Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-05-04
The Turning Point.

\ good minister had grown weary over his
books, and so threw them all aside for n brisk
walk in the open air Nothing rests body
and mind like this No brandy bitters can
give such a spring to the spirits as pure, fresh
air. A pleasant companion is an excellent
thing in a walk, but any one may have the
company Of pleasant thoughts.
As Dr. B was passing the corner Of
the Park, he observed a lad with a valise in
his hand, just turning into the street. He
paused a moment, as if uncertain which course
to take. A moments glance showed to the
clergyman that the lad was from the country.
Such ruddy cheeks and vigorous muscles did
not grow in the shade of city home. 1t
flashed through the good mans mind, that
this boy was leaving bis carly home as he
had done some forty years ago and in i'm
agination he recalled that parting scene with
a feeling Of gentle sadness that made him at
once feel an interest in the boy before him.
It is wonderful how rapidly thought can
move How much we can think Of almost in
an instant.
-" Please, sir will you direct me to lie Roy
Street ?" he asked respectfully.
The clergyman gave the desired direction,
and then added
You have come from a home in the coun-
try to find situation in the city, have you,
my boy?'
There was something so kindly in the tone
that it went at once to the boys heart. 4
moment before he had felt so utterly alone
Now he felt that this voice was one of real
sympathy, and its effect was electrical,
] a A.. f,.hor GsoI mouth ana ho old
4" and my mother has got a place for me in
my cousins store
Well my boy, trust you have had a
good mother can usually tell by boys
looks what kind Of mother he has. Re
member all her good counsels, and be espe
cially careful how you spend your Sabbaths
If you begin by going out to walk for your
health OF pleasure, you will end in the liquor
saloon, and all the haunts Of wickedness. An
chor yourself in the church and the Sabbath
school, Here is the address of mine, If you
:. would like to attend it, Our superintendent
loves boys, and so do l. Remember that tn,
way you spend your first Sabbath in the city
will very likely be the turning-point Of you
life. Good-by, aud may God give you hi
blessing always"
The good man gave his hand heartily t
Z the stranger-lad as he bade him good-by. |
cost him nothing; but he knew full well hoy
sweet such little wayside kindnesses are Il
the hearts of the lonely and home.sick
T I'm walk the length of this city througl
to find that mans church and Sunday school,
said Robbie to himself, as he walked rapidly
on, his heart cheered and strengthened by tina
little act OF sympathy.
} When the next Sunday came, however, i
found him worn with his unaccustomed tasks
, \ young man in the store, with whom he ha
, formed pleasant acquaintance, invited hin
to take a stroll about the city.
5 "I'll show you some of the sights, an
treat you. to a dinner of oysters down in Il sa
t loon know Of where they keep open on Sun
days. The shutters are closed, out of respei
to tho day, you know; but there is alway
,, plenty to eat and drink inside on all days an
! hours, They have all kinds of liquors, toe
) and make splendid punch"
r Robbie felt lonely enough that day. Hi
thoughts ran back to his old home, and NOR
than once the tears started in his eyes. Tn
. young man seemed so pleasant and friendly
{ he was Just on the eve Of yielding to his temp
latlons just TINS oucc' buV theu III
thought of the good minister's words abou
this day being a turning-poiut in his life, cam
; back to him just in time. He politely dc
I clined the invitation, and found his way t
the morning Sabbath school to which he ha
been directed
j Ever afterward, he felt that he had HON
p, in that great city. A kind superintendent
3, and a warm.hearted teacher, who welcome
him with a cordial grasp of the hand effect
ually anchored" him in the Sunday schoo
e His career in after-liie was useful, honorabl,
! and successful a very marked contrast wit
the Sabbath-breaking boys, who ran rapid
down the scale of dissipation until they reache
B the level Of the common drunkard. Sabbat
o breaking and liquor-drinking are twin cousin