The Kalida venture. [volume] (Kalida, Ohio) 1841-1865, 1847-11-09

laughter Of the good Deacon Howard, and
was herself church member, and pious.-
lie had more hope for his son now, than he
had felt for years.
Well, Abel's next visit was in six weeks,
instead of three months, as formerly, aud
what was little notable, during the few DAYS
he remained at home, he took occasion 10
call at Deacon Howard's, and ask for Abby.
This was known all over the neghborhood
in less than twenty-four hours.
At his next return home, which was in
even shorter period than six weeks, he Wis
tied Abby twice. Things now looked serI.
Gus, and Deacon Howard called in to see
Deacon Smith to ask him about his SON.
He had heard, he frankly acknowledged,
many strange stories about Abel, who was
generally accounted worldy-mnded and
provane young man, while Abby was mem
ber of the church and very pious. Abel had
visited her already three or four times, and
it was loo evident that Abby received his
visits with pleasure. This being the posture
of affairs, Deacon Howard wished to know
what be could say in favor of his son.
This was trial for The stern old Deacon
to pass through. lie loved his boy more and
more as he grew older, for Abel, notwilh-
standing his evil ways was kind, attentive, and
affectidhate towards his parents; and even
though rebuked sometimes, with unbecom-
ing harshness, ever returned gentle and 500
thing words.
"'There is something good III that boy for
ALL" the father could not help often saying
to his wife, after parting with Abel at the
end of his regular visits at home. "lfI could
only see hin hopefully pous; my heart would
be at rest"
Even the MOST rigid will pardoh Deacon
Smith for putting the best possible face upon
the matter; as he did TO DeaGon Howard, be-
tween whom and HIMSELF it was finally
agreed that the young couple should be left
to follow 6ut their own inclihltions: These
drew them into nearer intimacy; and end
ed in declaration of love on the part Of
Abel; who was referred by tho blushing maid
en- 10 her father.
TO Deacon Howard the young man went
with some reluctance and many lnisglvlnga.
His application for the hand of Abby was
treated with much gravity, and he had to
stand many searching questions, and sundry
severe relnsrks upon his past life, for which,
much to The Deacon's satisfaction, he ex-
pressed sincere regret, and hoped that he
might in the future be better man. He
was told, that Abby was a member OF the
church and pious, and that if he though Of
becoming her husband, and the head OF a
family, he should make UP his mind to come
out from the sinful world ahd prepare hitti-
SELF by joining the church, for The important
duties that would necessarily dovelope upon
him.
This was grave matter, but love for Alb
by made Abel weigh what was sud to him
with due seriousness; and he finally began
to think that, perhaps he had been rather
too wordiy.minded; and, also; THAT as Abby
was pous young woman and member ol
the church, il would not do for him, as hel
husband. to do just as he had done.
The next thing was an sblection urged
by AbGy's motter to her going away. Tc
NEE, this, came an offer on the part OF Dea
con Smith, TO Deacon Howard, Of this tenor
If he would Join him in the purchase OF
neat little fam. close by, that had just beel
offered for sale, they would buy it and make
it a present to tho young couple as a mar
rage portion, provided Abel was willing t'
give up storekeeping and iurn farmer. Abe
did not object, seriously.
The marriage was solemnized. on nex'
Thanksgiving day; and in the following spring
Abel Smith commenced his new occupation
of farmer. In the course of a.year he jolne'
the church, and there was fair pfom'se o
his becoming a worthy member of the same
Abel's first trial after marriage, was the
serious objection made Abby to his violin
the very sound OF which caused her hear
to shrink, and filled her with alarm let some
one should be passing near. The idea of
being said that violin had been heard IN ne
house; was shocking thought. The hus
hands love for his wife and regard for he
feelings, even though he believed her presl
udiced, ,riumphed over his affection Tor the
Gvorite violin, and it was soon laid aside Il
some dark corner!
Even though seated beside his swee
Young bride, the evenings often passed ava
heavily without strain of music from tn
dear old instrument. He read pious book
to Abby, sung with her the sacred songs Q
the church. talked over their duties i'll lite
] recoun,ed their present pleasures and tn
hosts that crowded the blessed future; bu
: all did moi compensate, fully, for what he ba
! lost. and there were times when he woul
have made almost any sacrifice 10 hear agal
! the pure strains Of violin!
/, Ten wears after he had seen mis- son ma
i ried, become a church member, and gwen
hi. carnal delights, good old Deacon sm,'
}, paid the debt Of nature. His last days
a always called his best days
e Abel, by this time, had snug little Ian