Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-02-05

courage and his daring deed and the
thought flashed across him that his folly
and sin we're still unknown, and if he did
but keep his own counsel, might 30 remain
forever. The tempter whispered, Be sil.
ent = and for a moment he was inclined to
yield but his good angel triumphed.---
With bowed head and downcast eyes he
told the story Of his sin, and waited to hear
his sentence from the man he had wronped.
For few moments the good old man (God
bless HIM was silent, aud then he said,
with tears in his eyes
"My lad, | am glad that you have told
me this, very glad; although knew il be-
fore You have committed great sin,
and you have suffered heavy punishment
Thank God, who in his mercy has saved
you from a far greater sin--a sin whose
punishment is for ever and ever. You
have been through a fiery trial let your
future life show that you have been truly
purged in the fire. For your ofensea
against myself God forbid that | should
add TO your puDishment--I forgive you
with all my heart, my boy, and YOU need
have no fear about coming back 10 yoar
old place in the office, for no ono ez-
cept myself will ever know a word Of the
matter. One thing, however, you must
promise me-never to enter a gambling. i.
house, or TO stake mousy at play
"'That | do, sir, upon my hon he be-
gan, and then stopped short, ns the unfit
ness of the word, from une in bis situation.
flashed cruelty upon him.
may, lad, said the old man, holding
out his hand don't take it back, that Is
Just the way in which | want your promise.
Upon your honor, mind 1t is little
taruished now let it be ii labor Of your
life to make and keep it bright
"ADd, with Gods help, be did. He rose
from that bed, where for so many weeks be
had lain in peril Of his life, au altered
man. His former friends wondered at the
change, and declared that be had left bis
youth in the fire but they knew nothing of
the fiercer fire which during these long
weeks had ragged in his bosom, aud had
scorched away the relish for youthful fol-
lies. Having stood so awfully near to death,
he had learnt to value life and to strive
so to use life that death should be no long,
er terrible. And so striving, God prospered
him. The father Of the little girl he had
saved was a wealthy man, aud with
generous kindness helped him even against
bis will. His kind old master stood
his faithful friend, and even made op-
portunties of showing his confidence in
him; and for many years past he has been
partner 10 the firm, rich and respected
merchant. Very few people know bis
story. 1t is not very merry one. butiit
was uppermost in my mind when Ellie asked
for story-it is mostly on Christmas eve
aud therefore | have told tito you"
"Who was the young man uncle ?" said
childish voice. "Have we ever seen
him 2" n, ~
I" Yes my dear, you know him very
we'll"
But what became Of the little girl tha.
was saved, uncle?" Is she alive still?" q
my dears, said uncle Herbert, "thc
little girl is now your aunt Alice"
Just then the freight, which had grown
dim, fekered up in a blaze. Aunt Alice
bent over uncle Herbert's hand and kissed
it, and as she raised her head, we could see
that there we're tears in her eyes.
We guessed the rest of the story.--,Eng-
iish Society.