Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-06-21

| ished, formed an acquaintance with young
man about his own age, who had been en-
ticed from the way of sobriety by one whom
he considered friend; he had in lulged in
that zone, and first glass thinking that it
would do him no harm but that one glass
was the cause of his ruin. He was fel-
low apprentice of West, and as in duty
/ bound served out bis time, taking good care
however to conceal from his master his dali
ly and nightly visits to the taverns Of the
j City; his room mate and bed fellow young
West was the only person that was acquain-
4 ted with his habits, which he beheld with
sorrow growing on him, and tried by repeat
! ed conversations to turn him away from
the evil path in which he was walking
but it was of no avail he still persisted in
his downward career, and when he attained
his majority had become habitual drinker
! His former master took him into his en-
ploy and gave him regular wages, which
were all spent at the taverns and public |
houses, but did not discover his bad habits
until he became bolder and more open in
them, and frequently left his work to re-
pair to some low drinking establishment, to
quench his thirst for liquor then and not
till then did he discover the evil ways of
his former apprentice. He endeavored to
reform him, but In vain, and was at last
constrained to discharge him from his en-
ploy In consequence of the manner in which
his own interests were neglected. From
} that time he went on in the way to drunk
enness and degradation faster than ever,
and the last time that West had seen him
S he was reeling from the door of some low
S grog shop. The image of that young man
0 as he was when first he knew him fitted
f before his mind he thought of the strictly
sober, moral and upright character which
b he bore at that time, and shuddered to
n think of him as he was then, drunken
o vagabond an outcastf from friends and society.
s He knew that such might be the conse-
: quences in his case, if he drank that one
n glass; but could not help thinking that he
It had too much command over himself to al
r low himself to be led off in such manner
y by just taking one glass occasionally. Thus
e his thoughts were engaged until the return
o Of his companion whom he no sooner saw
t. enter the shop, smiling and smacking his
l. lips at the thought of the beverage which he
r had just drank, than he resolved if again in
y yited, to 90 and partake with him, and to
p take drink now and then; knowing, as he
D. thought that he could command his appetite
l. sufficiently to keep from becoming drunkard
IL On the next day West was again invited
4 by his companion to 60 and drink with him
q tfo csfd MT EninetiEafeiy consenrU or deCTfne,
s and when his friend noticed that he was wa
If vering and debating in his mind whether OF
j. not to 90, he redoubled his solicitations, and
6ually persuaded him to step aside from the
e straight path in which he had hitherto
n walked. This was the first instance in which
v he had done so how serious the consequent
: ces were the sequel will show.
Ie Days, weeks and even months wen: by
m and from the day that West had taken hi
m first glass, he was unable to restrain his thirs
k for liquor, and had been regular visitor t.
the neighboring public houses, Munson's on
ly excepted. He still worked steadily, how
p, ever, not negecting the best interests of hi
be employer, but it was plain to a close observ
- er, that the change in him had been great
ke that from the steady, industrious and TEN
no perate mechanic that he had been, he wa
De- fast changing to confirmed inebriate.
Cl biIu6IIO HlO OCCu
spent at home, in company with his wife an
st, child, but he now longed for the vile comp;
in ny which he had been accustomed to see
the taverns, which he was in the habit
,he frequenting, and only wanted an invitatio
es, from some one in order to make up his min
nv to associate with them.
rly This invitation was not long in coming, h
ate was approached one day while at work, b
see the fiend who had euticed him off, and al
, dressed as follows
On, West, my fine fellow said he, there
me to be ajolly good company at Munson's t.
night, several fellows with whom you a
led acquainted will be there according to pror
-ou ise, and all that is wanting to make US sper
be- a pleasant evening, is in your power to su
ore ply. Imean your very agreeable compan.
be Indeed replied West.
you YES answered his companion. / W
instructed to in2ite you to come, which y
her must be sure to DO, the company assembl
and at = o'clock; shall expect YOU
nan L should be glad TO come Ton,' return
nee West, if it was any where else, but you KIN
like the objection have to going to Munsons s
nte- had rather not visit at his house.
ac- Nonsense mar, you wrong Munson,
is perfect gentleman every inch of hi
YOU you have prejudiced yourself against h
Il a uniustly, if YOU will come around will
e it, troduce you to him, and take my word
,ere. it, before you have been in his company
Won hour, you will acknowledge that you hi
ding formed wrong opinion of the man. '
Tom you come 2
1 don't know, answered West, : l thin
O 90 would be wrong in me to leave my family
, re- the company of man whom do not Ill
Vest why man, replied his companion :.
the have TO idea what fine time you will spe
lasty We are to have a supper of everything
house can afford, and after the suppe
ounp over, liquors of every variety will be furn
N he ed, toasls drank and speeches made, an
lend. will be the most pleasant evening that
n his have spent for along time. Will you &C
ptru- around ?
,hink i don't know, III think about it,
d not Well, if you conclude to come, we
,ntra- be glad to see You; and as for your dii
ay as to Munson, let that be the least oblec
usted you have, I'll soon remove that. Or if
vigo- prefer it you need not see Munson, we
would have room to ourselves; but would
raight you TO see him, and conquer that preiu
one you have against him, and if you form
strict acquaintance you will be sure to do it,
might very soon at that returned the compa
mind Of West.