The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-12-07


comfortable home, wife and child
for whom his pride and love knew no
bounds, and the respect Of all who
knew him. How straight had been
his downward course ever since the
day when he first yielded to tempta-
tionl What was he now? A misera-
BILE drunkard, whom every one des-
pissed, with shelter that was un-
worthy of the name of home, and a
wife whom he had placed Oh bed of
suffering by blow he had dealt her
in his drunken passion.
He had lost the love of his child
even, and small wonder! Conscience
pointed her accusing finger at him,
and he stumbled on through the
darkness, trying to escape from him
self.
He did not turn his steps toward
that part of the town where the streets
were brilliantly lighted and the peo-
pie were hurrying to and fro with
light hearts and laden baskets-he
went to the rivers edge, all unheed-
ing the keen wind which was un-
broken here by any obstruction, and
threw himself PROSTATE on the wet
rocks. What could he do better than
to drown himself7 He knew in his
inmost heart that Tins words were
true, 1--WE would be happier without
father" and he resolved that they
should have the one cause for thanks
giving which he could give them by
freeing them from drunken father
and husband, who had dragged them
down with him. There was no chance
now for him to free himself from his
enemy. He was bound hand and foot
to the chariot wheels of the demon
drink, and it would be we'll nigh i'm
possible for him to free himself from
his bondage. Better to end it all by
plunge into the dark water which
ran swiftly at his feet.
Then his good angel whispered in
his ear, "No, be man, not coward.
You have fallen low it is true, but by
Gods help you may rise again. Give
your wife and child better cause
for THANKSGIVING than they would
have in your death. Resolve here and
now that you will become free man,
that you will conquer your appetite
and start new life. Win back the
love and respect that you have so
justly forfeited. You can do it if you
will, you can make happy home
again if you will but resolve to-"
AS he lay there longing came
over him to break his shackles and
begin new life. Could he do it?
At least he could make the attempt.
He knelt for moment, his whole
heart going upward in the agonized
cry, "God help me" and then he rose
to his feet, determined to fight brave
ly against his enemy.
He turned his steps toward the
house of his old employer, who had
done all he could tc restrain him from
his downward course, and had prom
Used 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 drunken 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 it pos
sible 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 you?" he asked, as
he drew him into the warm sitting
room and gave him seat.
81 have come to my senses at last"
was the answer II have resolved to
give up drink, and l have come to ask
you a kindness. Will you take me
back to work again?"
"With all my heart" was the cor
dial answer; and in the warm clasp
of the hand that took his own John
realized that he had one friend who
would help him on the upward path.
He told Mr.. Leslie of all that had
passed that evening, and of his new
born 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, l want to" he answered,
eagerly, and with a trembling hand
but firm resolve, he signed his name.
Before he went away Mr.. Leslie