The Bloomfield Times

TRUE PRIDE.

A young man named Parks, from Worcester, entered the store of the Lawrences, in Boston, and found Amos in the office. He represented himself as having just commenced business, and desired to purchase a lot of goods. He had recommendation as to character from several influential citizens of Worcester, but none touching his business standing or capacity.
The merchant listened to his story, and at its close shook his head.
"I have no doubt," he said kindly, "that you have full faith in your ability to promptly meet the obligations you would now assume; but I have no knowledge of your tact or capacity, and as you are just launching out on the sea of business, I should be doing you a great injustice to allow you to contract a debt which I did not feel assured you could pay at the proper time."
But Mr. Lawrence liked the appearance of the young man and finally told him that he would let him have what goods he could pay for at the cost of the manufacture—about ten per cent. less than the regular wholesale price. The bill was made out and paid, and the clerk asked 'where the goods should be sent.
"I will take them myself," said the purchaser.
"You will find them rather heavy," suggested the clerk smiling.
"Never mind; I am strong, and the stage office is not far away, and besides, I have nothing else to occupy my time."
"But," said the clerk, expostulating "it is hardly in keeping with your position to be shouldering such ponderous bundles through the city."
"There you mistake," replied the young man, with simple candor. "My position just now is one in which I must help myself if I would be helped at all. I am not ashamed to carry anything which I honestly possess, nor am I ashamed of the strength which enables me to carry this heavy burden."
Thus speaking he shouldered a large bundle, and had turned toward the outer door, when Mr. Lawrence, who, from his office, had overheard the conversation, called him back.
"Mr. Parks, I have concluded to let you have what goods you want on time. Select your pleasure."
The young man was surprised.
"You have true pride for a successful merchant, sir," pursued Mr. Lawrence "and I shall be disappointed if you do not succeed."
Amos Lawrence was not disappointed.
Within fifteen years from that time, Samuel Parks was himself established on Milk street—one of the most enterprising and successful merchants in Boston.—Exchange.