The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-17
A Stitch in Time.
BY MRS. A. GILMORE.

years dSo COuely 1IlSu WOHdu, nedCly
dressed, but evidently not overburdened
with this worlds goods, entered drug
store on one of the business avenues of
New York city.
There was determination and sadness
in the womans manner, as she walked
toward the rear part of the store. She
was leadinga boy of ten years, who had
certainly been weeping his eyes were
downcast, and he reluctantly crept along
trying to hide his face in the shelter of
his mothers shawl.
MY boy here has been stealing from
you, Mr.. Sellers" said the woman, in
quivering voice, while her eyes brimmed
with tears.
"I hope not, Mrs. Crothers," was the
kindly answer, as the druggist paused in
his work and looked keenly at the shrink
ing boy.
Yes, sir, he has, 1 m hurted to say,
and here's what he was after taking"
answered the mother, as she placed
sponge on the counter.
That is mine, certainly; 1 laid it out
to use, and when my back was turned it
was taken away"
Oh, my boy, to think he would be so
wicked" said the mother, brokenly.
LIT was very brave deed, Mrs.
Crothers, for you to bring your boy di-
rectly back with the sponge; it is not an
hour since 1 missed it,
No, sir, not brave, but honest and
best in Gods sight, hope. 1t took the
heart right out Of my breast, the pain OF
it, but it's nippin' in the bud that tells
if mother is faithful to her duty, and
that's to be done, pain or no pain. You
can send Robbie to prison, sir 1 II stand
by you, and SO will the father when he
comes from his work
The mother freed her hand from the
clasp of her boy and turned sternly away
to leave him to the mercy and Justice of
the druggist.
Mamma, mamma !" cried Robbie,
running after her and clutching at her
shawl, don't leave me SO, I'll never be
after doing the like again"
Wait a moment, Mrs. Crothers,
called the druggist, and he came from be-
hind his counter as sfe turned to listen
to him, know that you are an earnest
Christian woman, and try to bring up
your children to fear God. l do not be-
lieve that Robbie will ever do such a
thing again If you will give him chance.
1t is such terrible thing to send boy
to prison, and especially a boy who has
been so carefully taught the right way"
Then turning to Robbie, Mr.. Sellers
asked, In very kindly tone:
What is it to be, my boy, an honest
life or prison and disgrace?'
Honest, please, Sir, answered Rob-
bic, very earnestly.
Then go home with your mother;
never forget the peril and shame of this
hour. This wicked act, Robbie, small as
it seems to you, was the beginning of
very sad life thief has no real friend
on earth, and refuses by his conduct to
accept Christ as his friend"
Ill never forget, Mr. Sellers, sobb-
ed Robbie, as he left the store with his
mother.
Hand in hand and silently they walked
home, but Mrs Crothers never left duty
half done; hanging up her shawl and
bonnet, she beckoned Robbie into her
sleeping room and closed the door. No
one intruded upon them, the other chill
dren kept silence in the living room.
Something terribly disquieting to their
mother had overshsdowed their peaceful
though humble home. What it was they
did not then, and do not now know.
Robbie and his mother kept the shameful
sin secret, except from the father, who
was willing to trust the guidance of the
boy to God and the faithful mother.
Eight years have heightened Robbie's
sturdy legs, 30 that he looks over
mammals head, as his delighted and adj
hiring sister Kitty explains, and, what is
better, he holds such sweet and close
friendship with his loving mother that
she takes great roy in her son he is ever
on the alert to assist his mother in teach
ing the little ones the fright and the
wrong of it"
Robbie is now the trusted cashier OF
large establishment His word IS never
doubted at home, by the neighbors or by
hisemployers. A few monthsago, Robbie
pastor found, in conversation with him,
that his heart was leaning toward the
ministry the inclination was encouraged.
In taking the matter over with his moth.
er Robbie said
That was the stitch in time, mamma,
when you took me back to Mr.. Sellers
with that sponge / kad many a fight
with myself after that when / wanted
something and had not the pennies to
buy it, But God kept me, mother, and
now If he wants me to tell other people
of bis love and mercy, why l must do it,
don ZION khfrir o1 rouuor.o