River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1884-03-27

eve must do our best and trust in
Providence" was the consoling remark
of his wife, as a second knock at the
door aroused the fear that another
claimant was about to appear.
But the benevolent countenance of
Uncle Joshua, rare but very welcome
visitor, presented itself. Seating him
self IN the comfortable chair which
Mary FASTENED to hand him, he said in
his eccentric but friendly manner:
"Well, good folks, l understand the
world does not go on as well with you
as formerly. What is tire trouble?"
"There need be no trouble" was the
reply, "if men would not try to add TO
the Affections which the Almighty sees
to be necessary for us. The winter was
a trying one. We met with sickness
and misfortune, which we endeavor to
bear with patience All would now go
well if those around us were not deter
mined topush us in the downward path. "
And there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson. This is u selfish world.
Everybody, or at least great majority
care only for number one. If they see
a poor neighbor going down hill, their
very first thought is whether it will eff
feet their own interest, and provided
they can secure themselves, they care
not how soon he goes to the bottom
The only way is to keep up appearances.
Show signs Of being behind hand, and
all will not go well with YOU
"Very 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 on
me. My best customers are leaving me
for a more fortunate rival. In short, /
am ON the brink of ruin, and naught but
miracle will save meT'
A miracle which is very easily
wrought then, ] imagine, my good friend.
What is the amount of your debts, which
now press so heavily upon you, and how
soon in the coming course of events
could YOU discharge them?"
They do not exceed one hundred
dollars" replied the shoemaker; "and
with nv usual run of work, | could make
it all right in three or four months.
I'VE will say six" was the answer.
Il will advance you one hundred and
fifty dollars. Pay every cent you owe
and make some slight addition or i'm
provement in your shop or house, and
put everything around the grounds in
it's usual neat order. Try this plan for
a few weeks and we will see what effect
it has upon our worthy neighbors. No,
no, never mind thanking me, am only
trying little experiment on human ma
ture / know you of old and have no
doubt that my money is safe in your
hanps"
Weeks passed. The advice of Uncle
Joshua had been strictly followed, and
he change in the shoemaker's prospects
were indeed wonderful; he was now
spoken of as one of the most thriving
men of the village. and many marvel
Gus stories were told to account for the
sudden alteration of his affairs.
1t was generally agreed that distant
relative had bequeathed to him alegaey,
which had entirely relieved him of his
pecuniary difficulties The polite
butchers selected the best piece of meat
for his inspection, as he entered, and
WAS totally indifferent as TO the time Of
The teacher accompanied
the children home to tea, and spoke in
high terms of their Improvement, pro-
nouncing then among his best scholars.
The dressmaker very suddenly found
herself free from the great press of
work. and in friendly note expressed
her desire to oblige Mrs. Thompson in
any way in her power.
Just as [ expected exclaimed Uncle
Joshua, rubbing his hands exultingly, AS
the grateful shoemaker called upon him
at the expiration of six months, with
the money which had been loaned in
the hour of need.
"Just as | expected. A strange
worldl They are ready to push man
up hill when he seems to be ascending,
and just as ready to push him down, if
they find his face turned that way In
the future, neighbor Thompson, let
everything wear an air of prosperity and
you will he sure to prosper.
And with satisfied air Uncle Joshua
placed his money in his pocket-book
ready to meet some other claim upon
his benevolence, while he, whom he had
thus befriended, with cheerful counte
nance returned to his happy home.