Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-03-10
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.
Al first, held back I bad not been used
to it but | could not withstand the sneerins
laugh of my companions which always greet
ei me when refused to join in any of their
wicked acts, and by degrees ! became very
reckless.
1t makes me shudder even now to think Of
It. have never been blessed with q sisters
love.
resided with my mother in this village Of
about four hundred inhabitants.
Many a night when would 80 rceling home
from the shop at the north end Of the town,
would fnd my dear mother watching for her
on-lsiening il perchance she could catch
the sound Of his unsteady step.
Many a time did waken from my drunken
sunbors and hear that fond mother sending
up petition to God 10 behalf Of her intern
perate son.
Oh what a wretch wac
knew that was bringing down Ler gray
hairs in sorrow TO the grave.
She began TO look aged and careworn but
kept on in my sinful ways until a circum-
stance occurred to stop me in my downward
career.
Twas starting out one evening TO the eros-
shop, when suddenly remembered that bad
spent all my money at that place the evening
before.
remembered also that had seen mother
put few pennies her hand earningsl 10 a
cup that day
icas temptedi tried to resist but my
appetite was too strong.
slipped cautiously to the cupboard, re-
moved the money from the cup, deposited it
in my poe ket, and was starting from the house
when my mother entered.
Ibid not turn my head for felt guilty
guilty Of what never was before-theft.
My mother called me there was something
in her voice which could not resist.
"What is it, mother 2" said /.
"Oh, Willie DO stay at home with me TO-
night" she exclaimed, grasping my hand in
both Of hers. Don't drink tonight take
my advice just once"
Oh how many times since have wished
that had taken her advice tLat night.
But consoled her by telling her that
would not stay long.
Iweuded my way to the grog-shop; but
mothers words:
"Ohl Willie do stay at home with me to-
night" kept ringing in my ears far louder
than the drunken oaths, aud for once did
not stay what called late bat when reach
ed home the bells in the ncighbcring city were
tolIing the midnight hour.
A strange feeling seized me as approached
my home The light was placed 10 the win
dow as usual 10 guide the wanderers steps.
went to the window and looked 10. 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 tried to
chase my fears away As went around to tho
door my hand trembled when laid II on tho
latch, and II thrilled my heart when il rose
with a sharp clck. bad never such feeling
before. entered; bebeld in my mothers
baud the very cup from which / bad removed
the money. ] laid my hand on mothers
shoulder and spoke 10 her. She moved not,
spoke louder, still 10 answer listened, but
could not hear ber breathe. laid ber gently
on the bed. brought water, and batbed her
white forehead. Reader, imagine my joy when
that dear mother opened her eyes.
Oh, motherp cried ], forgive me, oh,
forgive your errug boy"
DO" was the answer.
a heavenly smile liz up her face.
" Meet me in heaven, Willie"
" By the grace Of God, | will"
And my mothers spirit bad fed 20 God
who gave it.
It is not necessary for me 10 prolong the
description Of the mOurnfUl scene. Suffice IL
10 say that from that moment was = changed
as a brand from the burning.
Since that tine not one drop Of whiskey, wine,
1r anything Of the kind has psssed my lips,
md by help and strength given me from above,
lecer WM.
The following puzzle is taken from an eK-
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