The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1851-06-14

The coincidence uf language sta Tted Inn for
moment. He took up the piece of paper and
commenced reading, and as he read, lie walked
slower aud slower. One Of Wtou's Temperance
tracts had fallen INTO his hands 1t was a close
appeal TO the moderate druker and set forth lis
danger in the fullest manner at lat he stood
still Then hc sat down Icy the road side still
reading on.
There is danger lie at length murmmcd, fold
ing up the tract a. lac spoke. Rising he stood
lrre,olutc rs to whether he should return home,
or keep on h- way to the tavern Had any one
,hrus! the tract in his hand, hc would have reject
ed II but, coming To HIM as it did it found his
mind prepared To hearken to lis appeals But,
the love Of drirk had been formed, and, a. the
prospect Of having its accustomed qualification
cut Oh, began TO cry out for Indulgence A COM
bat now began 20 wage in his mrnd. and this con.
, tinucd. until appetite 50 far gained the victory
that he concluded, for this time at least to 90 to
the tavern but To give up the habit thereafter.
/ Il hate to tufn back after once start to do
thing said he as he moved On again towards
the tavern Its bad luck"
/ Still the argument for and against any further
indulgence, kept going on aHd lie could not turn
his mind away from it.
/ At length the sign Of the Punch Bowl whts
/ er he was vending his way, came in view and
/ the sight affected linn with the old pleasure In
Imagination, the refreshing and exhIlirating glass
was at bis lips, and lie quickened his pace inyol,
unfairly.
! AS he drew near he saw the landlord sitting
on the porch The good-natured old fellow did
not smile with the broad smile of welcome that
usually played o?er his couutenance when q Gus.
toner approached.
How are you to-day, lsndlord2" said the man
cheeflully, as he stepped upon the porch.
DO you know what road you have come ?
asked the landlord with Il gravity of manner that
surprised his customer.
Yes" replied the man, 81 came the road tc
| the Punch Bowl"
Better say the read 10 ruin" returned the land
lord
What's the matterN inquired tho man. 81
never heard landlord talk in that way befofe'
1T was the road to ruin to poor Bill jenkins
| That know too well and has been the road ia
ruin of good many more that don't like to
think about. 1t will be your road to ruin. il you
keep on SO would advise you 10 stop and think
a little on the matter If YOU want any liquor
You can get it from Jip at the bar but Id rather
not have your sixpence in my ill to-day. won't
feel right about it,"
What. the matter, landlord What has put
you in this humor" said tue man, who, in turn
became serious
I e! found Il piece Of paper on the road, rs
walked along Just now. and it had something
printed on it that has set me to thinking. That,
the matter All me, wish was in better
business. 1t doesn't make a man feel very pleas
ant to think that, in building himself up, he has
dragged others down And I'm rather afraid
that's my position. So 90 home my friend. and
don't let the sIn Of your ruin be on my conscience
You've got to loving liquor little too WELL
May be you don't think SO; but know it. I've
seen great many men 60 down the hill, and
can tell the first steps. You have taken them
Stop and think before you go any farther"
i Look here, landlord" said the man, afte,
standing thoughtful for few moments, I'll max,
bargain with you"
"Nery well, what about"
"lf you'll quit selling Ill quit drinking"
The landlord did not answer for some moments
but rnt with his eyes upon the floor Then risin.
up slowly he extended his hand to lis customer
aud grasping it firmly, said
Agreed its a bargainl"
a hearty shake sealed the contract
An hour afterwards those who wen. BIZ tn,
Punch Bowl saw the bar closed And in les
than an hour afterwards, the sadheartsd vif,
Who had seen her husband walking in the read t,
ruin, saw him return as sober as when he left an,
heard with gladne,s his promise, nc,s as,n II
put the cup of confusion TO hi, lips.
Thus it is that truth scattered even in the field
and by the roadside, finds its way into the mind
: Of men, AMI does It's work on their hearts Gu
most imperfect and defective efforts are ofte
overrule0 by Providence to the accomplishment
Of the greatest good-1mricda Temperance Re
cordsr.