Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1871-07-27

JuaI 10 60 On Ounuay eNCurslolts, anu Couc
home late and tired, and half stupid with
bad beer and gin, was not recreation, and
that he might get rest and recreation in
better ways. All these things l found out
or observed in the course of the year. The
children, too, came to school regularly,
clean and tidy. Now John wanted to see
me again.
So lie came into the library tit was on a
Saturday evening", in his working-dress-
but looking clean and trim, and certainly
not smelling of either beer or stale tobac-
co, as many do at that season and with
his honest face radiant with smile, which
was almost broad grin.
81 thought you'd excuse me, sir, but |
wanted to show you something" he said,
and SO saying, handed me his sayings-bank
book.
"Five pounds thirteen shllings and six
pencew | exclaimed. "Wcll done p !
knew all the debts had been paid besides.
at shall be ten more next year, please
God" he rcjoincd proudly. Then, holding
out his hand as the tears stood in his eyes,
he said, God bless you, sir" And re-
piled with all my heart, and you, too,
" Johnm and I think my own eyes We're
little dimmed.
John went on well. He had TO endure,
of course, good deal of chatting from his
but he took it for the most part
very quietly, as was his way and week by
week his account at the Savings Bank--the
Postoifice Savings Bank it was-grew
larger. lie was fairly working his way up
to bcttarp position, and might at no distant
period have looked to be foreman, when
suddenly, unexpectedly, as great blows do
come upon lis, he and many Others were
struck to the ground by an event which
was deemed important enough to have
newspaper paragraph to itself.
1--WE regret to hear that the large build
ing contractors, Messrs, Combs and Plank,
have at last succumbod to pressure which
has already fallen SO heavily on many
smaller houses. They stopped payment
only yesterday afternoon and the principal
works in --- street ale now closed.
More thau 400 men are thus at once thrown
out of work, to add to the already great
distress of the district, and to the daily
increasing number demanding parish relief.
The liabilities Of the firm are, we hear, not
less then El5O000; probably more"
Johns improved character and position
in the works could be no protection against
such an event as this; and in the stagna
ton of trade which was then prevailing, in
consequence of the collapse Of so many
seemingly prosperous speculations, there
was little chance for even the best men to
find employment. John was therefore
again "Out Of work" We were very good
friends now, and so when heard of the
sad affair, made up my mind to 60 at
once and see him.
He stood up to greet me as | entered
his house, and held out his hand "Trouble
again, sir" he said, "as l suppose you've
heard. But anyhow you are welcome.
Bring a chair, Besse. Please sit down a
bit, sir. We've been talking as I'd better
90 and see you"
"And Pm first, you see," replied, as
cheertully as possible, for it was sad
affair. But | knew it would not help to
be grievous over it. II am very sorry, in
deed, Yates" | said. "Wlat is to be
doneM
"Ah! there it is, sir" replied he. "l'm
sure I'd sweep the streets, or break stones,
or anything, sooner than be out of work for
long. But where's the work to be found :
1t breaks q mans heart Almost to be He
was obliged to stop here and make believe
TO put the fire to rights-"to be shaving
hard to get on aud put by bit, and then
to be flung like this"
put my hand on his shoulder, and said
"You remember coming to mellow long
was it "a year ago and more-when you
were out of work before ?"
81 do, sir" he said with emphasis. at
was one of the best days work as ever |
did"
81 am glad to hear it," l answered.
"Now | want you to fulfill the promise of
that time. You have done well, nobly,
hitherto. Never despair"
That's what says" struck in his wife,
who had been busy about some household
matters before, but now came and took her
scat by his side with the baby on her lap.
"lt'll never do to go back, and we must
hope for better times; slope, and hope
ever | says"
| gave her look and anod ofencouragc-
ment, and then turning again to John |
said:
"John there was once One who knew a
working mans lot, and his trials and
temptations, too lie knows yours, and is
willing to help you. Don't forget Him"
John bowed his head, but made no
reply.
Sand then" | went on, "just think
how differently you stand now to whatl on
did then. Why how much have you in
the bank John? you had nothing then"
WELL" he said, recovering himself at
may be a matter Of some twenty or five
and twenty pounds, but had put that by
for this here boy, to apprentice him :" and
he put his hand atlectionately On the head
of a bright-looking boy who stood by him.
liked TO see that. like man who
can sacrifice and save for his children.
"God bless him." thought. ellis boy
shall not suffer from this disaster" sat
silent for a while, and then said
John, you must draw on the bank,
there's no doubt about that, but don't be
down-hearted. Believe me your friend,
and wait TIL | see you again. Your boy
viii be willing to wait, and help his
father and mother know"
| must cut my story short, or shall
weary my readers. Johns hoard, | was
sorry for it, dwirdled away while that
long and weary time Of "Out of work"
continued, and I could see by his worn
look and anxious eyes, how great trial he
was suffering. But he bore it nobly. He
saw it was inevitable, and braced himself
up to it.
One morning he came TO me and asked
me to look at an advertisement he had just
seen in one of the local papers: Wanted