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

anu d Suduc I'dSScu qutShiy oNeI Hts idCe.
Good morning. Mr.. Lankfort,' Jarvis
said. bowling, with something Of limidity
and shame in his manner. s
Are you not afraid to come here,
John 2 replied the old man sternly.
Il am ashamed 10 come, but not afraid.
You will not harm me. know
.Don't trust to that. John. Did you
not steal, aye, that is the word--did you
not steal from me the last time | employed
you 2 The old man in manner was stern
and energetic.
Il was so wicked as TO take couple
Of skins, Mr.. Lankforl, but | did very
wrong, and am willing to repay you for
them. if you will.givc me work. | was
in liquor when | did it, and when in
liquor, have no distinct consciousness Of
the evil Of any action
Give you work, indeed Ono, John.
l canno! give you another chance 10 rob
me-
Blu, will not get drunk any more.
And you know. Mr.. Laukiord. that while
was "A sober man, and worked for yon.
never wronged you ont of Il sixpense
worth.
Wont get drunk any more! All,
John, have lived too long in the world,
and have seen too much, TO heed such
promises
But am in earnest. MIR. Landlord.
signed the pledge this morning
Pour in tone of surprise.
Yes. signed it,
All, John after IA pause. and shaking
his head incrednously, ! cannot credit
your word. and am sorry for it,
II | have signed the pledge, and | am
really determined tn I've reformed man,
will you give me work. Mr.. Landlord I!
The old man though, for a few mo
menls. and then said, half sorrowiully.
L am afraid If you. John. You are
such IN old off, ndrr on the score Of dunk.
elne>s. lha, have no confidence in Your
power 10 keep The pledge
Then what stall | do" the poor
wretch exclaimed. in tones tha, made ,l'r
old man ihrili--lnr nature aud paihos
were IN them.
Now thai | am trying III earnest 10 dn
better. M one will givr me word al en-
couragcmenI, or . helping hand. II "a
ven help ac for am trrsahen Of man.
Have you been 10 see Warren!' asked
The old man,
Yes; and he threatened 10 Kick me
out of his shop
Mason wants hand. know --llr
will no doubt he glad ~ employ yo,i.
/ have tried him, bat he will MT give
me work.
Mr. Landlord stood thoughtful and ir-
resnlnic for some In,neuts. Tie pi.led
from his heart the poor creature who thu.
lmpnriuned so earnestly TOR woik, aud
whose trembling hand indicated that he
had forborne. NJ least for u time, his ac-
cuslomcd stimulus. But he l,a'! no wish
To have him in his shop. for he had no
confidence in him. Al length he said
John. if you vii! bring certificate
from Mr.. r. ,ha, you have signed the To-
tai abstinence pledge, will give you
another trial. l,n, if yon disappoin. me
again, you and are done forever
The cnuntenance Of Jarvis Frightened
up Instantly. He turned quickly away
without reply, and hurried off To The store
Of Mr.. R, the secretary of the society
he had joined.-.Thc cerlIl!case was o
course obtained.
And you have joined, sure enough,
John Mr.. Landlord said, in changet
tone. as he glanced over the certificate.
Indeed, | have. Mr.. L,nkiord.
And you seen, IN earnest.
IL ever was in earnest about any
thing in my life, ! am IN earnes, now
Keep to your pledge. then. John. ant
all will be well. While you were a so
Der man, | preferred you To any lonrney
man in my shop. Keep sober. aud y"'
shall never want days work while l an
in business.
By the aid Of Him who knows how
much in earnest | am, will be true Il
my pledge Jarvis said, meekly. and ye
in solemn tone.
Only trust in Him, John, and He wi
bs strength, in weakness.
Il will try was the humble and sin
cere answer.
The poor man was now shown hi
place in the shop. and once again i've re
sumed his work. though under far d
(erenl impulse than had. for years, nerve
him to action. But his nerves were a
unslrnng. Ills hand shook so lha, h
could with difficulty use, with the reqn
red skill, the implements Of his calling