Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1877-02-03
A Story for Young Men

had grown reckless after moved to
NJ; that is, fell in with . 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 I refused to join in any Of
their wicked acts, and by degrees became
very reckless. It makes me shudder even
nov u think Of it I had never been
blessed VITA sisters love. Iresided with
my mod . in this village of about four
hundrs. Asbitants. Many night when
I would - Keeling home from the shop
o: the sor.a end of the town, I would
fad my dear mother watching for her son
listening if pssehance she could catch the
sound of his unsisaij step. Many . time
did waken from my drunken slumbers
and hear that fond mother sending up
petition to God in behalf Of her Incorporate
son. Oh what wretch I was. l 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 one eveningto the grog
shop, when I suddenly remembered that /
lad spent all my money at that place th'
evening before. remembered also that
had seen mother put few pennies Che,
hard earnings) in q cup that day. ,cas
tempted 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. I did not turn my head for felt
guilty-guilty of what never was before
"A theft. Ny mother called me; there
vas something in her voice which I could
rot resist.
| "What is it, mother ?" said I.
"Oh, Willie do stay at home with M
tonight" she exclaimed, grasping me
hand in both Of hers. Don't drink to-
night; take my advice just once"
Oh how many times since have wished
that 1 had taken her advice that nigh!
But consoled her by telling her that
would not stay long. wendell my way to
the grog-shop; but my mothers words
<Oh, Willie do stay at home with me to-
uight,' kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken oaths, and for once I did
cot stay what 1 called late; but when
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. 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
il was always that. tried to chase my
fears away as went around to the door |;
my hand trembled when laid it on the
latch, and it thrilled my very heart when it
arose with u sharp click. had never
such feeling before. I entered; beheld
in my mothers hand the, very cup from
which had removed the money. I laid my
hand on mothers shoulder, and spoke to
luz ono HoScu AoI ePoAo AouuCA soAA
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 !! cried I, " forgive me. o..
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, I will"
And my mothers spirit had fed to God
who gave it.
It is 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 as brand from
the burning. Since that time not one drop
Of whiskey. wine. Or anything Of the hind
has passed my lips. and BY help and
strength given me from above. ~evsr 1iu