The Shasta courier., 1866-12-01
SHASTA COURIER.
A Daughters stratagem.


hank of the river Thames Though he was
called great. he was not good, because he
was yery fond of drinking wine, brandy, &c.,
and freauented the gambling rooms
of the city. These habits gained on him
daily until they conquered all his moral
strength. Judge Rose had amiable wife
and three pretty daughters. Mary, the eld
est daughter, was his especial pet He
thought more of her than he did of himself,
and no wish of hers went unsatsfed. She
was of a sweet disposition, and SO obedient
and respectful to her parents, and kind to
every one about, that she was beloved by
everybody. And though her fathers dwell
ing was the most elegant, surrounded by
every luxury, she never put on airs, as many
do, but was modest and retiring. Judge
Rose and his wife and daughters were all
members of a Christian church He was
often suspended from its fellowship, and on
promise of repentance received again. His
influential position in society, and the pinus
conduct of his wife and daughters, caused
much pity for them and elected much "a
tience. They hoped by love and patience to
restore him wholly. But all the love of his
family and the church could not stop this
erring man in his downward course. At
last, so low did he fall as to lose all self
in rags. Daily he went out unshaved, un
washed, and when drunk, would slug a low
song, which would draw around him crowd
of boys, to jeer and laugh and scorn the once
dignifed judge.
1t is not to be supposed that Christians
and temperance men allowed such man to
ruin himself without efforts to save him.
Earnest and persevering efforts were put
forth. But all were useless and hopeless
His wife and daughters wept and prayed,
but despaired entirely. Mary, his pet, often
labored to save her father from open disgrace,
if not private sin. She became very sad,
and refused to attend church or go into soci
ETY.. When her father was sober, he had
sense enough to see the change in his once
happy Mary, and seemed to regret his course
more for her sake than his own.
One morning he started as usual for the
public house. His wife tried to hold him
back, but he would not yield. Mary made
her appearance clothed in rags, with an old
whisky bottle in her hand. Taking her
fathers arm, she said: Come, father, I'm
going too!' s. Going where?" said be,
staring at her as if horror struck. To the
dram shop. What is good for you is good
for me-"
Then she began to flourish her bottle and
to sing one of the low songs she had heard
him sing in the street.
T." Go back, girl, you are crazy Mother,
take her in.' g But | am going. father.
with you, to do as you do 1t is of no use TO
me to be good, while you are going to the
bad place. You'll be lonely there without
your Mary" $50 away. girl. you'll drive
me mad, F" But you have been mad for IA
long time, and | am going mad too, What
do care, my father is only poor old de
spised drunkard his daughter may as well
be like him.
So Mary pulled away at her fathers arm
and went on to open the gate. He drew
back, still she dragged on and sang louder
A few boys began to run towards them, and
then her father broke from her hold. and
went back into the house. There he sat
down and putting his face in his hands.
wept and sobbed aloud. Still Mary stayed
out
What is the matter?' asked Mrs Rose.
Mary is crazy and l made her So wish
was dead. Do go and get her. won't 90
out day"
Mrs. Rose told Mary what her father had
said, and then she went in. She sat down
In rags, with her bottle in her hand all dav
Mr.. Rose was in a terrible state, for the
want of his accustomed stimulus. and fre
quently would go to the door, but Mary was
ready at his side on every occasion The
latter part of the day he laid down to sleep
When he W Ike ur, Mary was still there in
her rags, and her bottle by her side. With
much trembling and shaking. he put on
suit of clothes, and asked his wife 20 send for
barber. Then after tea he said - am
going out" Where ?'' "To the temper
ance hall. Go with me, and see if do not
go there"
SO Mrs. Rose went with him to the door
of the hall, Mary still saying, " | must fol
low, for I'm afraid he'll 90 to the public
house without me" But his wife saw him
enter the meeting room. Then she and
Mary went home To rejoice in trembling. at
the result of the stratagem. Surprise and
scme dlstrust pervaded the minds of the
temperance brothers, when Judge Rose walk
ed in. He was invited forward. and asked
to speak whatever he wished He rose, and
told the tale of the day, and then added
When | saw how my daughter was trans
formed into low creature then | knew
how much lower she woald have to descend
if she went with me, | abhorred myself
She vowed to 90 everywhere | went, and do
everything | did. Could | see her do that =?
Her lovelness stained-her character ruined.
No, sir If it kills me. | will leave of the
soul destroying draught, and never touch,
taste aor handle it more, from this night
henceforword and forever and now, gen
tlemen, help me to be a man again y Oh,
g there is JOY in heaven over one sinner that
repenteth." and should there not be joy on
earth? Judge Rose became good man :;
and his family were very happy. But We
hope no other daughter will have to resort to
so painful remedy to save father.