Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-02-17
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SAVED BY PRAYER.
How the Manly Stand OF One Young
Man Helped His Companions
70 Reform.

Good-by, Harry; remember that
mamma will always pray for your
safety"
These were the last words Harry
heard as he went out Of the gate
toward the railroad station 20 take the
train for New York The words kept
ringing In his ears as the train passed
rapidly out OF the village and new
scenes came 70 his view. At the sta
ton in New York city, his uncle was
waiting for him.
In few days Harry was at work
In the new, grand store OF mis- uncle.
There he became acquainted with young
men of his own age who seemed
friendly, invited him to join in their
excursion parties in the evening. and
visit them at their homes. Before the
first week had ended he had visited
three OF the boys OF the city had taken
a trip over TO Jersey City. where sew
eral other boys took n trip on their
bicycles. Harry had brought his
wheel with him and enjoyed the trip
over the new country very much.
After they had gone distance. they
stopped for refreshments. aud soon
he found himself standing at bar in a
saloon.
what will you have. Harry?" Ire
heard one OF his new friends inquir-
ing.
I'll take a glass Of lemonade. II you
please answered Harry
Pretty good joke. Harry: but you
don't get such stun here: we are all
going to have beer: TN order one for
you. too" And before ne could think
of an answer. the bartender had placed
Il before him.
Harry felt a lump In his throat. but
with a fixed determination, answered:
NO; l do not drink"
"Pshawl" exclaimed one OF the
young men: you arc not temperance,
are your"
"A glass OF beer cannot hurt you:
it is healthful." said another
Il promised mother" replied Harry.
that | would not drink anything that
might make a drunkard OF me. and IL
never begin. shall never have to
stop: no one has ever become n drunk
ard who refused the first glass: but
many drunkards meant to stop after
they had tasted beer OF liquor Just
once; no. I shall not drink"
II was a long speech for larry 20
make. but he thought Of his mothers
prayer and resolved that she should
not pray in vain. He expected the
boys 10 ridicule him for his remarks.
When Tom Ankers. the young man who
had worked next 20 him at the store.
therefore. took him by the hand and
with emotion said; Thank you Har-
~; my mother used TO tell me the same
thing; she thinks her boy has never
brought The intoxicating cup 20 his
lips; I promise you that from tonight
on I shall try TO keep It," il surprised
| Harry greatly.
But his surprise Increased when one
, OF the other young men came forward
T and said: II promised my present en-
I ployer that I would never again enter
I a saloon TO drink. when he saw me in
one the last time. and he told me he
: could not keep young men In his en-
I ploy who were addicted 10 the drink
habit wanted to keep my promise.
l but always was afraid 10 refuse when
/ in company of others"
Boys" said Adam Wagner. "this Is
| the first time / ever took a drink. Ny
father died drunkard and I have
/ often heard him say that the first glass
was the opening OF a life OF misery.
| He often asked me 90 leave all intoxi-
I eating drinks alone; I mean 10 do so
after to-day, aud YOU fellows must help
me 10 keep my promise"
I'VE shall. we SHALL" replied his
/ friends, Immediately.
But tell US, Harry" said the young
man who had spoken after Tom: how
\ was IL possible for you 20 refuse?
Didn't you expect US all to laugh at
your remarks? What gave you such
courage In this hour OF Danger"
Harry told them the story in his
simple. truthful manner, concluding
with the words:
Boys, my mothers prayers saved
me-"
Harry" said Adam, when you
write home again tell your mother
about the occurrence this evening, and
be sure and say that we were saved by
her prayer" IN. Y. Observer.