Year: 1875




yield to the bleeding of his wife. That
others had fallen, proved not that he
would do the same. As man he would
stand forth, and prove to all that the
moderate drinker and the drunkard were
not to be classed together that one
might stand on the brink of precipice
without danger of plunging in the abyss
below.


And thus in his own vain strength he
stood. Human strength AIls it is
but weakness The power to resist the
evil-nay, the very consciousness that
evil exists, and the desire to shun it be.
longs not to man. In God also must we
trust My tale lies but in humble vii.
lage life. William James was the black
smith Of the pleasant Ii tile village
which had been his birth place, and
which was endeared to him by all the
tender and endearing associations OF in
fancy, boyhood and youth. His father
had pursued the same occupation, and
it was with pride and pleasure he placed
the hammer in the hands of his son, and
directed his first attempts at the anvil.


at is a respectable and useful trade
Billy" he would often say, "and one
which will always insure you an honest
living. This is ali you want; the law
yers and doctors could want DO more


So William grew to manhood as thor
- e.
due time, as the old mans health deel1n-
ed, the business came altogether into his
hands, and the old gentleman was con-
tented to smoke his pipe, and watch the
progress of the calling in which he had
once taken SO active a part


"What blessing it is, - he would some
times say to his wife, ''that our Bill is a
sober. industrious lad, and works at the
forge as we'll as could do myself a
good trade is worth all the new-fnngled
notions that the boys have now -a-days.'


1t was a joyful day with all the old
folks when sweet Lizzie was introduced
to them as Williams future wife. twas
at first proposed that they should be
made one family; but there was other
sons and daughters now nearly men and
women, who could well fill the vacancy
in the old homestead, and that pretty lit.
tie cottage, half hid in the clustering
vines, was but stones throw, and the
young people preferred home of their
own.


So all was made ready, and when the
wedding day came, it was as all wedding
days should be, bright and happy one.
The modest pretty little bride, and the
manly looking bridegroom, pightcd their
faith in the village church, one lovely
Sabbath morning, and as they walked
to their new home after the usual reh-
gious services were over, many were the
cordial greeting, the kindly smiles, and
the heartfelt blessings bestowed upon
them. Tnen followed for the next few
days the usual amount of village gossip
concerning the appearance and behavior
of groom and bride. This over, and the
affair were among the things that were.
| All went on as usual; the customary
/


busy sounds were heard in the old shop
the young blacksmith had taken new
cares upon himself, and must not be idle.
The father smoked his pipe as viorOusly
as ever; the mother piled her knidng
needles and superintended the house
hold concerns of both families, for The
distance was short, and Lizzie loved to
come for advice to the kind old lady, and
was quite sure that Williams favorite
dishes conld not be properly prepared
unless under her special direction. And
thus all went quietly and happily for
days and months, and even years.


'Lay by your things, Lizzie said the
youngest sister, "and give ne the baby.
You are to take tea with US, this evening
mother was just sending me with an in
| yilation. Your little maid has holiday
you know, and it is not fitting for you to
attend to household cares with a babe on
each ARM


mot quite so bad as that, Jennie, for
Willie runs bravely by my side, and lit
tie Lizzie can creep around the floor.
However, would gladly accept your in
vitation, did 1 not think Will would re
turn from work, and wonder at my alb
sence''


"He will know where the birds have
flown, and can follow them if he likes.
Come, no mere excuses; 1 know what
you would say. It IS the fourth anniver-
sary of your wedding day, and you wish
for a cosy, little time at home. No mat
ter, that is selfish, and you must learn to
deny yourself"


"Hush Jennie, do not run on SC" said
the old lady, reprovingly. "Stay with us'
Lizzie, my child, and you can step home
for William when he returns from work
Father is at the shop to-day, and they
will no doubt leave together.


''The hours passed quietly by, and the
old gentleman was soon at the gate, be-
fore they had thought of its being near
the hour for tea.


''Has William gone home, father ? ask
ed Lizzie, as she returned his affection
ate greeting.


"Not yet, dear. He had 60 to Clyde on
business, and will not return uatil even
ing You can stay with US to tea, and
have lime to prepare for him after you
| Get home l promised 10 send Jennie to