Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-04-07
A Story for Young Asa

nau grown reckIcsS dltel HoFeu "
M; that is, fell in with a crowd Of
professed friends, who drank, swore. and
cared nothing for morality in general. At
first, held back mad not been used to
it.; but could no. withstand the sneering
laugh Of my companions which always
greeted me when refused to join in any Of
their wicked acts, and by degrees became
very reckless. 1t makes me shudder even
now 1. think of it I had never been
blessed eta . sisters love. Presided with
my mol . in this village Of about four
hundrs. AsSitants. Many night when
I would ~ reeling home from the shop
find my dear mother watching for her son
listening if rsschance she could catch the
eound of his unsiesi,' step. Many time
did l waken from my drunken slumbers
petition to God in behalf of her incorporate
son. Oh wha. 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 circumstance occurred
10 stop me in my downward career.
Twas starting out oIe eveningto the grog
shop, when suddenly remembered that
lad spent sll my money at that place the
evening before. | re nembered also that
had seen mother put a few pennies Chen
hard earnings) il a cup that day. Twas
tempted l tried to resist but my appetite
was too strong. Is'irred cautiously to tn
cupboard, removed the money from the
cup. deposited i: in my pocket, and was
starting from the hose. when my mother
entered. I did not tu;n my head for felt
guilty-guilty of what never was before
a theft. My no ar called me; there
vas something in her voice which could
not resist.
"What is it. mother :">sisid I.
ooh, Willie &c az at home with m.
o-night," she eS, aimed, grasping nv
hand in both of he's. Don't drink tc-
night take my advice just once.'
Oh how many times since have wished
that I had taken her advice that nigh.
But coasoled her by telling her that
would not stay long. wendell my way te
The grog-shop; but my mothers words
oh. Willie! do stay at home with me to-
night," kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken o,ths. and for once did
not stay what called late; but when l
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 as usual to guide the wan.
derer's steps. went to the window and
looked in. There sat my mother in her
easy chair; her eyes were closed and J
thought she slept. Her face was pale, but
it was always that. 1 tried to chase my
fears away as 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. l entered; beheld
in my mothers hanl the very cup from
which had removed the money. l laid my
hand on mothers shoulder, and spoke to
her. She moved not; spoke louder still
no answer. 1 listened, but could not hear
her breathe. lad her gently on the led.
brought water and bathed her white fora
head. Reader, imagine my joy when cav
that dear mother open her eyes.
"Oh. mother = criei I, " forgive me. D..
forgive your erring boy"
az 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 Col
who gave it.
1t is not necessary for me to prolong tho
description of the mournful scene. Sufic.
it to say that from that moment I was
changed man-snatched as brand fror
the burning. Since that time not one drop
Of whiskey. wine. or anything Of the ki,d
has passed my lips. and by help enj
strength given me from above, xsrer ,isl