Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1883-01-31
Noah Stephens New Year.

Noah stephens New Year.
Noah Stephens was a miser The spirit
of avarice, born in him, was strengthened
by cultivation. From his earliest boyhood
he had struggled to earn money, not to use,
but to hoard. His earnings from picking
berries and from odd jobs were carefully
put in tin box, and the spending money,
which most boys would have used lavishly,
remained untouched by him. When any of
the silver pieces became tarnished, he would
rub and scour them, and exult over his
little property. 1t was his cherished dream
to become a rich man, and the best energies
OF his life were devoted to the accumulation
of wealth. At fifty years of age he was the
possessor of half million Of dollars gained
entirely through economy and industry,
combined with fine business ability, He
gave sparingly to the church of which he
was member; he paid his bills promptly
and was honest in his transactions but he
knew not the meaning of the word philan-
thropy for his soul was too narrow to con-
tain any love for his fellow-men. He had
bank aud railroad stock, government bonds,
and houses in the city aud country. The
more he possessed, the more his greed of
gain increased.
his office, Mrs. Ruth Ames came in. She
was an old schoo-mate of Mr.. Stephens,
and was highly regarded by him. Mrs.
Ames was a woman of culture and inhu-
ence, whose precious deeds were bright
and shining light everywhere. She was
member of the Womsn's Relief Society.
After few moments conversation, she
said, smilingly, "Mr. Stephens, God has
blessed you in all things; times are hard,
winter is coming on, and there is great
deal of suffering in our town. You have
thousands of dollars more than you can use
will you give me a little to relieve the un-
fortunate 2'
He frowned, shut his lips tightly together,
but said nothing.
$50 many apply to our Relief Society for
help" said Mrs. Amer, "that We tud it
difficult to meet the demands. Here is a
list of cases wanting immediate aid
She took out paper and was about to
read several names, when MIR. Stephens in
terrupted her: Don't want to hear any
thing of that kind People needn't come to
want if they work lazy folks must expect
to go cold and hungry, and drunken, shift
less people deserve to suffer. | earned my
own living from boy; nobody ever gave
me cent. | don't believe in helping an
Incidence and improvidence."
Mrs. Ames looked down upon her paper.
Do listen to me, Mr.. Stephens" she said
entreatingly. Here is Joe Brintnell with
a broken leg. His mother is sick, and his
father who was carpenter, fell from the
house he was building and was killed. Can
boy with his leg in splints and bandages
take care of himself ?"
"How did he break his leg ?" asked Mr.,
Stephens.
"He fell from loaded wagon"
is David Brintnell his uncle ?"
"Yes, think So"
"Then let his uncle help him he can
do it."
Mrs. Ames read another name from her
paper MRS. Martin, paralyzed, aged sew
enty. She needs coal and groceries; an ex-
cellent womon, in great want; her religion
alone sustains her."
"Let her go to the almshouse. Heaven
is Just as near her there as anywhere" said
Mr.. Stephens, contemptuously.
Mrs. Ames read on " Mrs. David Lee,
widow with six children aud no means.
You know her-an industrious hard-work-
ing woman. Don't you think she deserves
help 7"
phens, coldly. "Let the church help her."
"Noah Stephens" said Mrs. Ames, "you
and are old friends, and that gives me the
right of plain speaking. Your hair is be-
coming sprinkled with gray the signs of
time are on your face; few years more,
aud you will be numbered with the dead.
You can carry nothing with you. What
will become of all the money you will leave
behind ?"
Ha mada no renlv
"To whom much is given, much will be
required" continued Mrs. Ames in a sol
emn tone. you are a member of the
church, Noah Stephens, and you profess to
be follower of Christ. Think of what
| have said"
Mr.. Stephens spoke not, and there was
long pause.
"The light of your earthly lamp will
soon go out" she continued earnestly, with
eyes fixed full upon him. "Will you let it
20 out in darkness Oh, hope God will
not appoint discipline of pain and trial
to bring you TO your senses in order to
make you see what worthless thing your
boarded gold is, when you might comfort
and bless so many. Good morning, Mr..
Stephens"
She left the counting-room and went her
way, and Noah Stephens pursued his own
thoughts. Her plain speaking was far from
agreeable TO him. He did not like the
wholesome truths TO which he had been
forced TO listen.
The day wore away, and when twilight
was coming on, Mr., Stephens rose from his
easy chair and prepared to so home. He
put on his warm ovsrcoat, hat and gloves,
and walked rapidly down the street.
1t was bitter cold night the sidewalks
were crowded with hurrying people, and the
jingle of sleigh-bells sounded constantly in
his ears. There was a sheet of glare ice in
his path just before reaching his house, and
as he went over it his foot slipped and he
went violently TO the ground. He tried to
rise, but sharp pains darted from his leg
throughout his body. In moment half a
dozen people, who had seen the accident,
were on the spot to give him assistance.
Mr.. Stephens grew white and dizzy from
pain, and the pitying people carried him
home and laid him on his bed. DIR. Howe
was summoned Immediately. His leg was
broken, and the physician pronounced his
injury a serious one. His leg was put in
splints and bandages until the broken bone
could unite, and he would have to lie qui
etly several weeks.
Poor Mr.. Stephens He was unused to
suffering, and to be thrown helpless upon
his bed in moment was trial almost be-
yond his power of endurance.
One night he could not sleep. 1t was the
last night of the year. He heard the clock
strike eleven. The old year was fast going
ont new year would soon be ushered in.
! Noah Stephens began to think. He did not