Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1870-09-02

always struck me as a paradoxs rvu Z
90 WhenI am weak, then am strong, y"
1.-THE Christian poet" answered, lift
ed into something of inspiration, often
sees things in clearer light than we who
are down among the mists and shad-
fows."
"Ah mel" he sighed; "your closing
words remind me of the depth at which
lie, and the almost infinite distances
above me to which l must rise ere out of
danger"
"And to which you may surely rise If
you will, answered, with cheerful as.
surance.
"By God.given strength, onlys" he
spoke, solemnly.
| AYE; never, never for an instant lose
sight of that Never, no matter how
strong you may feel that you have
grown, trust in your self. In the hour of
temptation, look upward, praying in the
silence of your heart, for strength to re-
| sist."
"Best of friends" he exclaimed, in
deep emotion; "you must have been sent
to me by God. Hope da~ns on a night
that has been staTless. See the way to
safety-for me the only way. No one
knows but myself how hard have tried
to reform, nor in how many ways l have
sought to escape from terrible thraldom.
But all has been in vain. When this re-
morseless appetite that has enslaved me
asserted itself, my will became as moth.
ing"
Long time we talked, 1 saying all that l
could to strengthen him.
On the next Sunday, much to my sur
prise and pleasure, saw him at church
with his wife. could not remember
wnen | had seen him there before. At
the close of the services, as moved down
the aisle with the crowd, some one grasp
ed my hand and gave it strong pressure.
| turned and looked into the face of the
friend had tried to save.
"Oh, Martin p said, as l received a
glance full of meaning, and then return
ed his hand pressure.
We walked for few moments side by
side without speaking, and then were
separated by the crowd.
On the following Sunday he was at
church again; and Sunday after Sunday
found him in the family pew, that for
years had seen him 30 rarely.
Three or four months went by, and
Martins feet were still in the paths that
led upwards. But one day was shocked
to hear that he had fallen again. On
careful inquiry learned that he had been
with his wife to an evening entertain.
AOhS1 SlNCn ny u Vi ulEu HOTlQ
aud standing, whose name is on every
lip as munifcent in charity; but who,
whatever may be his personal conviction,
Is not brave enough to Danish wine from
the generous board to which he invites
his friends. And l learned still further,
to my grief and pain, that The glass which
broke down the good resolution OF Mar
tin, and let in upon him the fierce flood
of repressed appetite, was proffered by
the hand of this good citizen, as host.
lost no time in going to my poor
friend. found him away down the val.
ley of humiliation, his soul in the gall of
bitterness. Shame and sorrow were in
his eyes; but not despair. l took hopeful
notice of this.
at is very hard for us, all but God
forsaken wretchesp he said bitterly. after
the first formal sentences had passed be-
tween US. "Mr. - is man of gener-
Gus feeling He gives, in princely way,
to churches and to charities; is one of our
best and most liberal citizens and yet,
after have taken a few steps heaven
ward, he puts stumbling-block in my
way and fall back toward hell y
"You could not have fallen over any
stumblingblock man or devil might place
in your way" l answered, "if you had
been walking in divine, instead of human
strength.
"Well do 1 know that" he replied.
"And so," said, let this sad fall keep
you in a more vivid remembrance of
human weakness. Never for one instant
trust in yourself Stand perpetually on
guard. > The price of your liberty is eter-
nal vigilance
at is hard fight" he said, with sigh,
despondinsly.
"Life is warfare" I replied. awe
are all beset with enemies, who know
too well our vulnerable places-enemies
that never sleep; implacable, cruel, ever
/. seeking our destruction. /, you, all men
have them. Trusting only in human
strength, no one gains victory; but in
divine strength the issue of battle is sure
And so, my friend, grid up your loinl
again, and be'wsIy and valiant"
Hope and courage came back into hi
heart.
"Beware of ambush" said, as
passed from him that day "The enemy
coming ON you unawares, is more to b,
dreaded than when he forms his line o
: attack to the sound of trumpets. Seel
no conflicts; keep off his ground; bu
when he comes forth to meet you, giviul
, challenge, do battle in the name of tn,
Lord"
A few weeks afterward I was presen
when gentleman of large wealth snC
, good standing, both in church and society
said to him
~ didn't see you at my house last even
ing"
: safer for me to keep of of the devil
! ground"
"I don't understand you, sir |" replie
the gentleman, flush of sudden anger i
\ his eyes, for he felt the remark as cover
insult.
, Martins face grew sober, and he az
:, swered with calm impressiveness tht
= caused the anger to go oat of his listener
a eyes, and thoughtful concern to take il
!. place.
4 al am fighting the devil" he said, tan
= must not give him the smallest advantag
. Just now l am the victor, and hold him
% bay. He has his masked batteries, his Ell
; chanted grounds, his mines and pitfall
y his gins and miry sloughs; and 1 al
! learning to know the signs of hidden daI
= ger. II 1 fall into any of his snares, | al
"a in peril OF destruction; and though
struggle, or fight my way out, am wea
[e or wounded, and go the less able 30 me,
~ the shock of battle when he.rushes upo
NJ me as stand on guard, ready in God
1e name, for the conflict.
III Ibis enCnanleu GROUND lB social cor
pany, where wine flows freely. I spes
III of what it is to me, and call it, 80 far
M l am concerned, the devils ground. F
Mt caught me there not long ago, and HI
le me at his own advantage. But, W
et not again set foot thereon. Ifyou, go
ld citizens, make of your homes, in mistake
he hospitality, places where the young fl
adj temptations, and the weak, stumblin
ne blocks, men, such as | am, must shun the
. as the gates Of hell" rs a
His manner had grown more and me
We impressive. -.
gentleman, in voice that showed be
in surprise and pain. ..
en- "Just 80 bad" Martin answered, !
is pressivelyi IL believe, Reigsrts old
son was at your houseS"
his eyes"
Lod an 1Uaa tho devils pround for him =