The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1878-04-16

NtSh' WI huOW uuo PoooSo
into proverb, when poor man needs
assistance, he should apply to the poor
The, reason is obvious; only the poor
know the curse of poverty. They know
how heavily it falls, crushing the heart OF
man,and Ito use my favorite expression)
they can at once put themselves in the
unfortunate ones place and appreciate
his difficulties, and are therefore always
ready to render assistance as far as they
are able. If Mr. Merton had the least
idea what me and my family had to pass
through, / think he would be willing to
wait several years for his money rather
than distress u.s.
With what emotion the stranger listen
ed may be imagined; new world was
being opened ito him; he was passing
through an experience that had never
been his before. Shortly after the con
clusion Of the meal he arose to take his
leave, thanking Mr.. and Mrs Bishop for
their kind hospitality; they invited him
to stay all night, telling him be was well
come to what they had
He thanked them and said I will tres
pass on your kindness no further l
think l can reach the next village before
dark,and be 80 much further on my jour.
ney."
Mr.. Merton did not sleep much that
night; he lay awake thinking he had re
ceived new revelation The poor had
always been associated in his mind with
stupidity and ignorance, and the frs
poor family be had visited be had found
far in advance, in intelligent sympath,
and real politeness, of the exquisite anG
fashionable butterflies of the day.
The next day boy called at the cot
tage and left package in large blu,
envelope addressed to Mr.. Bishop.
Mrs. Bishop was very much alarmed
when she took it,for large blue envelopes
were associated in her mind with law ant
lawyers, and she thought it boded nj
good. She put it away until her husband
came home from his work, when sh
handed it to him. fs reaf.
| He opened it In silence, read its con
tents, and said fervently: Thank heav
emf
"What is it, John ?" inquired his anx
1 ious wife. eH @
/ Good news. wife," replied John
"such news as never hoped for or eyel
dreamed Of"
"What is itf-what is it2 Tell m
Quick IL want to hear, if it's anything
4 good"
"Mr. Merton has cancelled the mort
4 gaee-released me from the debt, bot
interest and principal-and says that an.
time I need further assistance, if I vii
| let him know, / shall have it."
i 81 am SO glad! It puts new life int
me- said the now happy wife. "Bu
what can have come over Mr.. Merton !?
II Il ilo not know. 1t seems strange al
ters tiie way he talked to me yesterda
i morning / will go right over to MI
Merton's and tell him how happy he ha
made us !"
j He found Mr.. Merton in and express
ed his gratitude in glowing terms.
i "What could have induced your" b
asked, sto show so much kindness ?"
81 followed your suggestion" reptile
Mr. Merton, "and put myself in you
place. I expect it will surprise you yer
much to learn that the strange travele
to whom you showed 80 much kindnes
yesterday. was myself"
i "Indeed ! exclaimed Mr.. Bishop; tea
that be true2 How did you disguis
/ yourself 80 vell?" ii Eaa
} 81 was not so much disguised afte
all; but you could not very readily asso
cis.e Mr.. Merton, the lawyer. with poo
wayfaring man-ha! ha hal" laughe
Mr. Merton. ed
"Well, it is q good joke,n said MI
! Bishop; "good in more senses than ont
1t has terminated very pleasantly 70
me-
II was surprised" said Mr.. Merton
.. the broad and liberal views you e1
:fsssed of men and their actions gen,
cslly. supposed had greatly the az
! vantage over you In means and educ'
tion yet now cramped and narrow mil
J ded have been my views beside yours
} That wife of yours is an estimable wt
man, and that boy will be an honor
, any man. tell you. Bishop" said tt
: lawyer, becoming animated, "you al
rich-rich beyond what money coul
make you; you have treasures that gol
will not buy. / tell you, you owe me q
D thanks. Somehow seem to have live
! years since yesterday morning. What
have learned at your house Is wort
8 more than you owe me, and l am yos
b debtor yet. Hereafter I shall take as n
: motto, Put yourself in my place., ar
: try to regulate my actions by it",