Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1870-09-14
WHOLE NUMBER 1926

piOuSu the waves until overtaKen Dy
storm of Gods avenging wrath, and ar,
hoplessly engulfed into the deep abyss ot
endless perdition.
lie soon found more congenial compan.
ions than the well tried friend of his youth
and gradually learned to indulge in theil
evil habits. He ceased to attend church
went to places of amusements-joined
in bacchanalian revels, and sometimes
returned home intoxicated. He avoided
Hugh as much as possible, and finally
removed to another boarding house where
he could be constantly with some of his
chosen companions.
Hugh lived consistent christian life,
and gradually won the respect of all who
observed his conduct. He avoided evil
associates and soon found friends in whom
he could place implicit confidence. He
was regular in his attendance at each
church service, ana punctual in the Sab
bath school. He not only professed to
believe that "Christ died for us that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people
jealous of good works." but he was dill
gent in the masters business" and per-
formed whatsoever his hands found to
do with all his might"
One day Milan came into the office,
where Hugh was employed, wearing a
clouded brow, threw himself into a chair
and exclaimed:
II wish l was dead"
"Rather wish you were prepared for
that solemn event." replied Hugh.
"No lecturins to-day" said Milan i'm
patiently, and then added: Il am in trou-
ble."
What now," asked Hugh, kindly.
IL am ruined unless"
"Unless what 2"
"Unless you can assist me-"
Explain |" said Hugh, Il am ready to
help you SO far as possible
Il was compelled to have fifty dollars
this morning" said Milan, as blush of
shame mantled his cheeks land | took it
from the cash drawer, relying ON the
promise of friend that he would let me
have the amount in time to replace it
He has disappointed me, and l will be
ruined. Help me-" he added in an i'm
ploring tone, " and l promise to follow
your advice and lead a different life."
Hugh had out ola scanty salary, saved
this amount for special purpose. He
could not well spare the money, but the
appeal was urgent. He listened few
to Milan's earnest promises of
and complied with the re-
quest.
His effort to save the wretched young
nan proved unavailing. Satan had
pound him hand and foot with the slavish
,hains of sin. and was dragging him on
o an endless perdition. He had reckless
y plunged into the resistless current of
vickedness vice and immortality, and /
lothing but the arm of fomnipotence could |
match him from impending destruc-
ion.
We now pass over a period of five
-ears, during which Hugh was blessed
With unexpected prosperity. His salary
o small in the beginning, had been in
reased from year to year until he be-
anne a partner in the establishment but
e was not proud of his acquisitions, and
walked humbly in the footsteps of the
reat Master he professed to follow. lie
ras still careful to improve every oppor
unity to do good, and engaged in many
sbors of love to win souls unto Christ.
One day Hugh attended union pray
r meeting, held in one of the worst local
ties of the city. for the purpose of reach
ng an abandoned class of people that had
ong resisted every good influence. The
,ader read the touching story of the pro-
igal son, and requested al! present feel
ng an interest in their eternal salvation
D make it known.
Hugh saw a man evidently hardened
y years of dissipation suddenly spring
D his feet, and the next moment he re-
ognized in his bloated countenace the
eatures of his long lost friend. How
opeless, wretched and miserable he
eemed as he stood trembling on the verge
black despair, feeling unworthy to SO
,uch as lift his eyes to heaven and cry
loud, "God be merciful to me sin
er"
II am sick of SIM" exclaimed Milan,
, broken accents. Il desire to arise and
o to my Farther's house. o pray for
It."
He sank back into the seat unable to
tier another word, and sobbed aloud.
III present bowed before a throne of
race, and Hugh, with deep emotion,
lad in their supplications. Oh, how
,rvently he implored merciful Father
, save the wretched wanderer. His
rayer was answered. That night he
aw the friend of other days sitting "at
he feet of Jesus, clothed in his right
fl