Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-06-09

| OtneTt always lOuuu SOuelnlnH lOr ulnneT,
few roasted potatoes, dish Of dandeli-
ons, and, afer Eli got to be old enough to
catch fish, which are plenty in the pond,
VIC had no lack OF them in their season.
At such times, have always felt heartily
ashamed of myself, and have solemnly
vowed, again and again, that would new
er touch another drop of spirit. But the
smell of ii, or the very thought OF II, has
crowded my good resolutions aside, and,
in a day or two, have returned home in
toxcated. Now, sir, If 1 could only cure
myself OF this dreadful habit, could be
happy, and so could Peggy. If there was
no spirit l could earn money and keep
1t. But feel unable TO resist the tempta-
ton that is to be found in every corner.
Rum has ruined me. 1 have disappointed
my customers so ollon that / havO lost them
all. l have nothing to do, and Roby, our
landlord, has warned us out. Peggy has
been anxious that 1 should come aud talk
with you, and take your advice; though
dom. sec how that will be like TO help me-
"'Thee talkest well and wisely, friend
Weber, said the Quaker; Il have often
grieved for thee and thine, aud have long
hoped that thou wouldst come TO reflect, as
il seemeth thee hast done, upon the fatal
consequences Of thy bad habit. l thank
thee sincerely, friend Webber, for the con-
fidence thou seemest 10 place in me, and
thou shalt in no wise he the worst for 1t.
Thee has just view of this matter, and
thy feelings are right, and thee wishest
heartily to reform; now why dost thou not
put thy name to tho temperance pledge? l
was well pleased 10 see thee at the lecture
about the middle of the fourth MONTH
'Oh, SIR said /, Il cannot do that, for /
shall never be able 10 keep clear of the
temptation. l should certainly break my
word, and lie worse of than was before.
dare not trust myself, Mr.. Boynton. l
don't think | could leave Off for any length
of lime, unless was compelled TO do so, in
some way that l cannot foresee.' Verify
said the Quaker, after a long pause, thy
case is an Interesting one, friend Webber,
aud think better Of thee, than if thee had
a vain confidence in thyselfan and thy powers
OF resistance. l cannot advise thee to any
course, until have considered thy matter
more fully. Tomorrow will be the Sab
bath wilt thee call and see me again on
the evening of the Monday following?' Il
will SIR said !.
"As was rising TO depart, the old gem
tleman took my hand, and holding it in
b 9th Of his, looked me steadily in the face,
with such an expression as a kind father
would bestow upon a child, whose welfare
is very dear to him. Friend Weber, said
he, wilt thou oblige me in one thing?
Very gladly, SIR said l., III it is in my
power We'll, them said be- 'as wish
thee 10 receive such counsel as / may give
thee, in profitable condition of mind, wilt
thee promise me TO forbcar from tasting
any Intoxicating liquor till see thee on
Monday EVENING" 'l'll give you my word
and honor, sir said !, that will not touch
a drop 'Asd may the Lord help thee,
said the Old man, as he pressed my hand
with great earnestness.
81 ie.t better for my visit. l found that
had a friend for Peegys sake at least,
who did not utterly despise me. l kept
my word with the old gentleman, and
knocked at his door on Monday evening,
with something like the confidence of an
'NhN'N maui AAS 'PNhNh ~ hluietlls hul
right glad 10 see thee said he; sit down.
We'll, hast thou kept thy promise? Yes,
sir ! replied. Thou hast moi tasted spirit
81 nee l last saw iheeT Not drop, SIR
said !. Il thought so,' he replied thee
loOkest better than have seen thee for
long lime. DOst thou feel any the worse
for it friend Webber? NO, SIR said /;
Il feel better and happier We'll, now,
must Tell thee said the Old gentleman,
that l have been so much engaged since
our last meeting, that thy matter has not
occupied my attention so fully as II ought.
l have had much upon my hands in con-
nee ton with our conference, which takes
place on Wednesday, and from which
shall not return till Thursday. On the eve
ming Of that day, will endeavor TO pre-
pare Tor thee, and in the meanwhile, thee
will promise me 10 abstain until that time
I gave him my promise aud took my
leave.
'In the interim began to feel the want
OF occupation; and, having foreclosed my
self from seeking 1t at The grog shop, en-
deayored to find il in my owI."
When George Webber had reached this
part OF his narrative, he perceived that
Peggy was deeply affected. A few tears
had fallen upon her infants head, which
the child raised towards its mother, with a
smile of wonder upon its features, while its
eyes were turned inquirlngly upon hers.
The incident had attracted the attention OF
the clergymen. "You are thinking of old
times, Peggy" said her husband. Eyes,
gorge" she replied, 81 can never forget
that week, nor how felt, when l told Eli
to go over TO the tavern and ask you to come
home to your dinner, and he told me you
had been sitting at work on the shaving
horse ever since breakfast. / always had
fondness for music, but 1 never listened 10
any half so sweet as the rub a duo duo that
you kept up upon your barrels after your
return from visiting good old friend Boyn-
ton."
Mr.. Merrick, who had become exceed
ingly interested in the coopers story, beg
sed him TO proceed.
"Well," gentlemen" said he, "when
Thursday evening came, 1 went once more
to Mr.. Boynton's house. He received me
as kindly as ever. Thee lookest so well,
friend Weber, said he, 'that need not
ask thee If thou hast kept thy word Il
have kept 1t, sir said /. And is not thy
home pleasanter and thy wife happierH
'oh, yes sir / replied,-'have you made
up your mind, Mr.. Boynton, as TO any
course which would be best for meH Il
owO thee an apology said he, for thus put
ting of the full and final consideration Of
thy matter, but, II my life be spared, and
thee will call on me on Monday morning, 1