The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-07-26
Reorganization of Expenses.
THE BOY WHO CONQUERED.


left without parents, of good natural
abilities, went to New York, alone and
friendless, to get situation in store as
an errand boy, or otherwise, till he could
command higher position; but this boy
had been in bad company, and acquired
the habit of calling for his bitters OCCASION
ally, because he thought it looked manly.
He smoked cigars, also. He had a pretty
good education, and on looking over the
papers, he noticed that merchant on
Pearl street wanted lad of his age, and
he called and made his business known.
"Walk in my Office, my lad,' said the
merchant, 81 will attend you soon."
When he had waited on his customers,
he took seat near the lad, and espied a
cigar in his hat. That was enough.
"My boy" said he, {" want smart
honest, and faithful lad, but l see you
smoke cigars, and in my experience of
many years, have ever found cigar smok-
ing in lads to be connected with various
other evil habits; and if am not mistaken,
your breath is an evidence that you are
not an exception. You can leave; you
will not suit me.'
John-for this was his name-held down
his head and left the store; and as he walk
ed along the street, stranger and friend
less, the counsel of his poor mother came
forcibly to his mind, who, upon her death
bed, called him to her side, and placing
her emaciatsd hand upon his head, said
" Johnny, dear boy, am going to leave
you; you we'll know what disgrace and
his death, and want you to promise me
before l die that you will not taste one
drop of the accursed poison that killed
your father. Promise me this, and be
good boy, Johnny, and shall die in peace"
The scaldins tears trickled down John
ny's cheeks, and he promised ever to re-
member the dying words of his mother,
and never to drink sprituous liquors; but
he soon forgot his promise, and when he
received the rebuke from the merchant he
remembered what his mother said, and
what he had promised her, and he cried
aloud, and people gazed at him as he pass
ed along, and boys rallied at him. He
went to his lodging, and throwing himself
upon his bed, gave vent to his feelings in
distressed sobs that were heard all over
the house.
But John had moral courage. lie had
energy and determinatio and ere an
hour had passed he made up his mind
never to taste another drop of liquor nor
smoke another cigar SO long as he lived
He went straight back to the merchant,
and said:-
"Sir you very properly sent me away
this morning for habits that have been
guilty Of; but, sir, l have neither father
nor mother, and though l have OCCASION
ally failed to follow the good advice of my
poor mother on her death bed, nor done as
promised l would do, yet l have now
made solemn VOW never to drink another
drop of liquor, nor smoke another cigar;
and if you, sir, will try me, it is all l ask"
The merchant was struck by the deci-
sion and energy of the body, and at once
employed him. AT the expiration of five
years this lad was partner in the bust
ness, and is now worth ten thousand dol
lars. He thus faithfully kept his pledge,
to which he owes his elevation!
Boys, think of this circumstance as you
enter upon the duties of life.