Whig and tribune. [volume] (Jackson, Tenn.) 1870-1877, 1873-05-17

for yOu-One from the grocer ana
the other from the teacher"
Reply was prevented by knock
at the door, and the appearance of
lad, who presented a neatly folded
paper, and disappeared
''The butchers account, asI lvel"
exclaimed the astOnished shoemak-
er. ssWhat is to be done, Maryl-
So much money to be paid out, and
very little coming in; for some Of
my best customers have left nfe, al
though my work has always given
satisfaction. III could only have as
much employment as usual, and the
usual credit allowed me, / could sat
isfy these claims; but TO meet them
now is impossible, and the acknOWl-
edgment Of my inability would send
US on the downward path"
"We must do our best, and trust
in Providence, was the cOnsoling
remark of his wife, as a second
knock aroused the fear that another
claimant was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance
of Uncle Joshua, a rare, but very
welcome visitor, presented ITSELF
Seating himself in tho comfor-
table chair that Mary fastened 10
hand him, he said in his eccentric,
but friendly manner.
"Well, good folks, / understand
the world does not 90 as well with
you as formerly. What is the trou-
ble?''
"There need be no trouble" was
the reply, IF men would not try TO
add to the Affections which the AL
mighty sees TO be necessary for US.
We met with sickness and misfor-
tunes, which we endeavored to bear
with patience. All would now 20
well. III those around me were not
determined to push us in the down
ward path"
"But. there lies the difficulty,
friend Thompson. This is a selfish
world. Every body, or at least a
majority, care only for number one.
IL they see poor neighbor going
down hill, their first thought is
whether il will affect their own in
terests, and provided they can Sc
cure themselves they care not how
soon he goes TO the bottom. The
only way is to keep up appearances.
Show no signs of going behindhand,
and all will go well with you"
Every true, Uncle Joshua, but
how is this TO be done! Bills which
| did not expect to be called upon TO
meet for the next three months are
pouring In upon me. My best Gus
toners are leaving me for a more
fortunate rival. In short, am on
the brink of ruin, and naught but a
miracle can save mo
ga miracle which is very easily
wrought, then, imagine, my good
friend. What is the amount of your
debts which press so heavily upon
you, and how soon, in the common
course of events, could you dis
charge them:"
seThey do not exceed one hundred
dollars" replied the shoemaker,
'4and with my usual run Of work,
could make all right in three or four
months"
"We will say six" was the an
swer. 81 will advance you one hum
dred and fifty dollars for six months.
Pay every cent you owe, and with
the remainder of the money make
some slight addition or improyment
to your house or shop, and put ev-
erything about the grounds in lis
usual neat order. Try this plan for
few weeks, and we will see what
an effect il has upon our worthy
ncighbors. No, no, never mind
thanking me. l am only trying a
little experiment on human nature.
/ know you OF old, and have no
doubt my money is safe in your
hands,"
Weeks passed by. The advice Of
Uncle Joshu had been stricly follow
ed, and the change in the shoemak-
er's prospects was indeed wonder
/ fuI. lie was now spoken OF as one
J of the DiOst thriving men IN the vii
lage, anc many marvellous stories
were told to account for the sudden
| alteration i'm affairs. IL was gener-
ally agreed distant relative had be-
queathed 10 him a legacy, which had
entirely relieved him of his pecunia-
ry troubles. They had never before
realized the beauty of his work
The polite butcher selected the best
pieces of meat for his inspection, as
he entered, and was totally indifer-
ent as TO the time of payment. The
teacher accompanied the chrildren
home 10 tea, and spoke in high
terms Of their improvement, pro-
nouncing them among the best
scholars Of her school The dress
1 ARaAa NA'~AA AAN'
from the great press for work, and
in a friendly note expressed her de-
sire to oblige Mrs. Thompson in any
way in her power.
"Just as l expected exclaimed Un-
Gle Joshua, rubbing his hand exult-
ingly, as the grateful shoemaker
called upon him at the expiration Of
six months, with the money which
had been loaned in the time of need.
"Just as L expectet- A strange
world They are ready to push a
man up hill if he seem to be ascend
ing, and just as ready TO push him
down, if they find his face turned
that way. In future neighbor
Thompson, let every thing around
you wear an air of prosperity, and
you viii be sure to prosper"
And with a satisfied air, Uncle
Joua placed his money in his
pocket book, ready TO meet some
other claim upon his benevolence
whilst he, whom he had befriended,
with cheerful countenance returned
to his happy home.
L