great power for the Church and for
Christ lies in the hands of Christian bus.
ines men, and it is a beautiful sight to
witness an extended business carried on
in the fear of the Lord, making Him
with reverence We speak it-a partner,
and Partaker Of tbs profits. We know