The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-05-17
The Surprised Father.

HOWARD SIMPSON and Lorraine
i L Bliss, two young men of great init
macy and of dissipated habits, were on
the way to a gambling saloon, where the
night previous they had won consider
able, and on passing church, the doors
OF which were open, paused nom ent
hy the steps peering in out of idle
curiosity, just as the minister was CIV
ing out his text-"As We sow, so shall
We reap.n
We are not farmers, so we do not
sow anything to reap" said Howard,
the older and more profligate of the two;
but Lorraine looked thoughtful, and kept
silent as they walked along toward the
place of their nights debauch. And
often during the jubilant gayety of the
jewellers that passage, "As ye sow, so
shall ye reap" flashed into his mind.
1t is as my good mother tells me-"
thought he; 1--WE must suffer for every
evil deed done in the body, and my
deeds are constantly evil. But from
this night will do differently. 1 will
not be caught in this place again.
"What ails you, Bliss You are as
dull as u November hoe" said Gay
bright, one of the ringleaders of the
company.
"Guess he's thinking about reaping
what he sows," !" answered Simpson, and
then about dozen rude men burst into
loud fit of laughter.
What did you mean by that re-
mark Y' one of them presently asked.
He then told them of the text given
out by the minister as they were pass
ing the church.
The minister go to-,and he surely
Will, said Roardon, on of the most
blasphemous of the whole gang.
This profane remark, with others no
better, grated harshly one the mind of
Lorraine, for he was really feeling more
serious than he had ever felt before; but
he made no reply, knowing if he did
it would only serve to bring forth still
harsher language.
He left as early as he could. which
was not till one o'clock, and after he got
home crept to his chamber as noise
lessfy as possible lest he might awaken
his father, who at times was very harsh
to him. Then, for the first time in his
life, he offered a sincere prayer to God,
beseeching him to give him strength to
turn from the evil way into which he
had been led.
Meantime, his father having heard
him enter the house, was denouncing
him in the severest terms.
g." Do not be harsh with him." pleaded
the mother. II hope he will soon learn
to do better; he is young and wild,
though not vicious, trust.''
But the old gentleman could see
naught but wrong in his boy.
I" He shall leave the house! I will
disinherit him if he does not stay at
home nights; he is a disgrace to the
family. Think of the money l have
paid out for him-sent him to college,
given him the privilege of studying law
with me in my office. But no, he
chooses to spend his time carousing with
set of loafers."
perhaps if we were gentle with him."
tremblingly whispered his mother.
But the old gentleman did not heed
this advice, for the next morning his
first salutation to Lorraine was
"Where did you stay so late last
night, you scapegrace Unless you
mend your ways, you'll leave these
premises for good and ALL"
Lorraine, who had been penitent
through the night, resolving to do better
in the future, now felt his temper and
resolution melting away, and he sat
down to the table in sullen mood. But
he shortly after made up his mind to 20
to meeting that evening and return
home at or 10 o'clock. Therefore at
730 he started for church, and on meet
ing three or four of his associates, told
them of his plan.
Well, come with us first, just for a
few minutes, to the club rooms" said
they.
No, no, not tonight" he replied.
have TO be home early and 1 cannot
possibly go with YOU"
But they dragged him along, and it
was impossible to get away from them;
and once there, there was no such thing
as leaving, for in the excitement of the
place he was induced to drink, and as
the liquor was drugged, he soon felt no
inclination to move from the charmed
spot.
So the hours moved ON until Lotto into