Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-10-07
WHO WILL SPEAK Tr9

A few years since we were on our way
from Hartford to New York by steamboat.
In the enjoyment of the charming scenery of
of the Connecticut river we did not leave
the forward deck until the gathering dark
ness shut out the view. On entering the
lighted saloon we found all the seats occu-
pied excepting one near party of young
men who were playing n game of cards.
Their boisterous hilarty was annoying but
this we could have endured, had not the con-
slant use of proiane expressions panied and
shocked MS. We felt compelled to beg them,
in the kindest possible manner to desist.
Our wishes We're respected and after quietly
completing the game, they separated.
Before retiring we again went on deck, and
found that we had left the river, and were
now in the waters of Long Island Sound.
As we stood in the shadow of the long line
of state-rooIns we We're accosted by one Of
the young men of the party TO whom we had
spoken. With trembling voice he told us
the story of his life. II was story familiar
10 those who have watched the wavward
career of many young men. The child OF
Christian parents when but lad he became
weary of the restraints and quiet of the farm,
and sought employment in one of the large
manufacturing establishments Of Hartford.
For time he had attended church and the
Sabbath-school, but, unfortunately, like the
prodigal of old, he fell into bad company.
His companions were reckless aud abandoned,
and they soon gained an influence over him
that made him a willing associate in evil
doing lie formed habits of profanity and
drinking, and soon found himself in the
ranks of the most dissolute young men of
the city. lie had started for New York at
this time with 10 other object than the
spending of few days in miserable dissipa-
ton. He confessed that his life had been
wretched and unhappy. Often when he was
alone the remembrance Of his Christian
parents and the teachings Of the past filed
him with remorse, so that he was almost per-
suaded 10 forsake his wicked life but there
was no friend TO whom he could 20 for sym
patty and help. IL seemed as if the door
was shut against his return to the paths of
virtue and goodness
At the time we spoke to the little circle in
the saloon he had abandoned himself TO the
reckless enjoyment of the moment The
kind way IN which ! had addressed the
group opened his eyes to his miserable con
dition. lie said: III did not know | was
swearing when you spoke TO us; then 1t
flashed across my mind 'Am | 70 lost that
| can profane the name of God and not be
conscious of tn / felt that must speak
TO you and tell you what good-for-nothing
fellow have been"
1t was now easy for me to speak, and in
the silence Of that neighbour | commended
him TO the God OF mercy and the Saviour of
sinners.
Before we parted, he had promised to re-
turn at once to his home, forsake his evil
companions and lead a new life God only
knows how that promise has been kept, for
our paths from that time separated.
This incident taught me lessons that have
been helpful. We often hesitate to speak 10
those who are strangers, even when com
PEELED to listen 10 words that pain us. But II
we speak in the spirit of love, our admoni.
tion viii usually be kindly received. As in
the case OF this young man, our words may
sink deeper than we think II may prove
the influence that, under the divine guidance
shall turn the prodigal's face and heart
homeward. Apparent recklessness often
hides troubled soul that yearns for Chris
tian sympathy and help. Gods blessing
rests upon the word spoken in due season.