Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1860-09-12
mlstGllanrOus.
CONFESSIONS OF A CLERK.

Much has been said and written of the
trials and temptations to which young men
in our large cities are exposed, and the ru-
in which overtakes multitudes of those who,
carefully trained, and prayerfully educated,
are led away by the gay and thoughtless
companions of their city life; and forget
ting the early restraints Of home, are lost
to all that is good.
Still, although the warnings and exam
pies which are presented to young men thus
situated have done much to assist them to
escape the destruction which principle alone
will enable them utterly to avoid, the evil
remains; and if the brief account of my
early struggles with sin and temptation
should strengthen one faint heart, or en-
courage one repentant soul to turn from the
error of his way, let me not hesitate.
At my fathers death was placed in the
large wholesale establishment of my uncle,
whose interest in me extended only to my
future in this world, and in training me to
early business habits, considered that l
should thus be amply provided for.
In this school 1 was an apt scholar. l
was active and thoughtless of fatigue, en-
ioyed the full tide of mercantile business
and revelled in the excitement which my
life afforded.
I was punctual to moment, 1 was dill
igent in business, thorough in my allotted
task, cheerful as the day. and popular with
my fellOw-clerks.
My uncle was fully satisfied, and my
friends prophecied a successful future.
Ny gay manner and social disposition
won me many friends, and from these l
chose five, with whom formed close in
timacy, and to whose influence l gradually
yielded, walking apacc in the broad road.
1 was fond of any excitement, and hav-
ing no father to watch my actions, or re-
straining principle of my own to prevent,
1 grew soon to love that which was evil,
and knew no fear.
1 had key made to our house, where
my mother lived, and thus spent my nights
abroad, amid scenes of dissipation and vice.
We frequented the theatres every night;
and after leaving them at late hour, made
our way to some saloon, where, with wine
and cards, we revellcd until almost morn
ing, when we would creep back to our
homes and snatch few hours of sleep be-
fore the next days work commenced.
1 was gambler, and a skillful one. 1
seldom lost.
My companions swore l was fine fcl-
low, and I was expected, in return, to
treat them on all occasions, and not unfre-
quently to bribe them to silence.
Our families were highly respectable
We visited in the best society; thus sus-
picion of my actual course of life would
have prevented my welcome among these
friends, and to avoid such possibility of
suspicion, I spared no pains.
l think was successful. Not even my
mother dreamed that her favorite son, her
particular pet, was any other than the
frank, noble-hearted boy he seemed.
Thank Godi she never knew-I was saw
ed before her heart knew that pang.
This was my life from sixteen to nine
teen. 1t could not have lasted thus much
longer. Ny health was failing, my inter
est in business tagged, and became care
less.
It was in the winter of 1880, that God,
in His mercy, saw fit to pluck me as a
brand from the burning.