Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-09-18

h'>' iSlt uihtncu. is SuCh thing hlt
become unusual with him, OF late wears !:
but my anxious feelings were agreeablv
relieved, when the children told me
their father had been hoeing. for an
hour IN the potato field, and was mend
ing the garden fence. With our scan
~ materials, l got ready the bcs, break
last could, and he sat down To- it, with
a good appetite, but said little, and.
now and then, saw the tears starting
in his eyes.
had many fears that he would fall
back into his former habits whenever
he should meet his old companions. or
stop IN again nj the Dcacons store.
was about urging him To- move into an
other village. After breakfast. he took
me aside, and asked me ii had not a
gold ring. George, said I that ring
was my mothers she took it from her
finger and gave II Ia me the day she
died. would not part with that ring.
unless !, were TO save life. Besides. il
We are industrious and honest, we shall
not be lorSaken." Dear JENNY" said
he, 8" ! know how you prize that gold
mig lncyer loved YOU more than n hen
YOU wcpt over il, while YOU first told
inc The story OF your mothers death i,
was Just month before we were mar
ned, the last sabbath evening i'm Nav.
Jenny, and We We're walking by the
rivcr. ] wish YOU would bring me
that mig Memory hurried me back
IN an instant, TO the scene, the bank up
on the river side where We sat together
and agreed upon a wedding day.
brought down the ring, and he asked me.
with such eancstness of manner. 10
pu, II on his finger, that I did so; no,
however, without trembling hand and
mlsgiving heart. And now, JENNY. ="
SAID he, as he rose to 60 out, pray that
God Will support me"
My mind was not in happy state,
Tor felt some doubt of his intentions.
From little hill at the back of our
cottage We had fair view of the Dca-
con $ store. went up TO the top of il.
and while | watched my husband
steps, no one can tell how fcrvently |
prayed To God To guide them Alright.
saw two of his old companions, standing
in the store door, with glasses i'm their
hands; and, as he came in front of the
shop, ! saw them bcckon him in. /,
was a sad moment for me. "Oh
George, " said | though knew he could
not hear inc, go ON; remember YOUR
poor wife and your starving children -
My heart sunk within me, when saw
hlm stop and turn towards the door
He shook hands with his old associates
they appeared TO offer him their glasses
| saw him shake his head and pass on
- Thank God" said !, and ran down
the hill, with a light step, and Selling
my baby at the cottage door, literal
ly covered it with kisses, and bathed
IT in tears of joy.
About ten O'Clock, Richard Lane,
the Squire's office boy, brought in a
piece OF meat, saying my husband sent
word that he could not be home till
night as he was at work on the Squire $
barn. Richard added that the Squire
had engaged him for two months. lie
came home early, and the children ran
down the hill TO meet him. He was
grave, but cheerful. 81 have prayed
for you, dear husband" said 1. And
a merciful God has supported me, Jen-
ny" said he. II is not easy 10 mpa-
sure the degrees of happiness but take
IT altogether, this, think, was the hap
Picst evening Of my life. If there is
great JOY III heaven over a sinner that
. rcpenteth, there is no less ioy in the
heart of n faithful wife, over a husband
that was lost, and is found. I'm thi,
manner the two months went away
In addition 20 the common labor, he
found time to cultivate the garden, and
make and mend variety of useful ar
ticlcs about the house.
IL wa soon understood, that nv hus-
band had reformed, and IL was more
+ generally believed, because he was a
subject for the snecrs Of a large mum
Der Of the Dcacon's customers. Nv
husband used 10 say, Let those laugh
that are wise and win. He was an
excellent workman. and business came
m from all quarters. He was soon able
to repay ncighbor Johnson. and ouI
'''''''hNf hf'h III ttiF NlDNfNl IT1tnusufi
with each other.
One evening farmer johnson said e
my husband, that hc thought that i
would BIZ well for him 10 sign the TEN.
perancc pledge, that he did not adyis,
It when be first bcgoa 10 leave oil spir.
us, for hc feared his strength might fai
hum. But now, said hc. YOU have
continued FIVE months. without touch.
ing drop, and It would be- well for III,
cause, that YOU should sign the pledge.
Friend johnson. said my Husband
when a year has gone safely bv,
will sign the pledge. For five months
instead Of the pledge, have IN ever,
trial and temptation-and dnnkin.
man knows well the force and meaning
Of these wofds--l have relied on tii,
gold ring, 90 renew my strength, ant
remind me ct my duty ~ God ~ ~,
wife. 10 my children. and O. society