Windham County Democrat. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1836-1853, 1849-11-28

would never tOucn anOtnef drop OF Spil. Dut llc
seme of it, the very sight of it, the thought of
has crowded my good resolutions aside, and in day
or two, have returned home intoxicated. Now, siT,
if could only myself OF this dreadful habit
could he happy, and so would Peggy. II there was
no spirits could earn money aud keep it, But
feel unable to resist the temptation, that is to be
found at every corner. Rum has ruined me. Have
disappointed my customers so often, that have lost
then ALL ] have nothing TO do, and Roby, our iund-
lord has warned us out Peggy has been anxious
that should come and talk with yon and take your
advice though don't how that will be likely TO
help me- Thee taIkest well and wisely, friend Web
bcr,' said the Quaker: d have often grieved for thee
aud thine and have long hoped. that thee wouldst
come to reflect, as it scemeth thee has done, upon
the fatal consequences of thy bad habit. thank thee
sincerely, friend Wcbher, for the confidence thee
seemcst to place in me- and thee shalt in no wise be
the worse for it, Thee has just view OF this mat
ter, and thy feelings are right and thee wlslest
heartily to reform now why doSt thee not put thy
name to the temperance pledge ] was well pleased
to sec thee at the lecture about the middle of The
fourth month"; 'Oh sir said ], cannot do that for
I should never he able to keep clear of the tenpa
lion | should certainly break my word, and be
worse off even than | was before. dare not trust
myself Mr.. Boynton. don't think could leave off
for any length of time, unless was compelled TO do
so, in way that cannot foresce.' Verify said
the Quaker, after long pause thy case is an inter
csting one friend Wcbher and think better Of thee
than if thee hadst vain confidence in thyself and
thy powers of resistance ] cannot advise thee 10
any course, until have considered the matter more
fully. Tomorrow will be the Sabbath; wilt thee
call and see again on the evening of the Mon
day following !? Il will, sir said l. As was rising
TO depart the old gentleman took my hand, and
holding it in both of his, looked me steadily in the
face, with such an expression, kind father would
bestow upon a child, whose welfare is very dear to
him. Friend Weber,, said he, wilt thee oblige me
in thing" very gladly sir, said ], 'f it is in my
power Well them said he, 'as wish thee to re-
ceive such counsel as may give thee, ill., profta-
bic condition Of mind, wilt thee promise me to for
bear from tasting any intoxicating liquor till see
thee on Monday evening" 1'l give you my word
and honor, SIR said l. that will not touch drop
And may the Lord help thee said the old man, as
he pressed my hand with great earnestness.
4 felt better for my visit. | found that had
friend for Peggys sake at least who did not utterly
despse me. kept my word with the old gentle
man, and knocked at his door on Monday evening,
W 9elg like the f9Rafnce qna g h9nest d m rs
ted spirit since | last thee? Nota drop, SIR
said ]. q thought So he replied thee lookest bet
ter than have seen thee for long time. Dost thee
feel any the worse for it, friend Webher? NO SIR
said |, q feel better and happier well, now |
must tell thee said the old gentleman that have
been much engaged since last meeting, that thy
matter has not occupied my attention so fully as it
ought. have had much upon my hands in connec-
ton with our conference, which takes place ON
Wednesday, and from which shall not return till
Thursday. On the evening Of that day, will endea-
vor to prepare for thee, and in the mean while thee
wilt promise to abstain until that time rnyo him
my promise and took my leave.
in the interim began TO feel the want of occupa-
lion and, having torccloscd myself from seeking it
at the grog shop, endeayorcd to find it in my own
When George Webber had reached this part of
his narrative, lie perceived that Peggy was deeply a
iectcd. few tears had fallen on her infants hand
which the child raised towards its mother, with
smile OF wonder upon its features, while its eyes
were turned cnquiringly upon hers. The incident
had attracted the attention of the cIergymen.--'You
are thinking OF old times, Peggy, said her husband
y es, George she replied Il can forget that
week, nor how felt, when told Eli to 90 over to
the tavern and ask you to come homo TO dinner and
he told me you had been sitting work on the shay
ing horse ever since breakfast. always had fond
ness for music, bur never listened to any half so
sweet as the RIB dub dnb that you kept up upon
your barrels after your return form visiting good old
friend Boynlon.
Mr.. Merrick, who had become exceedingly inter
cstcd IN the coopers story, begged him to proceed
"Ne, gentleman said he, 'whcn Thursday eve
ming cUme went once more TO Mr. Boymton's house
lie received me as kindly as ever thee looliest so
well, friend Weber, said he, that need not ask
thee II thou hast kept thy word' have kept it SIR
said And is not thy home pleasanter and thy
wife happier ?-'Oh yes, SIR replied, yon
made up your mind Mr.. Boynton, as to any course
which would be best for me "-l owe thee an apol-
ogy, said he 1or thus putting off the full and final
consideration Of thy matter bur, if my life be spared
and thee will call on on Monday morning will
surely give thee my advice. We have killed pig
friend Weber, and my wife will have thee take
along roasting-piece for Peggy! Thee wilt keep
my promise, trust, until we meet on Monday |
thanked the old gentleman for his kindness and hay
ing renewed my promise, returned to my family
GAS was sitting at my work it suddenly occurred
to me, that had already reformed, without knowing
it. sat for few moments upon my shaving horse
at my own stupidity, in not having under
stood the old gentleman's drift before had not
supposed 1t possible 10 abstain for twelve hours and
yet Ind already tried the experiment successfully
fer nearly nine days and, when marked the in
creased happiness of my poor wife, and the light
ness of my own spirits, resolved within myself it
should be something more than nine days wonder
| hadn't been inside the Westinghouse for about
year. Saturday night, after | had shut up shop |
washed myself up nicely, and when went into the
house, told Peggy fny coat wasn't torn so badly
I'd go to meeting with her next day. 'Why, George
said she, 'ill sit up till morning to mend it, if you'll
90. do go, daddy, said Eli, and running out he got
my bettermost shoes, and began to scrub 'em up for
Sunday. / remembered your text, that morning
Parson Wheatly, and applied it to my own case
Let not be ceay in lre doing, for in due season ,ce
shall reap u re FAINT not.
"On Monday morning went to see my landlord,
Mr.. Rohy and when told him that had left off
spirits aud meant to work, he agreed to wait for his
rent.
81 did not 90 that morning to see Mr. Bovnton
and, in the Afternoon, he came, Of his own accord to
visit me. lie found me hard at work well, friend
Weber, said he, thee didst not keep thy appoint
ment; hope thee hast thy PROMISE 'Yes, SIR
said !, i have kept my promise, and trust by Gods
help, to keep it TO the end If keep it for ten
days, began to think keep il for ten years, and
TO the end of my life: and such, | suppose though
did not understand you at first, is the substance of
the advice you intended 10 give me- 'Yes, verify,
friend Weber, said he, with benevolent smile, Il