Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-01-03
Ered's Love.

"You've arrived at an age to be able to
distinguish right from wrong, Fred, so will
leave the decision entirely to your own judg-
ment, hoping you will choose that which
conscience dictates"
These words were addressed by widow
lady to her only child a fine, clever-looking
boy of fifteen, who appeared to possess an
unusual amount of good humor, beaming
from his eyes. Perhaps many would have
called him wild, but to his mother he was
always kind and affectionate son.
lie had been invited to spend the Christ
mas holidays at the home of young friend
and schoolfellow, who was more accustomed
and skilful in posing the billiard cue than
in using his brains, but, withal, what was
called a jolly good fellow" and a general
favorite among his companions.
1t was with considerable uneasiness that
Fred's mother watched the growing friend
ship between the boys. Fred was quite aware
of and thoroughly understood his moth
er's feelings regarding his intimate acquain-
lance. 1t was in answer TO his question
whether she would allow him to accept the
invitation or not (Which subject he had
some difficulty in broaching, knowing it
would meet with anything but her approya),
that she replied in the words written above.
Mrs. Fraser had early instiled the princi-
Piles of morality into the mind of her son.
| The knowledge of the Bible the difference
between right and wrong, and the way in
which to separate one from the other, were
among his first lessons.
lie had grown into rather careless habits
Of late, associating with a class of young
men who had few or no clear ideas relating
to true honor, and turning deaf ear to all
good advice. Mrs. Fraser determined that
when an occasion offered Fred should choose
his future road in life for himself, praying
he would be guided by the omniscient eye
of God. The opportunity occurred in this
tempting invitation. Pleasure counseled
him to pay the visit conscience sharply re.
buked HIM after short struggle, pleasure
finally triumphed.
Travelling satchel in hand, he found him
self at the station with just time enough to
obtain ticket. lie was about TO step into
the train when his attention was suddenly
attracted by beautifully embroidered book
marker, which fiuttered to the ground from
the leaves of an elegant'v-bound volume
an old lady was carrying. he seemed un
conscious of her loss. With gentlemanly
kindness, STOPPING to pick it up, intending
TO return ii TO its owner, his eye caught the
following inscription traced in golden letter,
on the card 4" Honor thy father and thy
mother"
A mist rose before his sight at the remem
brance of what grief he was causing hi'
loving mother in undertaking this journey
and how ungratefully he was repaying hel
watchful, tender care
His resolutions were now firmly formed
Hastily recollecting that he still held thu
lady's card in his hand, he turned and pre-
scented it to her, saying, " Madame, ! saw yo'
drop this, and"
"Ah, thank YOU" she interrupted
Half an hour later Fred was pouring int
the ear OF his sympathetic mother the stor,
of his return. He whispered, as he place.
his arm around her neck, And-I think
obeyed the dictates of conscience, mother.