Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-11-05
Unseen Comp anions.

wisely determined TO earn his own living.
He had been under good influences during
his boyhood, having Christian home until
his fathers death and for few months
alter that sad event he had lived in his
uncle's family but his Cousins had the first
claim upon their father, and when Frank
decided to work his way in the world, and
be somebody, his uncle commended him,
and the night before his departure from the
home the old gentleman kindly asked
Frank, what kind of man do you mean
to be 2"
"a rich one, sir" replied Frank.
al wish, my boy, that you had said a
good one but doubt not you mean to be
good as well as rich. Remember that,
although you seem to go forth alone, you
will really start out with two companions,
both OF whom will keep very close to you
without being seen, till you drive one away
One is Good Thought, the other Is Evil
Thought. 1t is for you TO say which shall
influence you most. If you listen about as
much to one as the other, your life will be
nothing to boast of but doubt if 1t would
be possible for you to be on the same terms
with both. One is pretty sure to have more
power over you than the other; aud, in
time, the one to whom you give no atten-
ton will silently withd aw, and the other
Will remain your constant companion and
adviser. One will lead you upward, the
other downward"
The next morning Frank started toward
the city, which he hoped to reach before
night. The first part of the day seemed
uneventful to the young traveller, and he
said to himself :" don't realize the pres
ence of the companions uncle talked about;
| feel quite secure and happy. guess it was
only an old mans whim."
He had little sum of money, and when
he reached an clearinghouse about noon-time,
he went in, ordered good meal, and ate it
with a relish. When he went to the desk
to pay Tor 1t, the young men who preceded
lHm each paid quarter of dollar, and no
questions were asked. Frank had ordered
several extras not included in the "cheap
dinner" bill of fare, and he knew by the
price-list that he ought to pay about seventy
cents; but by some oversight the clerk had
not given him check.
Aud Good Thought said 10 him: Don't
think OF cheating pay for what you have
eaten-you have money enough"
Evil Thought interrupted If you can
get a high-priced dinner for twenty-five
cents, you are smart fellow. Offer to pay
as the others paid; the clerk won't notice,
or If he does you can call it mistake
Frank put down quarter, and the young
man took it with a smile and 'thank you"
Good Thought was silenced for the moment,
and Evil Thought said Good for YOU
Young Man That is the way to get on in
the world; they all do it. Pay when you
are called upon, and that is all honesty re-
quires.'
When Frank reached the city, he found a
pleasant boardiDg-place, soon made acquain-
| tances, obtained a situation, and went to
work in earnest. His life seemed pleasant,
aud he was elated with the prospect and
promise OF larger salary after little more
experience. Frank was really weak Just
where he seemed strongest. The love of
gaiu-the desire TO be rich-was the ruling
motive in his life. His ambition was laud-
able, but he thought more OF wealth than
| of an unblemished character.
During the following summer, when he
was allowed little vacation, Frank gladly
accepted his uncle's invitation to spend it at
the old farm. His aunt and cousins were
delighted to see him, aud the time passed
very pleasantly. When the time came for
him to return to the city, his uncle said -
"Frauk, | haven't asked you much about
your business prospects; how does life look
to you now 2"
"Oh, | am sure there is money ahead for
Il q
my age, and | haven't given up the idea of
becoming rich some day"
"Did you ever hear anything from those
unseen companions we talked about before
you went away"
Yes, sir, replied Frank, Z" suppose
have heard from them sometimes but to
tell the truth, | haven't thought much about
them. have so many visible friends that
| don't think much about unseen spirits
"Let us go back to the time you lett here:
will you tell me honestly, my boy, just what
you can remember that occurred that day
between here and the city p
| "Yes, uncle, will try" he said and re-
called the day more wildly than he had
ever before, aud told all about paying less
than he owed for his dinner.
| 81 have watched you closely, Frank, and
felt sure that Good Thought had been
treated unkindly by you, but did not sup
pose you consented to part company with
MIN SO soon. Evil Thought is surely lead
ing you the downward road if you are not
careful your love of gain will ruin you.
am not sorry that you wish to accumulate
property; but what is rich man worth, if
he has not honesty and a good character ?"
Frank colored deeply and was silent. His
| love for his uncle was very strong, and the
lad was not wanting in conscience, though
lie had been thoughtless and needless. And
when the kind old man went on telling him
| OF the difference between lille which keeps
| growing better and nobler by wsll-doing,
and "a life which grows meaner aud harder
and darker by evil-doing, Frank felt as if
the voice OF God might be calling him back
in mercy from the edge OF a precipice. lie
could see now plainly enough that he had
been keeping bad company all the year by
cherishing iu his own heart selfish purpose.
The uncle saw the serioGs look on the
lads face, and knew that it was a good time
10 say one thing more " My dear boy, pray
Ask the God who made you, and who loves
| you, to create within you clean heart and
| right spirit Frank silently pressed his
uncle's hand, and set out on his journey.
The clearinghouse where he had yielded TO
the evil counselor Was on his way again he
topped for dinner and again he stood at
the little counter to pay for his meal. There
was brief conflict, but the old enemy was
| completely routed as he handed 10 the clerk
the full price of his dinner and added the
sum which year before he had dishonesty
withheld.
A happy boy was Frank as he walked
| from the house. He had looked the two I'M
seen companions fairly in the face, and he
could see now that one was hldeous and hor-
| rible, and that the other was beautiful as an
angel. As Evil Thought sneaked away like
a detected thief, Good Thought said, " Frank,
you have made fair beginning We shall
oe the best Of friends hereafter, ii you well
come my company" Aud Frank made
hearty answer, Henceforth you shall be my
bosom friend and counselor"
As the days went on, Evil Thought drew
near and offered an opinion occasionally;