Smyrna times., 1859-03-03

and almost glad heart TO the time when his
education would be finished, and he could re-
turn again to bless with his presence the home
of his childhood and early youth. But another
term passed, and he came not, to visit his fond
and loving parents. The money necessary for
the pa yment of his tuition fees, was r"gula ly
transmitted to the officers of the college, whIl".
at the same time, large remittances were for
warded Immediately to Fran nix. for the purchase
| Of books and studies, together with various
ertrGs which were duly enumerated in his let
ters. The official reports brought continual
statements Of the extraordinary capacity Of my
young friend for acquiring knowledge. as we'll
as congratulatory letters to his parents on their
good fortune in possessing such son. He had
brilliant future before him, they said aud it
would be derclicton of duty to withdraw him
from college until he had ascended TO the very
topmost step of the ladder. 1t would be &C.
tracing both from his usefulness and the bril-
liancy of his fame. So he was continued and
his fathers gold was most unsparngIy lavished
upon his education.
Term after term passed, and sorrow at his
absence had turned into pleasant anticipation of
his return, finished, when vague rumors began
to be circulated, that the beloved and idolzed
Frank, was not spending his time in manner
calculated to please his loving parents aud
friends al home. At first, these reports receiY-
ed little credit, but returned student soon
brought confirmation of the very worst. Bit
ter was the anguish Of those fond parental
hearts, when the conviction was forced upon
them that their idol was being led asray from
the path of rectitude aud honor. But the truth
could not be resisted. and though they fain
would have beived all the whispered stories of
his prohigacy false, the constantly multiplying
testimonies and evidences against him, COM
PEELED them to give credence to the current
rumOrs against him. AS yet, nothing had ever
been limited by those under whose care he had
been placed, with regard to his moral retroga-
dation. Their letters brought naught but en-
couragement and hope. 1t hust therefore be
late thing, and in order 20 arrest his down
ward course, it was determined to withdraw him
Immediately from school, and place him at
home, where he would be out of the reach OF
| further temptation. Thus they 1attered them
selves he would yet be saved to bless their de
cling years. and to stand as a bright monument
Of their paternal love and care, long after they
had been laid in their graves.
Bu., alas for human hopes and human calcu
| ations! In one short week after the order for
his withdrawal had been forwarded, he wa
brought home a raving maniac-the rictim d
the ineJriGtirg bowL and ere TWO suns had
faded and sunk in the west. he passed into the
presence of the Great Judge, cursing, with hi:
dying lips, himself, his parents, and his God
Himself, because he had suffered the tempte
to obtain such complete mastery over all th'
faculties of his soul and body; his parents
because they had placed him in the way 0
temptation; and his God, because he had beef
taught to look to Him as a God Of vengeanc,
and wrath, rather than dispenser of love ant
mercy. Thus was he finished.
And now, dear reader, pause and reflect
Year after year that young man had been pass
ing in and out before the president and oflicia
board of that college, and, during all that time
tae accursed demon had been dragging hir
: down to ruin. No hand had been put forth /
' save him, no hint Of his danger had ever bee
suffered to reach his parents; and never, till b
b. was brought home to die, did they even suspeC
: that his morals were in the least jeopardy.-
f And this was the end of his career. Young
r active, vigorous, full of life and hope. and
J. keen relish for all the joys and pleasures
j. life, he had gone forth to meet the world an
+ its temptations, and had fallen. Fallen, viii
rs yet upon the very threshold Of manhood; fal
- en-, without single hand having been put for
m to save him fallen, while far away from HON
,c and the restraining influences of mother
ly love; fallen, under the very eye of those W
I'd had been sending such hatterng letters ofprai
or to his misled and blinded parents. Nor had /
n. ruin been accomplished in a day. Week aft
k. week, month after month, and year after ye;
j. had the coils of the tempter been tightenl
he around him, and drawing him down to destrt
nd ton. And. yet. not one word of warning h
I'd ever reached the ears of his friends. lie mig
he have been saved, but it was too late now.
he was finished. And thus ends my story.
,ut | SaU that dear, young friend leave his hon
an | sur him return again. and saW him die !; q
ms thought some one was responsible for
ruin, bat leave the Judge Of all the Earth
er. dicide aohO. Yours, Spy
at- -" %
al WriusRIOr Tie SnyrHa Tine