The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-03-02
Ghildrfn's Column.
For the Central Presbyterian.
Hugh's Besetting Sin.
Hugh Leslie,
Violent temper"

day of his trial Would it be possible
for him to hold out through three long
months, both at home and at school?
The boys were so provoking and so
often took advantage of his quick temper,
and the children at home were also very
trying. The fault must be in myself.
=" / cannot expect, as the dear little moth
er says, everybody to please me and to
be always thinking of my temper" But
before leaving the room the high-spirited
boy knelt down and asked, In earnest
words, for blessing during the long
hours of that day.
For several days afterwards Hugh had
wonderful command over his temper and
passed unnoticed both at home and at
school, many things which at any other
time would have reused him into fear
full passion. At home, it must be con-
fessed, all the, others were on their good
behavior, but in few days all the old
teasing ways and manners were resumed
in spite of the presence of that gentle
Christian mother and her earnest prayers
1t would be impossible to describe the
varied temptations and trials Hugh met
every day, and his heroic efforts to gain
the victory. In this way the first two
months passed. Hugh before this time, |
am sorry to say, began to relax in his eff
forts, began to think more Of the prize,
less of the sin he was trying to overcome.
Mrs. Leslie had praised and encouraged
him as he deserved it, but lately had
warned him of being too careless, and of
being too selfconfdent. Thus time sped
on and l fear Hugh's bad marks were
gaining on the good ones, when an Incl
dent occurred which decided the question
for him at last. Attached to the pleas
ant breakfast room was a small conserva-
tory belonging almost exclusively to the
children, only one corner being reserved
for Mrs. Leslies use. The rest was di-
vided off into small spaces, with each
child name, with the rule also that no
one was to be allowed to trespass upon
or touch any portion, save their own,
without leave. Hugh was particularly
fond of flowers, and had raised with much
care Camellia Japonica, which perhaps
my little readers may remember, has
spotless white flower somewhat like rose,
but more waxy in its appearance. Hugh
had watched it carefully for weeks, in
tending to present the first flower to his
mother on her birthday, which was now
drawing near.
The day had now come and Hugh
arose early to visit the conservatory.
He felt bright and happy, and ran down
stairs, his clear whistle ringing through
the house, thinking with delight of the
lovely buds he was about to gather for
the dear "little mother" To his great
grief, and must | say anger, he found
both the flowers were missing, cut off in
the most careful manner Without giving
himself moments thought in his deep
anger and disappointment, the outer door
was opened and the luckless flower
thrown out violently into the deep snow,
adding bitter, wicked words which sell
dom passed Hugh's lips. "He that
ruleth his temper is greater than he that
taketh city" Alas poor Hugh as he
closed the door violently, he met his
mothers reproachful eyes. He could
stand it no longer, throwing himself
down on rug, he burst into tears, big
boy as he was.
ooh motherl" he sobbed, 1" I have lost
all your love the prize everything
all for paltry flower"
Not sol my son, you have your
mothers love STILL though her heart is
filled with grief and sorrow, yet there is
another's heart you have also grieved,
the gentle Saviour'sl Will you not beg
his forgiveness
And during the earnest petition that
followed Hugh felt a deep pride stealing
over him, as if he heard. the plying Re-
deemer say, Son, thy sins are forgiven
thee" Hugh then told his mother the
history of his flower, and the use he in
tended to make of it.
am sorry, my son, to lose the beau
tiful flower, and thank you for thinking
of me, but it is sad to think you, in a
moment Of temptation, forgot your moth
ers counsels and prayers and your God
also"
AS the family gathered in the break
fast parlor an hour later, Kate entered
with larguid step and heavy eyes.
Why Kater' exclaimed Jessie, "what
are you doing with Hughs Japonica in
your hair? He has been saving it for
dear mammals birthday"
Murmurs were heard all around the
table" too bad, to bad"
Really" said Kate indiferently
drawing the withered flower from her
hair, i did not know was committing
the objectionable sin in using Hugh's
Japonice. picked it last night to wear
to Mrs. VS.. Really Hugh" she