The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1874-09-24
Charlie.

HE was never a very happy-lookins
man, the people said-the Bridgeton peo
pie, who thought they knew everything 9
Two years ago, however, Charlie was un
known to them, so they could only an
swer for this short time. They took il
for granted Charlie was born with thai
shadow in his eyes and that sorrowful
pleading look upon his countenance, i
they ever thought of it at all. When the
church lacked an organist that Sunday
morning, and hours after they took from
the river the man whose fingers in obedi
ence to his soul has given them the rarest
music church had ever known, they
stood around the cold dead form, these
people of Bridgeton, and all at once dis
covered and declared: "He was never a
very happy-looking man" Just the
kind of person to 60 and drown him
self" they murmured. After that, they
added sympathy, which yesterday would
have saved his life, but in this to-day was
of no avail.
Years ago, however, years before the
Bridgeton people had heard of Charlie,
he had worn one of the brightest faces,
and been the blessing of his mother s
heart. Such hopes of Charlie and Char
lies fortunes as everybody had. and the
tears that were shed when the favored
young man left for the army "Getup a
company and be Cap'n of it," was felt
how irksome would be the private's life
to Charlie,-but the proud young man
pointing to his shoulders exclaimed-"I
will earn my straps or go Without
Charlie was one Of those generous
hearted, gay, brilliant, fellows, fun-loving
and fond of society; in the camp as well
as at home he became the favorite with
all who knew him. But those free
hearted, whole-souled boys are unsuspi-
cious of evil; before they are aware
they are tempted and have yielded. 1t
was so with Charlie. The enemy's guns
did not touch him, he lost not limb in
his couutry's service, but he lost his self
control, he learned to drink. 1t would
have been better for Charlie had he laid
down his life then and there-the glory
of the soldier dying at his post would at
least have been his. All, there are men
living to-day whose souls bear the scars
of the army, whose bodies came out of the
conflict unscathed: there were noble
men sacrificed in that war of the nation
of which the pen of the chronicler has
made no account-men whose lives since
then have brought more tears 10 mother 5
eyes than ever their deaths could have
done
In an evil moment Charlie robbed the
NAL. How he came to do it he could
not tell; not one would believe him
guilty of the act till the crime had been
fully charged upon him. Only few let
ters had been distracted, and the con-
tents fully restored; it was evident, too.
that the offence had been committed
under the influence of drink-but the sin
was unpardonable and the sentence was
passed. Dismissed from the army!'
All, only soldier realizes the full dis
grace OF that terrible punishment; to be
denied the privilege of fighting for his
countrys flag? Degraded and in despair
Charlie left the ranks! Where did he
go? Home? Not he! The news of his
offence had spread itself far and wide;
where Charles name was known, there
was it dishonored "Where shall l go ?"
asked stric~en Charlie of himself. To
which the Lord gave reply, laying him
on a hospital bed. Weeks he lay there
wasting. never once losing consciousness,
praying to die, praying to die, praying as
Charlie had never prayed before. Reach
ing up to God, though failing to pray
Alright, he was at last drawn into the
presence of the Invi1ible One, and as the
hand of the Master rested upon him he
felt His healing power in his soul and
saw the light of Gods countenance
shining down upon him. Very differ
emily Charley prayed just then. He laid
the whole sad case before his God, he
told Him of his sorrow that had come
into his life, his utter helplessness; told
Him all, and promised-he no longer
prayed to die-to lead nobler, better,
purer life-to forget the bad and cling to
the good.
Even Charles flesh seemed purified
when he arose from that sick bed and
went out into the world. The bright
JOYOUS look had left his face, but his
countenance was one which spoke to you
of peace, which was pleasant to look upon;
and the effect of the terrible sorrow was
not otherwise manifest. 1t was quiet
little place Charlie wandered to on his
recovery, but work came to him, he was
industrious, he became attached to the
people, took up his abode there and call
ed it home. A year or two passed away
Society was kind to Charlie, and he
made many friends. His old hearty
laugh came back to him, and left a happy
light upon his face.
But comrade of his in the army
chanced that way one day, and ere night
came, Charles name had been so drag
ged before the public, so blackened and
DETAINED, he felt himself cast out from
their presence admitting the past to bt
true, but declaring himself, and his life
since then, honest and upright, Charlie
said good-bye to this quiet little place,