The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-10-10
For the Caledonian.

the almost unlimited nurket there is for them.
For the Caedonian.
30 sir, YOU cannot tell how happy have
been for whole year past. Father Inns come
home so cheerful and happy every night that he
mikes us NIL very happy. He has scarcely spoken
cross wurd to any Of all that time. and no has
worked stendy and paid all that he has earned
for food and clothing, that havo enough good VIC
tuAls TO all the time, and have all good conn
fortnble clothes, and never have stay away from
meeting because clothes not decent, and tha
children have been to school all If Won
would call US, you wouId find home very diff
! farent TO what it year ago last winter
/ was thus aecosted by bright eyed itrle cousin
Of mine on my home after abseuce Of year
and half Her former pnle and hollow cheek
had been ex changed for one bright and lovely MS
is often found in poor cottage and her voice had
assumed mellow sweetness which was almost uu-
natural And there WINS n reason for the changs.-
When visited her fathers house before leaving
home everything exhibited the blasting effects of in
temperance. That father had suffered alt other 1T
iachments be absorbed and overwhelmed in his at
tachment for his cups. His scanty earnings were all
squandered at the grng shops,-his flmiIy were but
home, il only to scud md abuse them 6
The privileges Of meetings and schools, they but
don, If ever enjoyed. Poverty and Indebtedness
seemed to reign supreme in his dwelling and the
bright cheering Influences Of social affection and kind
sympathy entirely Withdrawn from his home.
But change Ind been wrought in the family and
il described by that little girl Instead Of
the sad and sorowinl countenances Of mother md
children, and the angry looks and words Of the ia
ther,-ioy and hope and comfort were exhibited in
their appearance, and their former dilapidatcd dwell
ing now lonked neat and cheerful. That home was
indeed different from wha, It was when visited il a
yeHr ago last winter.
The enquiry arose in my mind rs 7 turned from
m hours visit with this interesting family whether
Il was possible that they might be reduced again IN
their former miserable condition. Should that IA
Their. nnw respected and esteemed hy his neighhors
md acquantances, and beloved by his family so far
forget his obligations to those dependant on him for
support-his obligations his friends and to Srciev
and what is due to his self-respect rs again to
TASTE OF the Intoxicating cup, tho his resolutions
were ever strong that it should be for once ony:
there would be nine chances OF ten that he womb
continue to drink and would the down Hill road
to rsin until himself and his family would he plunged
again IN wre,chedness, and the asst end of that man
would be than tho first
( There may be individuals in this situation, win
( having begun we'll and done we'll, ARE now listening
TO the temptations OF appetite, and debating in their
own minds whether they NAV not occasionally drink
glass; without its being known and without danger
/ 10 themselves. IT there Is SUCH would saw
dear sir, beware If you once Iift the bowl to your
lips, YOU risk your aud your famly's denrest in
terests You nj once destroy your own well earned
reputation, * forfeit the confidence of community
You cannot do it without its being known to those
who have exered kind interest in your welfare and
now that you are a mun, viii you, for moments
: qualification, agnin become what you have been
But f you have far forgot what ia due to Yourself
and to others to taste of the deeeitfnl beverare
would urge you by all that you hold dear on EARTH
/ by all that you hope you may at last obtain beyond
! this world. to Srop where you are. Dash the Gun
/ from your hnnds-and swear that YOU will taste no
more. Yes. alone, with but Yourself and vour
Maker, soemny promise that you will no more drink
OF Intoxicating liquors. Let your happinesss and
the happiness of all who are dear to you pronpt
/ yon immediately 10 take this decisive step. J.