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Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892

"Tales and Sketches Part 3, from Volume V., the Works of Whittier: Tales and Sketches"

Times have been rather hard,
thou knows; and if by voting at this election we can make business
matters easier, I don't see how we can justify ourselves in staying at
home. Thou knows we have a command to be diligent in business as well
as fervent in spirit, and that the Apostle accounted him who provided
not for his own household worse than an infidel. I think it important
to maintain on all proper occasions our Gospel testimony against wars
and fightings; but there is such a thing as going to extremes, thou
knows, and becoming over-scrupulous, as I think thou art in this case.
It is said, thou knows, in Ecclesiastes, 'Be not righteous overmuch: why
shouldst thou destroy thyself?'"
"Ah," said Aminadab to himself, "that's what the little iron soldier
said in meeting." So he was strengthened in his resolution, and the
persuasions of his friend were lost upon him.
At night Aminadab sat by his parlor fire, comfortable alike in his inner
and his outer man. "Well, Hannah," said he, "I've taken thy advice. I
did n't vote for the great fighter to-day."
"I'm glad of it," said the good woman, "and I dare say thee feels the
better for it."
Aminadab Ivison slept soundly that night, and saw no more of the little
iron soldier.



PASSACONAWAY.


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