The Columbian fountain., 1845-12-30
For the Columbian Fountain.
THE DYING INEBRIATE.

For the Columbian Fountain.
THE DYING INEBRIATE.
In the beginning of the month of No
vember, 1913, the writer was spending some
time III little village in Virginia Early
one morning, before the usual morning GER
emonles were wound up, an individual pre-
sented himself at the front door of the
house where ! stopped, and inquired if there
was not a minister there. The servant told
him that there was aCan see him =,
The servant informed me that there was
messenger at the door who wished to see
me. went out to ascertain the object of
50 early visit, snspecting that there was
some one III distress. When opened the
door found on the piazza a lad Of about
seventeen years old. He said to me, in a
very distressed mood,
"Sir! my father is lying at the point of
death, and he wishes to sec you as soon as
possiblen'
asked the name, the place of residence,
and few other questions. He gave me the
name, and, turning round, said,
"Don't you see that house. with the tall
n q
domIcll no great way off,
Yes," said |.
swell, that's it, that's the place.
told him that would be there after
little.
He said, eve will look for you,' and
then started of.
returned, and found breakfast waiting.
As soon as could make my arrangements,
! directed my steps toward the place that
had been designated. 1t was not more than
half mile distant When arrived at the
house, | was struck with astonishment at
the ruined and desoate appearance of every
thing pertaining TO the establishment A
member of the family met me at the door
and conducted me to the family sitting
room, adjoining which there was small
chamber, in which the sick man lay. The
chamber door was standing about half open,
and walked to the door and was lust
about to enter, when caught the eye Of
MIR. NJ, the patient Never shall ! forget
that look--unearthly, despairing, living,
death-like look which shocked my senses
seized my breath, and chilled my blood. Il
was moment before | recovered SO as to
advance. During the panse, he reached
out his hand 10 me; | took il, but felt as if
were shaking hands with the dead Then
| said, "How's your health this morning,
Mr.. Mp ! saw his lip beginning to quiver,
the tears burst forth from his eyes, and
he appeared TO be convulsed all over. After
some effort 10 compose himself, he said TO
me, still with his eyes fixed upon my coun-
tenance,
am very i'll, my friend, and my alllic-
ton is more than bodilyw
The truth of this was very evident, from
every appearance. He invited me to take a
seat. did So / was so stunned at the first
sight Of despair, (for il was the first time
that had ever seen it, that did not know
where to commence conversation. The
bedside of an impenitent, dying sinner, is
TO me one of the most awkward places in
the world. To break the silence, said,
Mr.. M. how long have you been sick
sslt is now about nine months since was
first taken ILL.,"
] saw now that he was anxious to tell me
something. lie looked upon me as if he
envcd my youthful and healthful appear
ance.
"Ah, my young friend" said he, bad
company has brought me to this, and has
ruined me for ever. | am now seventy-six
years Of age, and am dying in despair"
Here he wept aloud.
g j was once as young and as healthful
as you appear to be now; but, alas what
am now! AT the age Of fifteen began to
keep company, aud was at first very careful
Of what kind Of company went into. But
it is the nature Of youth to seek for amuse-
ment and pleasure, and all creation is ran
sacked in quest Of happiness. The world
holds out the golden bait, but holds it in the
future, Among some Of my companions
were those who visited gaming houses, and
soon Twas prevailed upon to accompany