The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-08-27
TIE Widow and Her Son.

MIS-. Alden sat IN her sitting room alone,
Memory was busy with the past; taking
her back TO the early home, with the
girl free tlom care. She was the young
est daughter OF Mr.. and Mrs. Alden of a
town in western Maine. Her father was
we'll do farmer who had not mistak-
en- his calling. His farm looked as though
order was the ruling organ with its owner
His farm work was done in proper
time. His barn ard out buildings were
neatly kept, and his stock well cared for.
One need not be close observer after
entering their dwelling to see that it was
well ordered home. Nj. Aldens COM
panion would answer the description in
Proverbs of a good wife. They had
four children born 10 them-two sons
and two daughters. They were early
Taught to remember their Creator in the
days OF their youth, and TO honor God in
all their ways MI. Alden's daily prac-
tice was to read from the good cid buok''
morning and evening, and to ask Cod $
blessing and protection upon his family.
His sons after reaching mature years
left their early home and settled in the
west. The daughters settled not far from
their native town. The eldest married
farmer by the name of Stevens. The
Youngest married carpenter whose name
was Alden. Mr.. Alden was a man who
was always ready to respect the rights of
others He regulated his conduct by the
standard which he believed TO be right:
and in performing his duty would sacri-
nee personal interest It could we'll be
said OF him that he was manly man In
early life he professed 10 love the Master
and his profession was adorned by we'll
ordered life. When Mr.. James Alden
and Miss Lizzie Alden were united in
marriage, it was thought to be very
suitable match. They were just suited
for each other. Mrs. Alden began house
keeping soon after their marriage. They
were happy couple. Mr.. Alden had
plenty of business, and Mrs. Alden was
always ready to help bear the burdens of
life. As time passed by little son was
Joyfully welcomed TO their home. His
name was John; he was named for his
grandfather Alden. He was ALWAYS called
johnnie. He was bright interesting child.
and was his father pride and his mother S
JOY. MI. and Mrs. Alden We're singers and
Il n I,,l, j
III that direction. He was delighted to sing
with papa and Mamma He attended
school and was quick to learn and bid
fair TO make smart scholar.
When Johnnie was in his tenth year his
father health began to fail, and it was
not long before it was evident that his
stay was short on earth. When the first
alarming symptoms appeared Mrs. Alden
seemed benumbed, but she soon realized
that the one who was dearer than life to
her would soon pass away. She had
everything done that could be done, but
no earthly skill could save linn. He was
calm and resigned, he knew in whom lie
trusted. His greatest anxiety was about
Johnnie. Strong drink was kept in the
village and he feared that after his son
got older he might do as other boys were
dong 1t was Il comfort to MI. Alden to
think OF I'd promise that HI would be
father TO the fathelless and the widow 5
God Mr.. Alden fingered some weeks.
then calmly passed away. Mrs. Alden
grief was too deep Tor tears at first: but
after the tears began TO fail she tried
hand to say, thy will, O Cod be done. Her
loved one was laid to rest in the village
cemetery. She felt that a great lespon-
sibility rested on her, and she daily pray
ed TO Fod Tor strength to train her boy in
wisdom ways. She spared no pains to
keep him at school. When there was a
vacation in the school Mrs. Alden with
johnnie would visit her parents. That was
a place where her boy delighted to be.
He was considerate for his mother. In
after years she would look back and think
what d comfort he was to her for wears
after he was left fatheress. Sometimes
she would send him to the village to do
errands. He was a trusty boy and quite
observing. After coming home from the
village one day he said, mother what
makes Mr.. Weston act SO sly when he
goes INTO the back room of Mr.. Hamlin,s
store? He always has something wrapped
IN paper. Iguess it is a BOTTLE Johnnie
did not know then what Mr.. Hamlip kent
IN his back room. Mrs Alden could
nave gwen very good reason why Mr..
Weston did not wish to be seen enterinp
Mr.. Hamlin's back room. because he did
not wish it to be known that he patronjz-
ed man who was engaged in criminal
business, business that makes widows
and orphans. For some cause, not gener
ally known, Mr. Weston fancied that he
and his family belonged to the upper
ten He thought he could drink his whis-
key slyly and it need not be known out
side of his family. After person has in
dulged in strong drink any length of time
it needs not close observer to detect it,
He did not seem TO realize what an ex-