The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-02-17

MI. Il turneu NJ once 10 inc con-
sutu,ion Of the Washington Temperance
Society. and read the pledge thereun,o
annexed:
I'VE, The undersigned. do pledge our
selves to each other, as gentlemen. that
we will no, hereafter drink any spiritu-
Gus liquors. WINE, malt or CIDER. unless
in ease Of sickness, and under the pre-
scription of a physician
Jarvis took the pen in his hand. that
trembled so he could scarcely make
straight mark on paper. and enrolled his
name among the hundreds Of those who,
like himself, had resolved to be men once
more. This done, he laid down the
quarter of dollar which he had obtained
from his wife, the admission fee required
Of all who join the society. As he turned
from the bridesmaids store, his step was
firmer, and his head more erect than, in
sober state, he had carried it for many
day.
From thence he went 10 hat,er's shop.
well, Jarvis was uttered in rather
cool, repusive tone, as he entered.
Are you in wan, of journeyman,
Mr.. Warren?'
Il don't want you, Jarvis
If you will give me work, | will never
&c, drunk again, Mr.. Warren
You've said so too many times, Jarvis.
The las. time you went off when was
hurried with work, and caused me to dis
appoints customer, determined never to
have anything to do with you
'Ba, I'll never dIsappoint you again,
urged the poor man, earnestly.
: It's no use for you To talk To nc, Jarvis.
You AID | are done with each other.
have made up my mind never 10 have a
man who drinks rum abnu, me-
But I've joinedthe temperance society.
Mr.. Warren
Il don't care if you have; in two
weeks you'll be lying in the gutter
IN never drink liquor again if die !
Jarvis said solenly.
'l.nok here, you vagahond.' the master
halter said in angry tones, coming from
behind the counter, an ! standing ~ from,
of the individual he was addressing. II
you are not on! of this shop III Two minutes
by The watch, I'll kick you in the street
SO there now--,ake your choice to GO
out, or be kicked ont
Jarvis turned sadly away without re-
ply. and PASSED oul of the door through
|
which he entered with heart full OF nope.
now panied and almost ready to recetIe
from the earnest resolution and pledge to
and father. lie felt utterly discouraged.
AS lie walked slowly along the street, .Iie
! fumes Of The coffee house Which he was
passing, nnconsciously struck upon his
senses, and immediately came an almost
overpowering desire for his accustomed
potation. He paused
| - Now that | try to reform they turn
agains. me- he said bitterly. /, is no
use. am gone pas. hope
One step was taken towards the tavern
door, wien i, seemed as if a strong hand
held him back.
.No-no.' he murmered. u have taken
the pledge, and will stand by lif die. '
Then moving resoutely onward. he
soon found himself near the door of ano,h-
err hauer's shop.-llope again kindled up
in his bosom, and lie entered.
Don. you wan, hand. Mr.. Mason"
he said in hesilaling tone.
mo, drunken one, Jarvis was the
repulsive answer.
But I've reformed, Mr.. Mason
So | should think from your looks
But indeed, Mr.. Mason. have quiz
drinking, and taken the pledge -
| TO break i. in three days. Perhaps
three hours
'Won'l you give me work, Mr.. Mason,
lif promise to be sober 2
No, for | would not give copper fol
your promise
/ Poor Jarvis turned away. When he
had placed his hand TO the pledge, he
dreamed not Of repuses and difficulties.
lie was good workman. and he thought
that any one of his old employers would
be glad To get him back again, SO soon as
they learned of his having signed the tola
abstinence pledge. But he had so often
promised amendment, ant! so often broken
a his promise, and disappointed Them. ,ha
they had lost all confidence in him al
. least the two to whom he had thus la
made application. ~
IN After leaving the shop Of Mr.. Mason
~ 'arvis seemed altogether irresoute. liz
wauld walk on few steps, aud then pau
a seSand communed with his troubled an,
y be~ldered thoughts.