The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-08-13
THE PLEDGE.


At the close OF bright summer dav might
have been seen, through thick copse of
trees, neat white cottage, resembling white
spot in the forest; SO completely was it en-
bosomed in trees and shrubbeIy A wood
bine encirciing its green door and creeper- cur
tanned windows, with the bright foliage wav-
ering gr cefully in the ala together with the
beautiful flower garden in front, and its neatly
laid plats in the regular walks of which, en-.
gagged in innocent gaiety, were two rosy
children.
This formed one of the most picturesque
and beautiful scenes the eye could desire to
look upon. At the little parlor window over
looking this beautiful spot, sat young female
who from her youthful appearance, could
not have numbered more than eighteen years,
holding in her arms beautiful infant boy,
whose bright black eyes sparkled like two
beautiful stars, rs, with the tenderness ola
mother, she fondly caressed him.
A few PAGES from the window, in corner
of the room, sat a gentleman several years
her senior, apparently in deep thought
Brother !" said sweet musical voice, come
herel' The gentleman rose and approached
the window. WHO is that ?" said the same
sweet voice, looking out of the window, and
pOlHllng.-''N no Is tiidl. WIFI tnOSe ldtlCIGu
clothes and that reeIing gait 2"
miles Singleton" replied the gentleman.
"And one of your companions at the ale
house." said thelady, placing her small white
hand on his arm, and gazing, with her full
blue eyes, into his face, with Il look so full of
anxiety and affection that it sent the blood
mantling 10 his very temples.
.'Oh brother; is it possible have LEFT my
home in the city, aud come to this sweet cot
tage to render your home so uncomfortable
that you must seek companionship with those
who are so unworthy your regard, who have
fallen entirely beneath the dignity of man
You have not made my home untomfor-
table, my sister. Indeed, you have been very
kind TO make this your home, and you have
manifested all the Kindness of a mother TO my
little cherub," said he with much feeling.
STOPPING and imprinting kiss on the brow of
the infant, for which may God bless you.
"a do not wish TO wound your feelings,
brother; but let me entreat you by the love
of sister, by the near and endearing relations
of father in which you stand to these moth
erless children. by the sacred memory of your
departed wife, whom you promised TO love
and cherish by all that is great and good, let
me entreat you to abandon those companions
and promise me, oh promise me, that youwill
never again visit that den of degradation, that
you will never again taste oftha poisonous cup,
in whose dregs dwelleih misery and death"
He seemed moved by the manner and the
deep toned affection with which this petition
was uttered for he was not yet hardened, and
the voice Of affection had even found an an
swering chord in his bosom.
"WiIl you resumed the sister, will you
promise me dear brotherl"
..By The help OF COP" said he with E.
motion. Il will promise; i will take The !.
pIedge."
The lady then took from her finger plain
gold ring. and placing ii on the hand Of her
brother, - This" said she, was the gift OF
thy departed wife, and he motto is a sisters
lore Let the circumstance, together with
the motto, serve to remind You ofthe promise
YOU have snIemnly made in the presence of
ALMIGHTY Con, and may He grant you
strength sacredly TO keep it," To which he
added in an impressive tone, Amen. Then,
falling on her knees, IN a low voice she fer
vently commended to the care of our FAITH
Err in Heaven that beloved brother, ilnplor-
ing HIM TO suffer him not to be led into temp
taton, to be with him III the hour OF trial
and guard and protect HIM in the hollow oil
His hand. Nor did she forget his cOmpan-
ion in sin, but prayed that he might be the in-
strument in the hand OF Cop of turning him
from the wIckedness and sin. in which he had
found misery and wo, into the paths of righ-
teousness and consequent peace. She rose
calm and serene. for she was Christian,and
believed that the prayers of the righteous are
Scarcely were they again reseated when
both the children came rushing IN exclaIm-
ing, in one breath, "Ohl Pa Charley SIN
gleton saws his pa has been whipping his ma,
and she is on the bed crying. and that they
are very hungry-they have had not hardly
any thing to eat these two days" This was
too much for the already softened feelings oil
the father.
He burst into tears and, taking the infant
from his sisters arms, $50, sister said he,
"and prepare something for this afflicted lam
ily, for you are capable Of comforting both
soul and body. Thank COP we have some
thing to spare for our unhappy neishoor. =
With her accustomed cheertulness and be-
nevolence she prepared basket OF nice
bread and cold meat, and proceeded TO the
cottage of the inebriate. Like the good Sa-
marian she accomplished her errand, return
ed again to her home leaving the remembers
ance of kindness and sympathy manifested
more BY actions than by words. They sue
ceeded in retaining the inebriate. In the
little garden, where weeds were suffered to |
grow, is now manifested the care OF the
every thing about the cottage
has more prosperous and cheerful appear
ance.
The father is again welcomed By the gay
laugh of the children, and cheerful smile oi
the wife. And now may be seen, at each |
returning twilight, on green spot between
the cottages, beneath the shade OF stately
elm, the two families minglng their united
prisons. while their children joined in singing