Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-12-30
A Story for Young Men

I had grown reckless after moved 70
NJ; that is, fell in with q crowd Of
professed friends, who drank, swore. and
cared nothing for morality in general. At
first, held back; had not been used to
it; but could not withstand the sneering
laugh Of my companions which always
greeted me when refused to join in any Of
their wicked acts, and by degrees I became
very reckless. It makes me shudder even
now 70 think of it. I had never been
blessed ~Ha sisters love. Irssided with
my mod in this village Of about four
hundrs. AAbitants. Many night when
would - reeling home from the shop
a. the sor.a end Of the town, I would
Aad my dear mother watching for her son
listening if rsseAance she could catch the
sound of his uns;saiy step. Many q time
did I waken from my drunken slumbers
and hear that fond mother sending up
petition to God in behalf Of her incorporate
son. Oh j! what a wretch I was. knew
that was bringing down her grey hairs in
sorrow to the grave. She began to look
aged and careworn; but I kept on in my
sinful ways until a circumstance occurred
10 stop me in my downward career.
Twas starting out one eveningto the grog
shop, when 1 suddenly remembered that /
Lad spent all my money at that place the
evening before. remembered also that !
had seen mother put a few pennies (he,
hard earnings) i'll cup that day. Twas
tempted 1 tried to resist but my appetite
was too strong. Islipped cautiously to tn.
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 mo; there
vas something i'll her voice which could
rot resist.
"What is it, mother ?" said I.
"Oh, Willie! DO stay at home with m.
tonight" she exclaimed, grasping ny
hand in both Of hers. "Don't drink to-
night; take my advice just once"
Oh! how many times since have wished
that I had taken her advice that night
But consoled her by telling her that !
would not stay long. I Iwended my way to
the grog-shop; but my mothers words.
'Oh, Willie do stay at home with mo TO-
uight," kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken oaths, and for once did
not stay what called late; but when I
reached home the bells in the neighboring
city was tolling the midnight hour.
A strange feeling seized me as I ap-
preached my home. The light was placed
in the window rs usual to guide the wan.
derer's steps. I went to the window and
looked in. There sat my mother in her
easy chair; her eyes were closed and /
thought she slept. Her face was pale. but
it was always that. I tried to chase my
fears away as I went around to the door
my hand trembled when I laid it on the
latch. and it thrilled my very heart when it
arose with a sharp click. had never
such feeling before. I entered; beheld
in my mothers hand the very cup from
which I had removed the money. I laid my
hand on mothers shoulder, and spoke to
her. She moved not; spoke louder; still
no answer. I listened, but could not hear
her breathe. ! laid her gently on the bed.
brought water and bathed her white fore
head. Reader. imagine my joy when I sAw
that dear mother open her eyes.
"Oh, mother p cried I, forgive me. o.
forgive your erring boy"
"I do. was the answer.
A heavenly smile Lit up her face.
"Meet me in Heaven. Willie"
"By the grace of God, will"
And my mothers spirit had fed to God
who gaze it.
It il not necessary for me to prolong the
description of the mournful scene. Suffice
it to say that from that moment I was
changed man--snatched - . brand from.
the burning. Since that time not one drop
Of whiskey. wine. or anything Of the kind
has passed my lips. and BY help and
strength given me from above. ~svsr viii