Year: 1860




now thought Mrs. Thompson, as she has
tily pursued her way towards home.


1T seems strange that all these payments
must be met just now, while we are strug
Cling to escape from the heavy expenses Of
the winter | cannot understand


Her perplexity was increased by finding
her husband with two bills in his band, and
a countenance expressive of anxiety aud
concern.


Look, Mary he said as she entered
Here are two unexpected calls for money
| one from the doctor, and the other from
the dealer in leather from whom pnrehas-
ed my last stock They are both very ur-
gent for immediate payment, although they
have always been willing to wait few
months until l could make arrangements
to meet their claims. But misfortunes
never come singly, and if man once gets
behind hand, troubles seem to pour in up-
on him.


Just So replied the wife. THE neigh
bors think we are going down bill, and eve.
ry one is ready to give us push, here
are two more bills for you-one from the
grocer and the other from the teacher


Reply was prevented by a knock at the
door, and the appearance of lad who pre-
sentcd a neatly folded paper disappeared.


The butchers account us | live 2 ex-
claimed the astonished shoemaker. What
is to be done, Mary SO much money TO
be paid out and very little coming in, for
some of my best customers have left me,
although my work has given satisfaction
II | could only have as much employment
as formerly, and the usual credit allowed
me, could soon satisfy their claims hut
to meet them now is impossible and the
acknowledgment of my inability will send
me still further on the downward path


'We must do our best, and trust to Pro
vidence," was the conSolatory remark of
of his wife, as a knock at the door aroused
the fear that another clamcnt was about
to appear.


But the benevolent countenanco Of Un-
Gle Joshua, a rare, but ever welcomed Wis
itor, presented itself Seating himself in
the comfortable chair which Mary hasten
ed 10 hand him he said in his somewhat
eccentric but friendly manner


We'll, good folks, | understand that the
world does not go qaite as well with You
as formerly. What is the trouble p
There need be no trouble, sir was the
reply, if man would not try to add to the
Affections which the Almighty sees to be
necessary for u.s. The winter was trying
one we met with sickness and misfortunes
which we endeavored to meet with patience
All would now go well, if those around me
were not determined to push me into the
downward path


But there lies the difficulty, friend
Thompson This is selfish world every
body, or at least great majority, care on
ly for number one. IF they see a poor
neighbor goiug down hill, their first thought
is whether it will hurt their own interest,
and provided they can secure themselves,
they care not how soor he gets to the bot
tom. The only way is to keep up appear
ances-show no sigus Of going behind hand
and all will go well with YOU


Very true, Uncle Joshua but how is
this to be done ? Bills which l did not ex-
pect to be called upon to meet for the next
three months are pouring III upon me, my
best customers are leaving me for more
fortunate rival in short l am on the brink
of ruin, and nothing but a miracle can save
me-


"A miracle which is very easy wrought
then, imagine, my good friend. What is
the amount of those debts which press SO
heavily upon you and how soon, in the
common course of events could you dis
charge them p


They do not exceed one hundred dol
lars replied the shoemaker, 'and with my
usual run of work | could make it all right
in three or four months


we will say six, was the answer. 4 vii
advance you one hundred and fifty dollars
for six months. Pay every cent you owe,
and with the remainder Of the money make
some slight addition of improvement il
your shop, and put everything about the
ground in the usual good order. Try thi'
plan for few weeks, and we will see what
effect it has upon our worthy neighbors
No, no, never mind thanking me. an
only trying little experiment on human
nature. l know you of old, ana have n,
do doubt that my money is safe in you
hands


Weeks passed by. The odviee of Uncl
r Joshua had been followed the change il
the shOemaker's prospects was indeed won
: derful. He was now spoken of as one o
t the most thriving men Of the village, aud
= many marvellous stories were told to accoun
= for the sudden alteration in his affairs. Ii
was generally agreed that distant rela
tive had bequeathed to him legacy, which
had entirely relieved him of his pecuniary
difficulties.


Old customers and new ones crowded in
4 upon him. They had never before realizeC
f the beauty and durability of his work
The butcher selected the best piece of mea
4 for his inspection, as he entered, and wa
= Indifferent as to time of payment. Th
dealer in leather called to inform him tina
his best hide awaited his orders. Tn
teacher accompanied the children home t
tea, and spoke in high terms of their in
A prOvemenL, pronounciug them among he
best scholars.


t The dress maker suddenly found herse
J free from The great press of work, and
D friendly note expressed her desire to oblig
+ Mrs. Thompson in any way in her power
Just as | expected exclaimed Uncl
, Joshua, rnbbing his hands exultingly a
the grateful shoemaker called upon him, a
II. . = - 4