Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1876-08-24
A Story for Young Men.
/ had grown rncklaSs aftnr II,

! had grown reckless after I moved
to M--; that is, I fell in with
crowd of protested friends, who drank.
swore. and cared nothing for morality
in general. At first, I held back II
had not been used to it but could
not Withstand the sneering laugh of
my companions which always greeted
me when I refused to join in any of
their wicked acts, and by degrees
became very reckless. It nakes me
shudder even now to think of it. II
had never been blessed with sisters
love. resided with my mother in a
village of about four hundred inhabit.
ants. Many a night when / would 90
Keeling home from the shop at the
north end of the town, I would find
my dear mother watching for her son
if perchance she could
catch the sound of his unsteady step.
Many a time did 1 waken from nv
drunken slumbers and hear that fond
mother sending up a petition to God in
behalf of his Incorporate son. Oh!
what wretch I was. knew that
was bringing down her grey hairs in
sorrow to the grave. She began to
look aged and careworn; but kept on
in my sinful ways until a circumstance
occurred to stop me in my downward
career.
1 was starting out one evening to the
grog shop. when I suddenly remem.
bered that had spent all my money
at that place the evening before. +
remembered also that / had seen
mother put a few pennies (her hard
earnings) in cup that day. l was
tempted tried to resist but my ap.
petite was too strong. I slipped eau
tiously to the cupboard. removed the
money from the cup, deposited it in
my pocket, and was starting from the
house, when my mother entered. I
did not turn my head for felt guilty
guilty of what never was before
a theft. My mother called me there
was something in her voice which
could not resist.
"What is it, mother? - said I.
ooh. Willie! do stay at home with
me tonight she exclaimed, grasping
my hand in both of hers. "Don't
drink tonight; take my advice just
once"
Oh how many times since I have
wished I had taken her advice that
night. But I consoled her by telling
her that I would not stay long. /
wendell my way to the grog shop but
my mothers words: ooh, Willie! do
stay at home with me Tonight kept
ringing in my ears far louder than the
drunken oaths, and for once did not
stay what I called late; but when
reached home the bells in the neigh
boring city was tolling the midnight
hour.
A strange feeling seized me when I
approached my home Tho light
placed in the window as usual to guide
the wanderers steps. went to the
window and looked in. There sat my
mother in her easy chair; her eyes
were closed and l thought she slept.
Her face was pale but it was always
that. / tried to chase away my fears
as went around to the door, my hand
trembled when laid it ON the latch,
and it thrilled my very heart when it
rose with a sharp click. I had never
such feeling before. 1 entered; I be-
held in my mothers hand the very
cup from which l removed the money.
laid my hand OH my mothers Shout.
der, and spoke to her. She moved
not; spoke louder, still no answer.
listened and still could not hear her
breathe. I laid her gently on the bed,
brought water and bathed her white
forehead. Reader, imagine my Joy
when saw that dear mother open her
eyes.
"Oh, mother! y cried l, ''forgive me.
Oh, forgive your erring boy
81 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 gave it.
1t is not necessary for me to prolong
the description of the mournful scene.
Suffice it to say that from that moment
I was a changed man-snatched as
brand from the burning. Since that
time not one drop of whisky, wine, or
anything of the kind has passed my
lips, and by help and strength given
me from above, never will.