Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-01-05
will II Hold in a Storm d?

An old sea captain, selecting chain-cable
for anchor, was assured by the mapufac-
turer that it was sure to hold the weight of
an anchor, and if found insufficient could be
returned at the sellers expense.
But" said the captain, Z" know it will
hold the weight of an anchor but will it
hold in a storm ?"
Several years ago young man who had
for many years been addicted to drink and
by his drunken habits had reduced himself
to penury, lost friends and fortune, position
and character, found himself in the station
house after two weeks debauch. His
friends obtained his release bypaying fine
and saved him from being committed for
thirty days. While recovering from his
drunken spree, young lady friend called on
him at his boarding place, and after encour-
aging him to hope for deliverance from his
sinful appetites, handed to him slip of pa
per on which she had written these words,
"For my sake, use no more Intoxicating
drink" signing her name. The young man
was much affected on reading her simple
request, and resolved in the strength of her
love never to drink another glass of liquor
For over ten months this resolve was
faithfully kept-his health, business and
friends soon returned, and he again babe
falr to become useful business man. MANY
were the congratulations and encourage
ments he received from old friends Dur
ing the last summer, in August, he was re-
latlng to an old Christian friend his expert
ence and how he was saved, and taking from
his pocket-book his strong taisman, he
held it up to his friend, saying, "This is my
savior"
His friend, after hearing him through,
told him plainly the talisman was danger
GUS, and exhorted him to look to God for
that strength he would need when great
temptation should assail him, as it might at
any time. But his answer was, mo, with
this to my lips nothing in the world can
move me-"
A few days after the accident at the Ash
tabula bridge, the Christian man said to his
friend, What if the young lady whose tai
lsman is so sacred, so strong, should have per-
ished in the fall and burning of the Ashta-
bula bridge, what would be the effect of
your resolutions Might it not weaken
them, and in the excitement and anguish
at her death be fatal to all your resolves ?"
The answer: "Never her death would
only bind me stronger to my resolutions"
On the last Sunday in December, this
young man might be seen in one of the
Sunday-schools Of suburban town, in the
presence of the young Christian girl, pre-
senting to the school handsome melodeon
and large Bible. He looked well, spoke feel
ingly, as he gave the gifts to the school, On
the first of January, when making his calls,
he was informed of the engagement of mar
riage OF the young lady to one of the teach
ers in the Sabbath-school. The news came
upon him like blow of DEATH He made
no more calls that day and retired to bed
early, saying he felt very unwell. On Tues
day he took the train for Chicago, went to
the bank and drew sum of money, and be-
fore the setting of the sun of that day was
lost man. Soon after he was sobered up
at the armory, and what a sight Almost
naked, clothes all gone-money all gone
those that witnessed his agony could do
nothing, could say nothing, and their powers
were weakened by want of faith.
No, it won't "hold in a storm."-7Ae
Standard.