Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-08-20
The Boy who Conquered.


Some few years ago, lad who was
left without father or mother, of good
natured abilities, went to New York
alone and friendless, to get a situation
as an errand-boy, or otherwise, until
he could command higher position;
but this boy had got in the habit Of
calling for his "bitters' occasionally,
because he thought it looked manly.
He also smoked cheap cigars.
He had a pretty good education, and
on looking over the papers he noticed
that merchant in Pearl street wanted
a lad of his age, and he called there
and made his business known.
"Walk into the office, my lad said
the merchant; "I'll attend to you
soon.'' =
When he had waited on his custom
er, he took seat near the lad, and es-
pied a cigar in his hat. "My boy"
said he, 81 want smart, honest, faith
full lad; but | see that you smoke CT
gars; and in my experience of many
years, have ever found cigar-smoking
lads to be connected with various other
evil habits and if I am not mistaken,
your breath is an evidence that you are
not an exception. You can leave; you
will not suit me-
John-for this was his name-held
down his head and left the store; and
as he walked along the street, stran-
ger and friendless, the counsel of his
poor mother came forcibly to his mind,
who, upon her death-bed, called him to
her side, and placing her emaciated
hand upon his head, said: "Johnny,
my dear boy,.I am going to leave you
You well know what disgrace and mis-
cry your father brought on us before
his death, and [ want you to promise
me before [ die, that you will never
taste one drop of the accursed poison
that killed your father. Promise me
this, and be a good boy, Johnny, and
[ shall die in peace"
The scalding tears trickled down
Johnny's cheeks, and he promised ever
to remember the dying words of his
mother, and never to drink any spirit
uous liquors but he soon forgot his
promise, and when he received the re-
buke from the merchant, he remem-
bered what his mother said, and what
he had promised her, and he cried
aloud, and people gazed at him as he
passed along, and boys rallied at him.
He went to his lodgings, and throwing
! himself en the bed, gave vent to his
feelings In solJs that were heard all
over the house.
But John had moral courage. He
also had energy and determination,
and ere an hour had passed he made
up his mind never to taste another drop
of liquor or smoke another cigar while
he lived. He went straight back to
the merchant. Said he, "Sir, you
very properly sent me away this morn
ing for habits that have been guilty
of; but, sir, I have neither father nor
mother; and though | have occasion
ally done what | ought not to do, and
have not followed the good advice oI
my mother on her death bed, nor done
as [ promised her would, yet | have
now made solemn VOW never to drink
another drop of liquor or smoke ano.
ther cigar; and if you, sir, will only
try me, it is all [ ask
, The merchant was struck with the
decision and energy of the boy, and a
once employed him. At the expira
: tion of five years, this lad was part
ner in the business, and is now wortl
ten thousand dollars. He has faith
: fully kept his pledge, to which he owe
i his elevation.
g Boys, think of this circumstance, a
! you enter upon the duties of life, AM
! remember on what points of characte
your destiny for good or evil depends