The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1890-11-26

appetite and start a new life. Win back
the love and respect that you have so
justly forfeited. You can do it ifyou WILL
you can make happy home again ii you
will but resolve to-"
AS he lay there longing came over
him to break his shackles and begin a
new life. Could he do it? At least he
could make the attempt.
He knelt for a moment, his whole heart
going upward in the agOnized cry, "God
help me, and then he rose to his feet, de-
termined to fight bravely against his
enemy.
He turned his steps toward the house
OF his old employer, who had done all he
could to restrain him from his downward
course, and had promised to lend him
helping hand if he ever wished to reform.
The girl who came to the door showed
her surprise in her face when John Bell
asked to see her master. II should think
he would be ashamed to show his drunk
en- face around here" was her inward
comment as she went to summon her
master
Mr.. Leslie wondered within himself why
the man had come. Was itpOssibl that
he had determined to break away from
his chains? With prayer in his heart
that this might be the case he went to
greet the man with an extended hand of
welcome.
"Come in out of the cold, John. What
can | do for your" he asked, as he drew
him into the warm sitting-room aLdgave
him seat.
Il have come to my senses at last"
was the answer. 81 have resolved to
give up drink, and | have come to ask
you kindness. Will you take me back
to work again."
"With all my heart" was the cordial
hand that took his own John realized
that he had one friend who would help
him Oh the upward path.
He told Mr.. Leslie of all that had
passed that evening, and Of his newborn
desire to atone to his wife and child for
the misery he had brought upon them.
will you sign pledge, John?" asked
Mr.. Leslie.
Yes, sir, | want to-" he answered,
eagerly, and with trembling hand but
a firm resolve he signed his name.
Before he went away Mr.. Leslie brought
him cup of hot coffee, which he hoped
would take, in some measure, the place
OF the stimulant that the disordered
stomach would naturally crave. Then
kneeling down beside the penitent man,
he prayed earnestly that God would
grant him strength to resist temptation.
When he rose to 60 Mr.. Leslie opened his
pOcket-book
John, as a proof that put full trust
in your intention to reform, [ am going
to pay you for the first week in advance,
that you may get some Of the comforts
which | know you need. Now Hope you
andyour familyWili have ahappy Thanks
giving together, and that this may be
the first of many happy days in store for
you. May God strengthen you in your
good resolves. Goodnight.
An hour later, John Bell entered the
room where his wife lay, half dreading
and half hoping for his return, with Tim
curled up beside her fast asleep. His arms
were full of his purchases, and the light
OF his new purpose shone in his face.
"Oh, father, you did get the dinner,
didn't your" shouted Tim, in an ecstasy
OF delight, as he opened his eyes. ooh, [
am so glad, so glad We will have real
Thanksgiving after all, wont we, moth
err"
/ And it was real Thanksgiving. Tins
mother felt that she had good cause for
thanksgiving when her husband told her
that he had signed the pledge, and meant
henceforth to lead new life.
1t was hard struggle for him. The