Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1855-08-17

have retraced his steps even at this late
hour, but his willy companion, in a low
tone pointed out Judge here--a deacon
there-an influential merchant yonder-
apre acher OF the gospel in close proxmi-
ty to the faro table aud men holding high
official stations. scattered through the
room. Could he believe his eyesl Was
it indeed so! As the force Of the con.
viclion fell upon him.. all his scruples
vanished and with = -s-,;,- ,,f m .,..,o,s
triumph his friend led him 10 the center
of the room. None were surprised at
his appearance. All welcomed him cor
daily aud hand after hand was extended
to welcome him. Afabii'y played on
the counieno noes of all, from the minis
ter down to the mountebank, and he was
soon invited 70 take hand"
Strange, passing strange.
And yet. when we recall the words Of
our Saviour and compare the whi,ed sep
ulchefs he taught abou, with some
making sepaichys Of the present day,
the conclusions one eau draw woulG be
IN wondrous similarity to ilia Of old.
Many snu of broadcloth conceals
mass Of putrescence. Many a brilliant
exterior hides rottenness and depravity
aud corruption. While hypocrites walk
our streets surrounded with the odor Of
sanclty, while the "owly minded fol-
lower of the meek and humble Jesus
may be seen arm IN arm with the Liber.
tine, need we wonder tha. vice. crime,
corruption in high places aud triumphant
y.Ilany abounds , Or that innocence
falls before the wlles of the temp,er =
Or that those who publicly pay "tthes Of
mint anise aud cummin" are lauded in
The public prints, while the humble pub
l'can pursues his unensied path, unuo-
lced aud unknown'
The record Of the evening can soon be
recorded. Clarence Vernon veniured--
los, heavily and borrowed from Mr., Day
10 lose again. TUE nj first luck" seem.
ed to favor him and he frequently "raked
the pile" TO the apparent tseeminglyl Dis
co,nii,ure OF his opponents. But his success
excited him and he became reckless the
tide turned while he was continually
Piled with Brandy until, IN perfect
state Of sot,lshness, he was led sway and
taken home by Melancthon Day.
The new, fatal passion the events ot
the night gave birth to, plunged the un'
happy man into a whirlpool of vice and
ex,tavagance ana none were reader to
lead hm on, or protect him when he
was unable to protect himself than the
one who introduced him to such scenes
As his vicious propensi.ies increased
he fell from the exalted station he once
occupied, lower and lower III the. pool o
depravi,y. His business. once extensive
now dwindled down into an insigniican
practice. All confidence in hun was
lost uud the wre,ched victim released his
good fame aud name" with scarce al
eudeavor TO retain II.
His wife, though with the curse Of an
angered paren. resting upon her and the
agon, OF her husbands disgrace added 'c
it, still prayed for deIiverance watched
patiently over him when, like brute he
returned home to abuse her and theil
children. By careful thrift she endeav'
ored to provide against the "rainy day
evidently approaching. as she saw he'
husband, once the center oi attraction
and the proud recipient OF praise, lgno'
m,niousy dsgraced and treated with
scorn by those who once were most las's'
in adulation. She knew that ere long
Poverty, with its blish,ing sting would
Law its hard upon the household.
Bu, Of one thing she was not yet con
sclous. She knew no, that Clarence
was a Gambler as well as Drunhar'
and this bitter cup was for awhile hel'
from her lips
Meanwhile Day continued his visits IL
the wretched family but honied word
fell powerless now and though forced ,'
receive him with composure and apparen
pleasure. she could not shut out the knowl
edge that to him alone as to be traced tn
ruin Of her husband. But this forcet
complacency was misconstrued BY he
,ormentor who labored to follow up hi
advantage.
And now, as her prospects for happi
ness were so heavily charged with gloon
another shadow came. Truly has j
been said by the Poet
..Ihere is a reaper whose name is Death
a And he hath sickle keen;
He cuts the bearded grain at breath
RI And the flowers that grow between
is i; not so, reader