The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-09-19


the mre of sin, and if at first he wa
shocked at the base and blasphemous con
versatiOns carried on around the evenins
firesde, he soon found it impossible to eX
tricate himself. Their reckless way of lv
ing and open disregard for everything sa
cred spread its influence over him. and il
short time he was scOffing at religion al
easy as any of them. He now wrote HON,
very seldom and when he received lette
he took it to some secluded spot to read BY
himself. At such times he would feel
deep remOrSe and shame at his way of liv
ing and resolve to leave the camp and it,
rough and prOfane occupants. But his re
solves came to naught and he sank lowe
and lower until every spark of faith, self
respect and manhood was lost and buried
| In this way he lived for couple of years
His correspondence with home had ceased
Not because he had forgotten home ant
ceased to love his parents. but because
shame withheld his hand and pen from
confessing the life he was leading H,
had now become wanderer with no ain
or object in view. He worked only enough
to get few dollars to spend in liquor anC
bad company. Young though he was hi
health was broken down and he became
old before he was twenty.
He went down the road to ruin will
fearful velocity. He loafed around tn,
gambling hells and grogshops, with no de
sire for work, ragged and dirty i'm appear
ance and with terrible longing and thirs
for liquor
In this deplorable condition he was
when one day, by mere chance, his former
employer, the farmer saw him. He
though an infdel. was man of genera
principles. and was deeply shocked by Will
helms appearance. He took him home
with him, gave him work and tried to re-
store him to his former self. In this he was
successful, for once away from the evil i'm
tluences of his former associates, Wilhelm
tried to better himself. His love of wOrl
came back, his correspondence with home
was resumed and he was on the road tt
prosperity.
His greatest trouble. however, wa:
! in struggling against the thirst for LIQUOR
In his letters home he refraned from tell
ing how deeply he had fallen. for he knew
how it would pain his parents. If he ha(
confessed it all he would have received gOo(
advice and the home influence might have
enabled him to struggle against temptation
and come out the victor. But alas! he KEEP
the secret and tell again.
! When at work his mind was busy an(
the desire for strong drink was almOs
gone. but when he would lie down at nigh
to rest it would return with terrible force
He battled bravely. but to no avail HI
would open the Bible and seek strength
therein. but his faith was gone and he re
ceived none. He threw himself on hi
knees in prayer for help but his faith il
prayer was not as firm as it should hav,
been, and even as he prayed a faint dOub
of it ever being heard lived in his heart.
One night, while in the village for thu
weekly mail, the revelry and clinking O.
the glasses in the saloons smote upon hi
ear. The desire for strong drink returned
with irresistible fury. He stopped. ''ShoulC
he go in?" he asked himself. InvOluntaril,
his thoughts went back to his home beyon(
the sea and the loved ones there. No! ht
would not. Again he thought of the day.
spent in misery through liquor, and agail
he said, no. He resumed his walk but thu
desire kept pace with him. He started tt
run. but in vain. His throat was burning
his brain reeled. Only one glass; Oh, fol
just ole to Quench his burning thirst.
He retraced his steps. entered the saloor
and ordered drink. The bartender fawne(
Oh the newcomer as dog fawns on hi
master. and was all courtesy and attention
He inquired of his health. expounded will
elOQuence on the excellent quality of hi
several brands of liquor. and treated. On,
glass very naturally followed another unit
Wilhem's brain was clouded under the in
fluence of their contents. His old reck
lessness returned, he drained glass afte
glass, and at last he reeled through tn,
door staggering. drunken being.
AS he reeled through the streets he met q
man. that, like himself, was the worse fol
drink. A dispute arose as to the right O
way. and as neither party was disposed t,
yield it, came to blows. In the row tha
followed. Wilhelm dealt his opponent
blow that felled him to the ground. Hav
ing removed the obstacle that had dared t,
oppose him. he pursued his way along tn