Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-05-21
A Story for Young Men.

| had grown reckless after moved 10
NJ that is, fell in with a crowd Of
professed friends, who drank, swore, and
cared nothing for morality in general. AT
first, held back | had not been used to
IL but could not withstand the sneoring
laugh ofmy companions which always greet.
ed me when refused to join in any Of
their wicked acts, and by degrees became
very reckless. 1t makes me shudder even
now to think Of it. | had never been
blessed with a sisters love resided with
my mother in this village Of about four
hundred inhabitants. Many a night when
| would go reeliug home from the shop at
the north end of the town, would find my
dear mother watching for her son-listen.
ing if perchance she could catch the sound
OF his unsteady step. Many time did
| waken from my drunken slumbers aud
hear that fond mother sending up peti.
ton to God in behalf Of her incorporate
son. Oh what a wretch was. | knew
that was bringing down her grey hairs in
sorrow to the grave. She began to look
aged and careworn; but kept on in my
sinful ways until a circumstance occurred tc
stop me in my downward career.
was starting out one evening to the
grog shop, when | suddenly remembered
that | had spent all my money at that
place the evening befare | remembered
also that had seen my mother put few
pennies, (her hard earnings) in cup that
day. ,oas tempted | tried to resist
but my appetite was too strong. slipped
cautiously to the cupboard, removed the
money from the cup, deposited it in my
pocket, and was starting from the house
when my mother entered. / did not turn
my head, for felt guilty--guilty of what
| never was before-a theft My mother
called me; there was something in her
voice which could not resist.
"What is 1t, mother ?" said l.
"Oh, Willie do stay at home with me
tonight" she exclaimed, graspng my hant
iu both Of hers. Don't drink tonight
take my advice just once"
Oh how many times since have wish
ed that had taken her advice that night
But conscled her by telling her that
would not stay long. | wended my way tC
tie grog-shop but my mothers words
"Oh, Willie! do stay at home with me to
night" kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken oaths, and for once die
not stay what | called late but when
reached home the bells in the ncighbborinl
city were tolling the midnight hour.
A strange feeling seized me as | sp
preached my home. Tho light was place.
in the window as usual to guide the wan
derer's steps. went to the window auc
looked in. There sat my mother in hel
easy chair her eyes were closed and
thought she slept. Her face was pale, bu
it was always that. | tried to chase my
fears away as | went around to the door
my hand trembled when | laid it on tn,
latch, and it thrilled my very heart when i
arose with sharp click | had nevel
known such feeling before. entered
beheld in my mothers hand the very cur
from which | had removed the money.
laid my hand on mothers shoulder AM
spoke to her She moved not | spok,
louder still no answer | listened bu
could not hear her breathe. laid hei
gently on the bed, brought water ant
bathed her white forehead. Reader, i'm
agine my JOY when saw that dear mother
open her eyes.
Z" Oh, mother J" cried +" forgive me
Oh, forgive your erring boy"
do y was the answer
A heavenly smile lit up her face.
Meet me in Heaven, Willie"
Z" BY the grace of God, | will"
And my mothers spirit had fed to Coz
who gave it.
1t is not necessary for me to prolong tn,
description of the mournful scene. Sufiic,
it to say that from that moment | was
changed man--snatched as brand from
the burning. Since that time not one drol
of whiskey, wine, or anything of the kim
has passed my lips, and by help and strength
given Inc from above, necer icW.