Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1869-03-11

about made Rp his mind to turn him adrift-
"I can't have him any longer" said Mr.. os-
borne. speaking to his head clerk.
"Pve tried my best TO help him, but it's no
use As he drinks up everything he earns, it
Will be better for him TO earn nothing"
"rvel long thought that" answered the clerk.
"The fact is you've borne with him TO de-
gree that surprises every onein the store"
at shall do 1t no longer" was the resolute
reply
There he comes now" said the head clerk.
Mr.. Osborne turned with hard look in his
face, intending TO stop Uncle Phil before he
reached his desk and tell him that his duties
there were st an end. But something in Uncle
Phifs manner kept him from speaking what
was in his thought. The poor man came in
with a quicker step, and an air Of earnestness
about him net seen for a long time.
"rIl not be late again, Mr.. Osborne he said,
in q humble way. "It'sall wrong; but it sha'n't
happen again"
"Inope not" replied Mr.. Osborne, in Q tone
that made Uncle Phil to start.
you've right to be displeased," !" the wretch
cd man said. 81 only wonder you've borne with
me SO long. But have patience with me while
longer. I've made my mind up lead new life.
God helping met"
Uncle Phii's voice trembled. and pity came
back into Mr.. Osbornes heart.
"God alone can help you." answered his kind
friend. Unless you get strength from him. your
case is hopeless"
"I am resolved not to drink one drop Of liquor
again so long az live" said Uncle Phil, speak
ing solemnly.
.An good resolutions are from heaven, my
friend" answered Mr.. Osborne, "and from
heaven comes the power to keep them. Trust
not in youf own poor strength-it has failed
you a thousand times-but look upward and
While you pray for help. keep yourself out ofthe
Did ways wherein your feet have stumbled
This Is your part of the work, and must not fail
or an instant. fyou go where liquor is sold,
rou go out Of the circle Of safety; IL you touch
" ta ste 1t, you fall God cannot help you, unless
ron help yourself; and the only way in which
you can help yourself is to keep far of fron
LANCER. While you do this no strong desire for
iquor will be felt; but If you taste it, you are
ost." |
Uncle Phil stood with bent head while Mr..
AT will never taste it again. he answered.
never, so long a. liver
thing happened that evening which had not
happened for months. Uncle Phil made one OF
he family at tea-time. He came in with sober
ace and quiet air, giving all a pleased surprise.
Tohn who had spoken his mind SO freely in the
morning, and who had been thinking about
lin all day-for he was pretty sure Uncle Phil
lad heard his plain talk-could not keep his
yes from his face. Uncle Phil soon became
ware that John was observing him with keen
interest.
All at once breaking the embarrassed silence
4 the tea-tsble, he asked, looking at the boy:
What are you for. John ?"
For a moment John hesitated, while his
heeks grew red. Then he answered firmly:
"Tm for temperance"
There was an uneasy stir around the table,
nd a surprised looking from face to face. (
$50 am l, John; and that makes two on the
light side; and we don't care who knows it?''
poke Uncle Phil, in q clear ringing voice.
Oh, what fearful, happy time came then!-
.untSusy cried for Joy, and Johns mother cried
nd hugged her little son when Uncle Phil re-
Gated the brave strong words he had heard him
ay in the morning-words that went like I
rrows to his heart.
Uncle Phil never drank again. Before year
ai passed, he and Aunt Susy were in a small {
ouse of their own, independent and happy.
So you see how much may be done by little
oy who stands up for temperance, and is not
fraid TO speak strong words in good cause.