The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1872-12-20

The book-kecper, bending over the
ledger smiled to himself, but said
nothing.
The doctor hardly liked the express
sion upon the merchants face, and the
oily unctlon with which these words
rolled from his mouth; but resolutcly
dashed at his subject. He depicted the
sutfcrings of the dwellcrs in Dead
Mans Row; the tumble-down house,
admitting the wind and snow at every
corner; the famine which reigncd il,
them; and then, excited by the troub.
les he had witnessed, he appealed to
the merchant to help those who were
unable to help themselves.
Warmth usually bcgcts warmth, and
it is therefore more singular, but not
less true, that, as the doctor warmed,
Mr.. Cantter cooled, and, when he had
finished speaking, that gentleman said
81 can do nothing for you. 1 am a
subscriber to the Maglalcns' Home,
the Esculapius Hospital, the Seanen'
Refuge, the North Pole Missions, the
- ~s
! "But this is-.'
"Tract Societies. continued Mr..
Cantter, calmly ignoring the doctor,
'and many other charities. l find my
time entirely taken up, and can Meth
spare time nor money to aid a vaga-
bond who may lie dccciving YOU"
"Thcre can be no deception in star
wilton "
"Well, may be not; but l might be
placing a premium on dishonesty, and
| hope to aid worthy objects.''
"All worthy, no doubt; but this is
a case Of such utter wretchedncss. \
boy, little morscl Of a child, dying
for want Of food;' pleaded the doctor.
81 dare say said Mr.. Cantter;
'lut charity, t. be effective, must be
well directed You must come to our
church next Sunday. We have the
fires: preacher in the city, and as his
sermon is upon charity, you will, no
doubt, be able to profit by Lis sugges-
tioHs'
But about the boy?" said the doc
tor, fearful that the conversation would
wander away from the subject which
interested him more than the sermon
which w@s in prospect.
81 can't sluanIer money ON such
ohiccts,' said the merchant, again sud-
denly dropping from warmth to cold.
II can give you letter to the Direct
ors of the Poor Children Home, and
the next meeting of the Board"
"D-n the board - said the DOCTOR
now thoroughly Indignant.
"protanity! And in my presence -
exclaimed tLe merchant. "Iou shock
me, s.r.
".Shcck you!" said tie doctor.
".Shock loU:" How have you shocked
me with your lying talk of charity !
Is it charity to 60 to fine church-to
listen to a sensational preacher? Is it
charity to @ to L luxurious home, to
eat grand dinner, and talk over the
sermon? Is it charity to sit Oh vel
vet ia before Il blazing fire; to look
through French plate glass windows at
the houscless, hungry poor, as they
hurry by, aud Say, 'God bel the
poor!' Shame upon such charity"
'':>r - said Mr.. Cantter. The
bcokkecrcr smiled encouragingly upon
the speaker.
"Shamc upon such charity, l say"
continued he. borne on by tle flood of
Indignation. "A true, noble charity
is the best thing upon earth; but a
hypocritical charity should be a weight
sufficient to damn any SOUL" And
slamming the doar to the doctor strobe
away.
81 am truly shocked at that young
mans reckless use of strong terms, -
said Mr.. Cantter; ''but," he added,
reaectiye]y, let us hope that he will see
the error of his ways and repent before
it is too late. hope Mr.. Strong,
that you will take warning
from. him, and be more regular
in your attendance at church. BY the
way Tomorrow is Sunday, and you
must come to our church and hear Mr..
Iifalution Oh 'Charity.'''
The doctor, disheartened at his re-
buff, and thoroughly indignant at the
hypocrisy Of which he had been wit
ness, paused irresolutely upon the COR.
ncr, and, as he stood there he heard
a quick step behind him; then hand
hurriedly thurst small roll of money
into his; and, turning, he was just il
time to see the form of Mr.. Cantter's
bookkeeper disappearing in the gloom,