The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1873-01-24
Dollars per Year In Advanc,
Put Yourself In His Place.

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pay il, must foreclose the mortgage
and sell the place, said Mr.. Merton.
"In that case il will, Of course, be
sold at a great sacrifice, and, after all the
struggles | have made, my family will
again be homeless. II is very hard.
only wish you had to earn your money
as | do mine you might then know
something Of the hard life Of poor
workingman. II you could only in
Imagination put yourself in my place, I
think you would have little mercy on
me" said Mr.. Bishop.
ut is useless talking. ! extended the
time over one year. and | can do so no
longer replied Mr.. Merton, as he turned
TO his work and continued his writing.
The poor man rose from his seat and
walked sadly out Of Mr.. Mcrton's Office ;
his last hope gone. lie had just recov.
cred from a long siege Of illness, which
had swallowed up all the means with
which he had intended to make the last
payment upon his home. True, that
gentleman had waited one year when he
failed to meet the demand, owing to
sickness in his family, and he had felt
very much obliged TO him for doing 50.
This year he had lain sick for several
months, during which he could earn
nothing. and all his savings were then
needed for the support of himself and
family. Again he had failed, and now
he would again be homeless and have to
begin the world anew. Had the Lord
fjrsaken him and given him over to the
tender mercies Of the wicked
After he had left the office, Mr.. Mer-
ton could not drive away from his
thoughts that remark TO which the poor
man in his grief had given utterance: /:
81 wish you had to earn your money as
l do mine" In the midst Of a row Of
figures, "Put yourself in my place
would intrude. Once, after il had crossed
his mind, he laid down his pen. saying,
"Well, | think | should find il rather
hard. | have a mind to drop in there
this afternoon, and see how IT goes with
the family. That man has aroused my
curiosity"
About five o'clock he put on gray
wig, and some old, worn, cast-oa clothes,
walked TO the residence Of Mr.. Bishop,
and knocked at the door. Mrs. Bishop,
pale, weary-looking woman, opened it,
and the poor old man requested permis-
sion to enter and rest awhile, saying he
was very tired with his long journey, for
he had walked many miles that day.
Mrs. Bishop cordially invited him in,
and gave him the best seat the house
afforded. She then began to make prep
arations for tea. The old gentleman
watched her attentively. lie saw there
was no elasticity in her step, no hope in
her movement, and pity for her began to
steal into his heart. When her husband
entered, her features relaxed into
smile, and she forced a cheerfulness into
her manner. The traveller n,..S;a' ..-iiI,
and he felt himself compelled to admire
this woman, who could assume cheer
fulness she did not feel, for her husbands
sake. After the table was prepared,
there was nothing ON it but bread and
butter and tea. They invited the stran
ger to eat with them. saying, "we have
not much to offer you, but cup of tea
will be refreshing after your long jour
ney."
He accepted their hospitality, and, as
they discussed the frugal meal, he led
them. without seeming to do so, to talk
Of their affairs.
II bought this lot," said Mr.. Bishop,
'at very low price, and instead of wait
ing, as l ought to have done, until had
saved the money to build. / thought
would borrow three hundred dollars.
The interest on the money would not be
as much as the rent was paying. and
should be saving something by doing il.
] did not think there would be any diff.
Guilty in paying back the borrowed
money, hut the first year my wife and
one Of my children were sick. and the
help l was obliged To hire. and the other
extra expenses, left me without the
means to pay the debt Mr.. Merton
agreed To wait another year If l would
pay the interest. Ibid that. This year
was sick for seven months. unable to
work and earn anything, aud. of course,
when payday comes around, and that is
very- soon, ! shall again be unable to
meet the demand"
But" said the stranger, "will not
MIR. Merton wait another year II you
make all the circumstances known to
himf"
"No. SIR replied Mr.. Bishop; II saw
aim this morning. and he said he must
have his money, or he should be obliged
70 foreclose."
"Hie must be very hard-hearted,' . said
Ihe traveller.
mot necessarily So" replied Mr..