Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1852-02-20


tones of gratified surprise.
\ es, me, Mr.. R. It's almost
hopeless case; but here goes to do my
best
Are you fully sensible of what YOU
are about doing, jarvis p
Il think | am, Mr.. R. I've drank
nothing since yesterday morning, and with
the help of Him above, am determined
never TO drink another drop as long as |
live So read me the pledge and let me
sign it,
Mr.. r. turned at once TO the con-
sntuuon of the Washington Temperance
Society, and read the pledge thereunto
annexed:
80 We, the undersigned, do pledge our
selves to each other, as gentlemen. that
we will not, hereafter, drink any spirituous
liquors, wine, malt, Or cider, unless in
sickness, and under the prescription of
physician "
Jarvis took the pen in his hand. that
trembled so he could scarcely make
straight mark on paper, and enrolled his
name among the hundreds Of those. who,
like him, had resolved to be men once
more. This done, he laid down the quar-
ter OF dollar which he had obtained from
his wife, the admission fee required of all
who Joined the society. As he turned
from the tradesman's store, his step was
iirmer, and his head more erect. than. in
sober state he had carried it for many a
day.
From thence lie proceeded 10 hatter's
shop.
Well, Jarvis was uttered in rather a
cool. repulsiye tone, as he entered.
Are You not i'll want Of a journeyman,
Mr.. Warren "
l. don't want YOU, JARVIS
If you will give me work, will never
get drunk again, Mr.. Warren.
GU We SAID that too many times, Jar
vls. The last time vou went off when |
was hurried with work, and caused me 10
dlsappOlnt customer, | determined never
to have ANYTHING more to do with vou.'
But I'll never disappoint you again,
urged the poor man, earnestly.
It's no use for you to talk to me. Jar
Wis. You and are done with each other.
| have made up my mind never again to
have man III my shop who drinks rum.
But I've Joined the temperance society,
Mr.. Warren
i don't care if you have: in two weeks
you'll be lying in the gutter
III never drink liquor again, if | die =
Jarvis said, soIemnIy.
Look here, you drunken vagabond,
the master halter said in angry tones,
coming from behind the counter, and stand
ing i'll front of the individual he was ad-
dresslng-' If you arc not out Of this shop
in two minutes by the watch, I'll kick
you into the street! So there now-take
your choice TO 90 out, or be kicked out
Jarvis turned sadly away without re-
ply, and passed out of the door through
which he had entered with heart full of
hope, now panied, and almost ready to re-
ccde from his earnest resolution and pledge
TO become a sober man, and better hus-
band and father. lie felt utterly discour-
aged. As he walked slowly along the
street, the fumes Of cofee-house which
he was passing, unconscousIy struck upon
his sense, and Immediately came an al
most overpowering desire for his accus-
toned potatlon. lie paused
Now that | try TO reform, they turn
against me- he said, bitterly. It's no use,
| am gone past hope
One step was taken towards the tavern
door, when it seemed rs if a strong hand
held him back,
Mono he murmured, | have taken
the pledge, and | will stand by it, if die ,
Then moving resoluteiy onward, he
soon found himself near the door of an
other hatter's shop. Hope again kindled
up in his bosom, and he entered.
Don't you want hand, Mr.. Mason p
he asked, in a hestating tone.
Not a drunken one, Jarvis was the
rcpulsive answer.
But I've reformed, Mr.. Mason
So should think, from your looks
But, indeed, Mr.. Mason, | have quit
drinking, and taken the pledge
To break it in three days. Perhaps
three hours.
Won't you give me work, Mr.. Mason,
ii | promise to be sober
No. For | would not give you cop
per for your PROMISES
Poor Jarvis turned away. When he
had placed his name to the pledge, he
dreamed not OF these repulses and diff
iicullies. lie was a good workman, and
he thought that any one of his old en-
ployers would be glad to get him back
again, SO soon as they learned Of his
having signed the total-abstinence pledge.
But he had 50 often broken his promise,
and disappointed them, that they had lost
all confidence in him; at least, the two to
whom he had, thus far, made application.
After leaving the shop Of Mr.. Mason,
/ Jarvis seemed altogether irresolute. lie