Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-12-09

! nio"ly alOnR the streets, the FUMES OF cOncc
house which he was passing, unoonsciously,
struck upon his sense, and Immediately came
an almost overpowering desire for his accus-
toned potaton. lie paused
Now that try to reform they turn against
me-, he said bitterly. 1t is no use, ! am
gone past hope Ono step was taken toward
the tavern door, when it seemed as if a strong
hand held him back No, no, he murmured
i have taken the pledge, and I will stand by
it if die Then moving resolutely onward,
he soon found himself near the door Of an
other hatters shop. Hope again kindled up
in his bosom. and he entered.
Don't you want hand, Mr.. Mason he
asked in hesitating tone.
Not a drunken one Jarvis was the ropul-
sive answer.
But I've reformed, Mr. Mason
so | should think from your looks
But indeed, Mr.. Mason, have quit drink
ing, and taken the pledge
To break it in three days perhaps three
hours.
Wont you give me work, Mr.. Mason, if /
promise to keep sober;
No: for / would not give a cent for your
promises.
Poor Jarvis turned away. When he had
| placed his hand to the pledge, he dreamed not
Of those ropulses and difficulties. lie was
good workman, and he thought that any one
of his old employers would be glad to get him
back again, as soon as they learned of his hay-
ing signed the total abstinence pledge. But
he had so often promised amendment, and SO
often broken his promise and disappointed
thom 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 irreso-
Lutte. He would walk on a few steps, and
then pause to commune with his troubled and
bcwiidered thoughts. Il will try Lanklord,
he said at length. he will give me work, sure
ly.' A brisk walk Of a few moments brought
him 90 the door of a small hatters shop in a
retired street. Behind the counter of this
shop stood an old man. busily employed in
ironing hat. There was something benevol-
ent in his couutenance and manner. AS Jar
Wis entered, be looked up. and a shade passed
[ quickly over his face.
Good morning. Mr. Landlord. Jarvis said,
bowiny, with something like shame and
timidity in his manner.
Are You not afraid TO come here, John :
the old man replied sternly.
i am ashamed TO come, but not afraid-G GU
viii not harm me, know.
Don't trust to that. John. Did you not
stcal-aye, that is word-did you not STEAL
from me the last time l employed you? The
old man in manner was stern and energetic.
u was so wicked as to take couple OF
skins. Mr.. Lankford. but did very wrong.
and am willing to repay you for them if you
will give me work I was in liquor when
did it, aud when in liquor have no distinct
consciousness Of the evil Of any action
Give you work, indeed Oh, no. John
cannot give you another chance to roo me
Bot will not get drunk any more and you
know. Mr. Lanklord, that while | was So
Der man, aud worked for you, never wrong
ed you out of siXpencc worth.
Won't get drunk any more; All John.
have lived too long in the world, and have
seen too much, to heed such promises.
But | am in earnest Mr. I.anklord.
signed the pledge this morning.
You in tone of surprise.
'Yes, l signed it,
All, John, after pause, and shaking his
head incredulously, L cannot credit your
word, and am sorry for it.
If I have signed the pledge, and if am re-
ally determined to be a reformed man, will
you give me work. Mr Lankford;'
The old man thought for few moments
and then said, half sorrowlully, lam afraid
of you, John. You are such an old offender
on the score Of drunkenness, that have no
confidence in your power to keep the pledge.
Then what shall do . the poor wretch
exclaimed, in tones that made the heart of the
old man thrll--for nature and pathos were in
them. Now that ! am trying in earnest to
do better. no one will give me a word Of en-
couragement or helping hand. Heaven
help me for am forsakon of man.
Have you been to see Warren; ? asked the
old man
Yes, and he threatened to kick me out ol
his shop
Mason wants hand, know. lie will nc
doubt be glad to employ you
I've tried him, but he will not give me
work
Mr.. Landlord stood thonghtfully and irres-
olute for some moments. He pitied from his
heart the poor creature who thus importuned
so earnestly for work, and whose trembling
hand indicated that he had forborne, at least
for time, his accustomed stimulus. But he
did not wish to have him in his shop, for he
had no confidence in him. At length he said
John, if you will bring me a certificate from
Mr. r., that you have signed the total
abstinence pledge, ! will give you another
trial, but if you disappoint me again, you and
are done forever
The countenancc of Jarvis frightened NJ
instantly He turned quickly away without
reply, and hurried off to the store of Mr.
RI, the Secretary Of the society he had
Joined The certificate was Of course obtained
And you have joined, sure enough, John,
Mr.. Lankford said, in a changed tone, as he
glanced over the certificate.
Indeed have, Mr.. Lankiord.
And you seem in earnest
If ever was in earnest about anything II
my life, am in earnest now.
Keep your plodge, then, john and all will
be we'll. While you we're a sober man pre-
lcrrcd you to any iourneyman in my shop
Keep sober and you shall never want a day
work while am in business
BY the aid of Him who knows how muol
in earnos, am, will be true to my pledge,
Jarvis said meekly, yet in a sober tone
Only trust IN Him, John, and lie will b'
strength in your weakness
Il will Try" was the humble and serene an
7 swer.
The poor man was now shown his place II
the shop, and once again he resumed his work
though under different impulse than had, 10