Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1844-11-22
TEMPERAN nee
Z A SKETCH.
For ,Uhat knowest thou, oh eCife, uChether thou
shall SAGE thy husband ?"-I. Cor. VII, H..

ed, still pore marks OIL neAtneSS; LHe EncArpeteu
floor bad been carefully swept, the few chairs the
old mahogany table, and the mantel-pe were
free from dust, the books were arranged on the
little shelf, and in the middle of the room, on a
small stand, was burning Pickering talIow can
de On the bed, whose poverty could not be con-
Icealed by any art, lay young woman wasted by
disease; her glossy hair was parted over her mar
bic brow, and on her wan cheek was the bright |
hectic of that syren disease of our climate. con-
sumpton; consumed, indeed, was that patient
sufferer, but there disease which prevS more
upon the heart than upon the lungs She lay now
Icompetely exhausted, for it was her exertonS that
made that cherries chamber wear its present ap-
pearance of comfort. TO be sure there was no
fire, though it was deep winter and the storm how
led piteously without, and the chill wind came in
at every crack, but how could she make fire
without coals3 And indeed she did not feel able
to go out to get any, and even if she should VEN
ture, where should she apply? Mr.. B. repulsed
her rudeIy the last time she went. She raised her
clasped hands to heaven, her lips moved, then
came over her palld features rustic smile, as she
murmured, Lord, beleve-help thou mine UNI
belief.'
! The door opened, the storm rushed in, nearly
extnguishng the taper, man inLhe prime Of life,
of good figure, but alas alas! bearing too plainly
the evidences of runous excess, walked hurri-
eddy INTO the ROOM
Dear George, exclaimed the woman, starting
from Her pillow, now paQ am you nave come so
soor have been so lOnesome'
The man approached the bed, and taking her
hand in his, said:
Yes Mary, and am glad too, for tits an ugly
night TO be out in, and | am lucky enough to get
off sooner than usual this evening, | have brought
you some crackers, tomorrow you shall have some
medicine His voice choked, he hastily dropped
his wife's hand, and approaching the fire place,
began raking up the ashes and to make fire with
IF hn hAu rhf in Mar
ed her face with the quilt aud burst into tears, but
with every sob was mnge thanksgiving She
felt at that moment as if she would have willingly
died, so great, so estate was the bliss that filled
her soul; her husband, her DEAR dear George, was
himself once more. God had heard her prayers,
the burning tears had gone up to the mercy seat:
but she is trembling agan-perhaps-na nay,
with God all things are possible and drying her
eyes she arose. and stealing the fire. threw her
arms around her husbands neck, and they both
wept, locked in a fond embrace.
) Mays happiness gave her strength; pan of
water was soon boiled, a cup Of tea made and
though without sugar or milk, and accompanied on
y with dry biscuit, it was Sweeter to both than
the richest meal in the days of their prosperity for
the angels who rejoice over returning penitents sat
l at the board and made the meal heavenly one.
The wife spoke tenderIy on bright and happy
, topics; she related the days of their first acquan
tahce, Of their mutual love and prde-sh spoke of
her own errors, but never breathed word ofhis--
of the future, of better times, colorng the fu-
ture with woman's faith and love. George sat in
silence, bur his kind looks and the unbtdden tear
told Mary that his degradation had not steeed his
heart to better Influences.
The morning dawned, and Mary having slept
TRANQUILITY on her husbands bosom, awoke re(rt sh-
ed, The breakfast was as frugal and happy as
the supper and as her husband kissed her, she
murmured, Dear George, trust in Gods strength,
il fact in I -
that sweet sufferer kneel in prayer; terventy did
: petitions go up to Him who pites his children
that strength might he vouchsafed to her husband
to persevere in the path of rectitude. She arose
refreshed and comtorted, filled with the peace that
passeth all understanding, she felt assured that
God would hear her prayer
About eleven O'Clock she was startled by a loud
knocking at the door; for moment her heart
died within her-her knees smotc together-a
deadly faintness came over her, but recovering
she murmured know in whom have trusted
and fastening forward she opened the door.
For Mr.. Edgar said rough voice, some
things for Mr.. Edgar 'spose he lives here. :
Yes replied Mary, this is the place-Mr. Ed
gar does live here; but you must be mistaken
these things cannot be for him. Yes they are, >
returned the man. Il know George Edgar, and he
told me to bring 'em, and here's the paper The
trembling wife took the direction, and recognized
the hand writing of her dear husband. The man
unheedIng her, had pushed in, and was emptying
the contents of large basket on the table, Mary
mechanically went forward to hide, in apparent
business her feelings, and the man, rough though
he was, felt for her and hurried away. Bread
dried beef, tea, sugar, candles, and many other lit
tie parcels. Oh, how rich, how happy she felt
And now there is load of wood at the door,
Mary can but fall on her knees to Him on whom
she had cast all her cares.
A hot dinner smoking when George return
ed, and she in her sweet. angelic spirit, spoke to
him so cheerfully, and so delicately avoided all
recurrence to the cause other Joy, except by looks
Of happiness that he could but press her to his
bosom and sob his gratitude
This was but the beginning of their happiness.
: George did not fall back, though fierce was the
- contest, sore his temptaion-he did persevere; -
they who had sought out the wandering sinner, and
with gentle persuasions had induced him to sign
i the charter of his emancipation from the fell ty-
y rant on the temperance pledge, were faithful still
- to watch over and encourage him; it was they
who had advanced money to furnish his sick wife
- with necessaries and medicinal aid until such time
= as the good resolution of her redeemed husband
a should enable him to procure them himself
" And she, whose untiring love had never re-
!. preached, who had borne poverty, disgrace, re-
' proach, insult, sckness-praying without ceasng
> had now received her reward; her faith had
~ saved her, and him whom she had never forsaken
y even IN thought, was now restored by her means
> to responsibility and honor.
II Pray for the poor inebrae He may withstand
), counsel, persuasion tears, reproach, but he can
not prevent us from pleading his case at the bar
OF the All Mercful who willeth not the death of
the sInner-pray without ceasinp and il shall he