The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-01-20
[FoR THE pREss.l
A Call to Humanity.
BY NETTIE.

Dark clouds gathered, and the wintry wind
whisted drearily Oh how cold and comfort
less nature seemed. Soon the gathering storm
came on Thick and fast-but noiselessly -
the flakes of snow fell from Heaven, and our
earth was wrapt in robe Of spotless white
But few venture forth in the angry storm.
How quiet and inactive the village seems
We hear not the rattle of the cart, nor the
tramp Of busy feet.
For pleasure none will now venture forth, but
all are glad to remain by the warm freside,
warmly clad, and well fed, little thinking to
whom they are indebted for these favors They
scarcely think of the many who have none Of
these comforts to cheer them. They think not
of the many who are suffering from cold and
hunger. Perhaps an occasional remark may be
made something like this, - how many poor
creatures there are who have not fire enough to
keep them warm, nor food to keep them from
suffering" but they never once try to relleue
| those poor creatures.
But methinks could they see that feeble wo-
man in yonder garnet, with but few dying
embers by which she is striving to warm her
own perishing body, and that of her darling
child, their hearts would be moved to pity, and
not to pity only, but to action. See her pale,
emaciated features, and her fra trembling form !!
Once she was as fresh as rosy, as strong, and
as comfortable as you. Her prospects were as
bright as yours, perhaps brighter She was
surrounded by all the comforts, yea, all the lux
uries of life Prosperity smiled upon her. She
was the petted child of fond parents; she was
brought up in the lap Of luxury and wealth !;
she was beloved and admired by all who knew
her. and She was truly amiablc and lovely
Her hand was sought by one who seemed in
every way worthy of it. They were united.
For while, all was JOY and peace. They were
prospered in all they did He dotted upon his
wife, and fondly caressed her. while she, in re-
turn, loved him with all the ardor of woman's
love. Many happy months they passed in each
others society, many pleasant social evenings
they spent together. They were happy almost
beyond description, when little cherub boy
was added to their many other joys. Thus a
few years passed by, almost like a pleasant
dream. But alas what change
The husband began at times to be fretful, =
then to spend his evenings from home, then tc
remain out late, and come home cross He
had formed the friendship of bad associates, and
had been led astray. His business was then
neglected, and soon he became encountered -
He was straitened he was perplexed, he was
troubled; and then he resorted to that awful
remedy, the Intoxicating cup
OIL how sorrow crushed the heart of that
confding wife, when forced to think that he1
once fond husband had become a d,'unkord
First, their Injuries DISAPPEARED, then their com
forts, then the mere pecessaries of life fed. The
wife toied on uncomplainingly. She bore abuse
she struggled with sorrow, yet she loved on
fondly but oh how sadly. Many weary nights
she watched for his returning footsteps till past
the midnight hour She would start at every
sound, and think it was he. But no, they pass,
and still he comes not.s
OHe ureaFy hlgHt Sic sdO lohSlhS, yeC Ilem-
bling, for his return. Her child lay sleeping by
her side. Her weared body well needed re-
pose, but he has not come, and she cannot close
her eyes in sleep, while he perhaps is perishing
in the raging storm. The clock tells the hour
of midnight, yet he comes not. Another hour
passes, still he stays; the second, all even the
third rolls by, and still be remains, The almost
frantic wife PAGES the floor in agony. How ca
gerly she strives to pierce the darkness, and
catch a glimpse of his FORM Bnt alas! all is
vain; he comes not, nor will he ever come to
her again. The weary night passes
Next morning body was found stiff and
Iifeless, almost buried BY the drifting snow, not
far from the grog shop Of Mr.. Hardy. He be-