Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-17

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give up the habit thereafter.
i hate to turn 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; and he
could not turn his mind away from it.
AT length the sign of the Punch Bowl
whittier he was vending his woy, came
in view and the sight affected him with
the old pleasure. In Imagination, the
refreshing and exhilarating glass was at
his lips, and he quickened his pace inyol-
UNFAIRLY.
As he drew near, he saw the landlord
sitting in the porch The good natured
old fellow.did not smile with the broad
smile OF welcome that usually played ov-
er his countenance when a customer ap-
preached.
How are you TO day, landlord; !; said
the man cheerfulIy, as he stepped upon
the porch.
Do you know what road you have
come !? asked the landlord with gravi-
ty of manner that surprised his customer
Yes, replied the man, 4 came the
road 10 the Punch Bowl
; Better say the road to ruin, returned
the landlord
; What's the matter 2 inquired the man.
1 never heard landlord talk in that way
before.
1T was the road TO ruin 10 poor Bill
jenkins That know too we'll; and
has been the road to ruin OF good many
more that don't like to think about. II
will be your road to ruin, if you keep on;
> so would advise you TO stop and think
q a little on the matter. II you want any
liquor, you can get il from Jim at the bar
but I'd rather not have your sixpence il
my till to-day. ! won't feel right abou
y it,
i What's the matter, landlord? VIVA
/ has put you in this humour ? said tht
l. man, who, in turn, became serious.
1 found piece of paper on the road
!, as walked along just now, and it hac
2, something printed on it that has set m,
l. to thinking. That's the matter. Al
in me! | wish was in better business
lie 1t doesn't make man feel very pleasan
;e TO think, in building himself up, he Ira
sr dragged others down. And I'm rathe
re afraid that's my position. So go hom
IL my friend, and don't let the sin of you
ne ruin be on my conscience. You've 90
in to loving liquor a little too well. Ma
tn be you don't think so but know it, Nv
ad seen great many men go down the hill
SO and can tell the first steps. You hav
taken them. Stop and think before yo
en- go any farther
en- Look here, landlord, said the mar
after standing thoughtful for a few min
utes, I'll make bargain with you
'ar Very well, what about 2
'e,. 1fyou'll quit selling, I'll quit drinking
Id, The landlord did not answer for som
'n' moments, but sat with his eyes upon II
llg, floor. At length, rising up slowly. h
ne extended his hand TO his customer, an
es grasping it firmly, said
$50 Agreed it's bargain y
ACT 4 hearty shake sealed the contract
iiu An hour afterwards those who went b
the Punch Bowl saw the bar closed
~ And in less than an hour afterwards, tn
"e sad. hearted wife who had seen her hu
band walking in the road to ruin, saw hi
~, return as sober as when he left, al
,L ~ heard with gladness his promise, new
= again to put the cup Of confusion TO
-. lips.
Thus it is that truth scattered even
AL the fields and by the roadside, finds
,ou way into the minds of men, and does
md work on their hearts. Our most impe
iov feet and defective efforts are often owe
in ruled by Providence to the accomplis
ment of the greatest good.
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