The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1880-02-08

| ~ ~ "O4NS 0iOHUf OOs W hOIAOnS u
his stubborn soul. He is now at tht
most critical period OF his life. Ht
knows as well as you, or ], there Is NJ
LEY in tbs life be is leading. Hi
momertary joys have turned t
ashes, his hopes into scorpion
stings. Habit is strong within
him. His system Graves stimulanls
though his mind rebels sgains
them. But WHO has approached him
rightly? When first descending the
ladder of dissipation, who showed him
its prospective horrors? Men laughed
and jOked about his frequent lspseS
from sobriety, but no word of friendly
warning, or of bro:herly counsel was
heard. 1 do not think even the wife
Of his bosom foressw the terrible
danger awaiting him, or appreciated
the fall horrors Of such lite. She is
noble woman, worthy mans deep
est and bOliest love, and she bravely
clings to him, and prays and hopes
for his awakening. Now people have
turned from him and he is desperate.
The change has been gradual, until
the poor mans nature u encrusted
with suspicion, and almost hate, foI
his fellows. Than this there is no
more terrible state Of gloom, darkness
and suffering. But there ia a way to
reach every heart, did our wisdom
enable us to find it. The true phi
lanthropist who silently, persistently
and perseveringly pursues his way
amid the devious paths of human
selfishness and sin, knows this truth;
and, by ski,lful tlning OF the heart
chords. anthems of praise, discourse
to high heaven, the salvation of an
immortal soul. SO do 1 look upon
George Ellsworth. He is lot alto.
sether lost. altogether bad. He is
still true and upright at heart, but
that heart is so encased by selfshness,
suspicion and distruat, that to ap-
proach it properly is a difficult task. "
II trust you are right in your
theory, but fear it will never be proven
true in his case"
SIT may not be, GCd alone can tell;
however, l trust it may"
The friends separated and George
Ellsworth went his way. Bat a new
light had dawned upon his soul For
the first time he really knew the posi-
ton he had lost. How low be had
fallen and how still more terrible
would be his fate, should be persist
in his debasing infatuation. Then,
again, the pale, suffering face OF his
wife arose in his imagination and his
heart felt sore with self-reproach.
She, in the midst OF all had loved
him and remained true; had hoped
on, even in spite of repeated failures.
that he would finally reform and
triumph over toe british appetite.
How had be provided for herr
Wherein had his protecting, cherish
ing care been manifested? How had
he provided for the little ones God
had sent to bless their union? ALL
he had b,eu false to every trust, to
every hope, and had little by little
cru,hed out all joy, and hopefulness,
and mirth, from the heart of his
wife. Yet he loved as much as ever;
and, contradictory SIS it may appear,
the tenderness be felt when first their
fortunes we're joined had never de-
parted, though drink had well nigh
cast out from his nature all seDlblsnce
OF manhood.
Now, in the silence of night. these
things were wildly brought before his
mint. There was no escape from
them. One by one scenes of folly
and passion and Sin, in mental pano-
rams, passed before his remembrance
and he grCaned in anguish. Had be
indeed fallen so low that there was
no longer hope for him? Must be be
always scourged by the stings of an
conscience? Nc! He felt
there was still a lingering Of msnh7oi
in him. Men might have Loaf conf
dence in him, but be had net les.
confidence in himself. They who
sc1fed at the drunkard should yet see
him redeemed. Net that be felt
arrogantly confident. He knew his
path was thickly streWn with thorns
and brie1,; that it would be as Walk.
ing over the burning coals of a fur
mace, or the glittering sands Of
great desert. Suffering and toll and
trial were before him, but upheld by
a sense of right and the great love
others bore him, he hoped fesrlessly
to face them.
Arrived at home he had not much
to say. His wife saw there was a
change, but what it portended she
could net forsee. He was kind
kinder that he had been for long,
long time, and az be kissed her as of
old, she could not help hoping a
brighter future was in store for them.
OF how in her Utmost heart she
prayed it might be 80.
His sleep tha! nigh. was sweet and
refreshing-more so than for long
time before. The consciousness of
good intent overcsme somewhat
the torments of physical appetite.
Still he said nothing to his wife, and
although he had solemnly registered
a VOW in heaven, be dare no: prems-
turely speak of his intentions. Let
her have good cause TO rejoice first;
let him overcome and triumph over
the demon first; then she would have
good. cold grounds for her hopes.
Ales how often had she been doomed
to disappointment, in consequence Of
his failures.
He ate his breakfast and went out.
He had done a great deal of thinking
during the night. He had formed
his plans and would perseveringly
carry them cut. First lie went to the
man who had spoken SO kindly in his
favor the previous night. He told
him of overhearing the conversation,
and how much good it had done him;
how it had caused him to reflect and
perhaps had saved himself and family
irom lifelong misery and endless
perdition. "And now" said he, "by
the grace Of God, l am determined to
cast of such debasing habit. 1t is
uphill work, but the reflection that it
may succeed, that it is my duty and
makes those l love happy, will sup
port me-"
"Mr. Ellsworth" replied his
friend, you will be sure to succeed
if you seek the guidance of the Lord.
Not in your own strength alone can
you stand. The sympathy OF all good
men will be yours. Diligently apply