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OANADIAH PBIZB TEUPEKAITOS BTORT. **The7 hare made them crooked paths ; WhoBoever goeth therein shall not know peace." BUT ** Braiy way Et makes for us, leads safely to the Gtolden dtj.* TORONTO: T* IfOOBB, BOOK AXD JOB PlUlfTBB, 8 UUOBB lOlTB. W9. If 1 '■ 1 I i sJ V 'rnrrrP: :9;>V5Mi^HM5{! :rxm'i 3i.^iaAHA0 k Sev( )ur pi Entered, according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the yearl 1878. by I Ami F. LOUISE MORSE^ In the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. it tta Ion iittiia i-i-rtij^ 'StUt'/'i fjx'j aa^ikju. ■ i ♦ )j • A ' *-.*3*: tjW T! ^ocial luthor Ith le SI liiiver Tor V' PEEFATORT NOTE. ^0 km- _. ir J Several ye^rs ago a Canadian paper offered 3ur prizes for the four best temperance stories, , in the year [) be submitted to a competent committee. Among twenty-nine competitors the author of hcial Heroism was awarded the first prize ; the uthor of Broken Bonds one of the others. It has been thought that, published now, when e subject of temperance is exciting such c*^ ^^y^lniversal attention, these stories may be inter- ting to many readers. ire. Toronto, Oct. 1878. 1 / MoVl 'Ai{ ffi^iiii. f "rnv •J'i .i^ ,utfrn-:i T SOCIAL nEROISM. CHAPTEE I. ** We, that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of lie weak.'" " Are you going to honour Judge Harriston's ^itli your presence to-night, Hamilton?" " No, there are some reasons why I would ike very much to go, but it is not always best ust to consult our inclinations: and I have nade up my mind it is not best for me to go here any more." " 1 hope you will not think me too inquisitive f I ask you what your reasons are for wishing go, and why jou think it is not right for you to go there any more f " Certainly not. My reasons for wishing to yo, you will easily be able to appreciate. You jnow, from experience, what a pleasant place it s to visit, and what congenial people we always et. But I am afraid you will not so readily 6 SOCIAL HEROISM. i appreciate my reasons for tlunkinj:^ it is not right for me to <^o tliere any more. You know Jn(l\v Jnd'i-J^^'^K ^^ ^"'' sermonizing!" answered Hamilton. stron it; ^..^^j^ my>elf I promised my mother before she dieda^'.^^ j that I would never touch it. Perhaps I mi*i;ht ''^', it it were not lor that promise. ^,^,,.ji " I am glad to have the sanction of such a T good Christian as you on my wine drinking,^! y,^^, said Mcpherson. ^' I am a i'vee man, 1 never' >,'>. made a promise to anyone. iJut i am going out, ^,., for my ^constitutional' so as to be fresh for to-' ^^^^j^ night_^ Are either of you going on' with me V J^,^ ^ \v 1 "C tei '' No, I think not" answered both the otlierj J^^l niT men. Hamilton and his two friends were, at the tim( of this conversation, attending the Torontol i. ^^ University, when the college building, of whicli Canadians are jnstly so pn)ud was not finished. The old brick building now ()ccii))ied by the! Medical school was then " University College." But some grand men w^ere trained there — meiil hn o urn lid fiey LUS( \ SOCIAL HEROISM. 9 ere — men ivlio have proved an ornaTncnt and a source of treiii»'tli to tlieir native liind. The three friends were all in tlieir fourth year, lid eich hiddini^ fair to exeel in his d<']mrtinent. [(d^herrion had a thor()n;^h i!;roimdinij; in Classics; .)nt contrary to the ex))ectations of his friends, ho [;hos(^ ineta])hysics. '' I Bhall never have any loral sentiniiMits if I do not hunt tlieni up " he aid. ** Hamilton if you know what is ij^ood for ourself, you will take classics. You will never () for a lawyer in this aue of the world, without etthiij: all the wickedness you can from those old eathen.'' J>nt he iinallv i^ave Hamilton pt> ,s a hopeless case. '' You ])ick up more moral |entiments now than I do, " he once said luu'liinii'ly. A^t'ter Mc'Pherson had ijone out, TTamilton and Tjirren sat very (piictly readiiiij; f m* some time, ut an ohsorver would have noticed that the uMiier was thiiikinu ha lank :trem Ides ilf-iu Item}: >u in It it ( "Is SOCIAL HEROISM. 13 he grate! ned me, : I couldl I a mea- rms, and! ' Oh my] ed yoii !' en a sort] ht np myi I — wrap-j lit of tlie embered awoke, I lier — not ted ; but" t-brokenj memory j 's occur- en notic- inot telll it J. Wei nd every he river odiea out real life, luld see ind that oiind us 1 mother lij heart- •eaking sorrow, whicli so many wives and LUghteis are enduring. How many noble and iltivated women are being dragged lower and |wer, until hope and faith sometimes die in leir hearts. If the history of our inmates of isane Asylums w^ere known, do you not think |e would stand amazed to find how much of the lisery we see there is caused by wnne ? Oh how [u Christians be so blind to their duty in this [atter! Why cannot they see that intemperance the greatest hindrance to the triumph of the [ospei ? And why do they not stand shoulder shoulder and fight against it with all the en- ^gy and strength, God gives them ?" Warren had listened with pained and almost deathless interest to his friend's history, and )w as Hamilton paused he said, as tears, of hich he w^as not at all ashamed stood in his Ts : "I wish I had known your sad story he- re, Hamilton, I feel that sometimes my [ood must have been so out of harmony with nirs. I feel deeply grateful for the confidence )u have shown in me, you wall have reason to lank God for your words, even if it has been :tremely painful for you to lift the vpil which |dcs the past. Heretofore I have been in a df-indiflferent state of mind on the subject of [temperance. Kow I am heart and soul wath )u in doing everything by word and deed to it it down. " " I shall be more than repaid for the pain it has 14 SOCIAL HEROISM. given me to speak of these things, if this is tl result," reph'ed Hamilton. "It was partly fc| that reason that I have told you. You have tlis wonderful gift of strong personal influence, have often wondered to see your power over tli| minds of others. And I want you to exert over Harry, and all others who need it. If yol believe heartily in the danger of wine drinkin[ you will soon influence others. " *' Did you finish all you were going to tell about 3^our life ?" asked Warren. " I will not weary you with a history of tl struggles through which mother and I passeJ after the disappearance of my father and sij ter. We knew what it was to be cold and hui| gry. The President of the bank offered to tal me as p messenger boy ; but mother declint his ofier. He knew it was at his house tlij father had learned to drink ; and I suppose tli was done as a bribe to his conscience. I wondj if a vision of our desolated home never hauiij him now. We moved after two years to Toroj to, where, after a time mother opened a schoc After that our prospects brightened. You ai I have both had to work our way along throui College, as well as to care for our mothers. Bil I believe we are both stronger men for the di cipline. Do you know I think a man's edu( tiou is only half finished and his character nl quite symmetrical, unless he has a mother, si ter or wife, for whom he can work. It smootlil A fiOCtAL HEBOiS^. 15 wn his rough edges, and makes him more ntle — a true gentleman — to know that he makes mars ihe happiness of some dear one." *^I remember your mother" said Warren, I helieve I loved her next to my own motlier. often wondered why she looked so sad. I hope e future has much brightness in store for you, amilton, to make up for the sadness of the past, it 1 suppose McPherson will soon be home, on still intend not to go to Judge Harriston's niirht. I honour j^our feelings ; but I am rry you are not going. I should be almost pted to stay with you, only I have asked my usin Louise Howard if I may have the plt^asure escorting her to the party. I think she will disappointed at not seeing you there. " The serious expression changed to one of oasure as Hamilton answered. "I should e better to see her than any one else, but I afraid my absence will hardl}' be noticed by r. I suppose I am a little morbid in my fears out this temptation ; but when I go to such aces and see the wine, I seem to live over in agination the scenes through which mother ssed : and I can realize how she must have t when watching father in his downward th. But as I said before I am afraid neither y presence, nor absence would make much iference to Miss Howard. " " Comfort yourself with that thought if you :e, my dear fellow. But she is ag^' cf such 16 SOCIAL HEE0I8M. quick intuition, she seems to fi^et below tlie sui] face almost at a glance, find iinds out the tri ring of gold in a man's character. If there wer anything in my life of which I were ashamed,] wonld keep clear of her." Hamilton seemed to have no objection listening to the praises Warren was bestowing oj his cousin. T3nt looking out the window he sai| Ilarry coming and so he said " I feel strong]] inclined to go, but I think it is best not. So will spend the time * cramming. ' " K" BOCIAL HEROISM, IT CHAPTEE II. Jut judge this rather that no man put a stumbling block, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." 1-4 j Judge ITarriston was a man of great influence wealth. A widower with an only daughter, took much pleasure in entertaining his ends in the most graceful, hospitahle manner, he was a man of much culture, he naturally vv around him a class of people — his equals in jalth and intelligence. But he also delighted taking notice ot those who needed help to rise the social scale, and no one was much more nscious of the benefit of his patronage then was Judge himself But his egotism was easily •gotten in the light of his kind and generous trt. Hamilton has already pointed out the one jat mistake in his hospitality. lie would have |t that somethini>: was wantiup-in the entertain- nit if wine had not been furnished as freely as in " good old times." He had been accustom- to its use all his life — never had been tempted [drink to excess. And all possible argunnnits led to convince him that (others were different- constituted : and that he was placing grievous iptation in the way of many young men. 18 BOOIAL HEROISM. Jiid^e Ilarriston's home was ever a pleasai place, l)ut on the night of the party it seemed tj nave received an extra touch of pleasai itnesi And as Warren and his cousin entered tlie dra^fl ing room, an unspoken feeling of regret was ij the mind of each that Hamilton was not there tj enjoy it with them. Pictures, flowers and book! were there to satisfy all the wants of a refinef nature. Little groups of people were gatherej here and there, enjoying themselves in varioi| ways, and tliere was such an air of homeiie^ about tlie whole scene, one felt at ease at once. I They found tlieir young hostess quite monopij lized by Harry McPherson, but still keeping li eyes on the door to be ready to receive her guestj As they came up to her she said joyfully '' Louis what a naughty girl to come so late ! I did m feel that we were having a party until I saj you." Harry put on a comical look of distress as lij said, " and here I have been making a martjl of myself, trying to entertain you, and won del ing all the time why you were so interested ij that door." Miss Harriston did not answer his sally, exceJ by a bright, laughing glance, as saucy as lil own, as she turned away to welcome anotL( guest. Later in the evening Louise was standii with her cousin and Isabel Harriston looking and admiring a beautiful inlaid table of mosail i(. SOCIAL HEROISM. 19 pleasai if3emed tj saiitnesj :he draMJ t was ij t there tj nd bool a refill el gatlierej Q varioij at once. I J monopj eping lu er gnestj ^ '' Louij I did IK I til I saj 'ess as 111 a mart} i wondej erested i| lly, excej icy as 111 e anotW \ standii looking of mosail rliich looked like a beautiful painting of an old )atliedral. "Do you know, she said, "that ible always preaches me a sermon? How [eautifuUy the dark stones bring out the colours f the bright ones. The picture would not be lerfect without them." " Yes, but how about the sermon ?" asked jabel. " I was thinking that the dark stones represent le care and sorrow we have through life. And |ie happiness and joy are all the brighter by ►ntrast. Now^ so many of our experiences jem too dark and sombre to harmonize with the 5st. But, I think wlien we stand in the clear ght of Heaven, and look back upon our lives, [e shall see how every trial, every disappoint- jent, every failure was needed to make our laracters what God would have them. He can ^e the whole plan, and He knows just where le brightness is needed, and just where the ^mbre tint should tone down the brightness — =t we should be satisfied with this woild'a ippiness " Louise spoke with such earnestness lat she had not noticed that several others were itening to her. As she caught her cousin's eye le bluslied deeply, and stopped. " You would do to preach a sermon yourself, say nothing of that little table preaching," [id Isabel, admiringly. "I wish I had just |ch earnest thoughts about everything. I iver see ' sermons in stones.' There have been 20 SOCIAL HEROISM. very few dark stones placed in the mo^saic my lite so far. So I suppose 1 must have ratlj a queer lookinp;, unsymmetrical character. dear ! I hope the sombre tints are not comino^ at once in the future." And a shade crossed her sunny face. '' Fo revive me for beins: so serious " sal Louise, " God grant that you may not need much toning down as some of us, dear Isabel] How merciful it is that God hides the futi from us. Sometimes the coming joy would unl us for present sorrow — we would be impatiej to grnsp it. And how often all the joy of tl present would be robbed of its briglitnej coukl we see the dark clouds of sorrow which just below our horizon. ' Just before supper Judge Harriston broud the Bible, and giving it to a minister, who at| present, asked him to lead in worship. Tl was a custom which he always observed. Ai it is easy to see how likely it would be th| young men would urge his example as safe in things, when it was so good in many. When supper was announced, Harry McPh( son took charge of Louise, while Warren had tl honour of escorting his fair hostess. '' Shall I have the pleasure of bringing youl glass of sherry or port ?" Harry asked Louise.! "I do not wish either," ohe answered quietlj "Miss Harriston, my friend Warren seems entirely ignore the fact that he has not offer^ you any. May I supply his short-comings ?" 60CUL HEROISM. 21 " Thank yon, I will take a glass of sherry." As lie handed the glass to her, lie said to arren, *^ Robert, do not thi'ik I am nsurping, am only snpplenieiiting your good otiicus. >id yon forget f ' ** No, I did not forget. I hope Miss Harriston will acquit me of all discourtesy to herself or udge Harriston, when I say that I hope Dever to olfer anyone wine again " Harry opened his eyiis wide in astonishment. Are you the young man who was saying thia ifternoon that he wtuild take wine himself if he jiad not promised his mother he would i]ot ? I as a ch ^nge come o'er the spirit of your dreaii) ? thought your opinions were as unchangeable IS the laws of the Medes and Persians." *'No, my opinions have undergone a complete change since afternoon. I have bee^ shaken into earnestness." Louise did not make any comment on her cousin's words, but her eyes expressed the )leasure she felt. " That is the only subject on which Louise ind I never agree," said Isabel, " 1 do not think Ihere is the least harm in taking wine. See how nany splendid men use i^ all their lives, and never come to anv harm." * * ■ *' Yes, and see how many splendid men find that the cause of their ruin, both in this world md in eternity. I have no friends for whom I feel any anxiety ; but it makes my heart ach§ 2 22 BOCIAIi HEROISM. 1- ii to see some of our finest and most brilliant mei filling drunkard's graves. But I do not wislj to preach you another sermon to-night, Isabel.'] *' Miss Howard, you say you have no friends for whom you ieel anxious. You surely do nuti fear for yourself. Then what are your argu] ments against taking wine yourself? I hav( heard one temperance lecture to-day, and woul( like to hear another," said Harry. ^'No, 1 do not fear for myself, although I do not dislike wine, and you know women too beJ come drunkards. Js it not awful to think of a| women lalling so low? When I see so muclij misery and wretchedness, so many desolate homes and breaking hearts, and know the cause of it, I feel I want my life free from the guilt o| setting a wTong example. The Uible says ' m drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.! Vrhat will God say to us if we help to make man a drunkard ? It is best to be on the saf^ side," ' Judge Harriston was passing at this moment^ and said laughingly, "Are you riding your ol( hobby. Miss Louise ?" Although rather impatii ent if a man differed with him on this subject! he was very chivalrous if his opponent were woman. " Somebody is always very politely mounti ing me on my hobby, and then what can I d([ but ride off in my best style ?" '* Oh, dear, I am afraid I should be convince(j ?? ►ver 11 1 fiOOIAL HEROISM. 23 mt mei lot wislj Isabel. ) friends ' do noj Lir argii| I hav( d woul( gh I d( too be] link of aj 30 muclii desolate he cause i guilt o| savs ' m lieaven.l I make the sali moment;^ your ol( )r impatil I subject] nt were Y mount] can I d^ jonvinced lyself if it were not for you and Jud^e Harris- lon," said iMcPherson to Isabel. ^'It is more [ban a man can stand to liave so many against lim. Miss Howard, you should meet my friend Elamilton, your opinions agree exactly. I be- peve you must have been acquainted sometime Its far buck as the glacial period." Harry paused n his nonsense, for a very deep blush passed ►ver Miss Howard's face, and she turned her |yes in another direction. "1 declare," he said |o himself, " it looks as if they might have met pee or twice since the glacial period, by the ^arm color on her face !" Tlie conversation was here interrupted by the leparture of the ladies from the supper room, Ind it was not again resumed. There was no [xcessive drinking on the part of the gentlemen 4ien left to themselves. i3u<^^ Harry McPherson jceived a new impulse in that direction. amilton's earnest arguments had made him hink earnestly about the subject, and then Miss Howard's question, " What will God say to us we help to make a drunkard ?" But the ex- [mple of Isabel and Judge Harriston more than mnteracted the influence of the serious words. On their way home, Louise said to her cousin, I did not know until to-night that your friend '.amilton is such a strong temperance man." .nd then in almost Hamilton's own words she Ided, " I am so glad that your personal influ- ice is, henceforward to be on the right side." 24 SOCIAL HEROISM. CHAPTEE III. ^'Anc*. every man that striveth for th^ mastery is temperate in all things." Hamilton, Warren, and McPherson were so entirely occupied, after this, with their closing examinations that there was no more time for recreation of any kind. They all came through with honour to themselves ; as might be expect- ed where good natural abilit'es were aombined with very studious habits. Somebody did care very much whether Hamilton graduated with honour or not. If he had known how much satisfaction his success gave Louise Howard, his honours would have been almost priceless in his eyes. Hamilton and Warren were to enter immedi- ately upon their law studies, in the office of a j prominent firm in Toronto; McPherson was appointed to a position in one of the banks in the same city. One evening the fr-iends were talking of thti past and discussing plans for the future. They +elt that in those past years they had been pre- paring for the battle, tenipering and grinding their weapons for the conflict. Now^ they were to test that preparation, to find whether the fibOtAt ISEROtSlt. i6 tetj is I rere so closing ine for li rough I expect- mbiued | id care I id with I V much ard, his I 5S in his immedi- [ice of a I 5on was janks in X of thti : They een prev yrindingj lej were ;her thei metal had improved under the trial. The hearts of all were filled with hopes of success, — moral as well as temporal success, — and each felt that Isuccess comes from God. " What do you sa^ to a little trip of some :ind before we fairly go to work ?" asked '^arren. *' I think it would be a good prepar- ition for law. My head is ' crammed ' yet. 1 vould like to dissipate a little ot the superfluous :nowledge before I put any more in." Harry showed a disposition to stand on his lead at the mere suggestion, but compromised natters by Ihrcwing up his hat. Hamilton ex- )ressed his approval in as hearty, if not as leraonstrative manner, so they planned a trip [own the St. Lawrence, and along Lake Cham- ilain to Lake George ; and then put the plan Into execution the following week. The St. Lawrence is so familiar to Canadian jyes, that its beauties need no description. As ;hey passed the historical places on Lake Cham - )lam they brushed up their history of the French md Indian war. Leaving the steamer at the lower end of the iake, they took the stage for Ticonderoga. Che best seats are on tlie top of the stage, and ►ur three boys were fortunate enough to secure ^hem. The driver had his history well digestcl, Lud amused them not a little by his rendering >f it. When they passed the ruins of old Fort "^iconderoga, his tongue waxed warm in describ- u SOCIAL HSROTSM. ing the way Ethan Allen and his Green Moun- tain boys took it '' In the name of the Continen- tal Congress," (before the Britishers knew there wafs any Continental Congress.) Our travellers did not think it necessary, in order to prove their loyalty to their own country, to speak slightingly of the one whose beauties they were enjoying so heartily. Their minds were broad enough to appreciate the grand features of both. Ticon- deroga lies at one end of Lake George : at the other end Caldwell. Now there is a little! steamer which runs daily between these two places. And at the upper end, on the site of old Fort William Henry, stands an hotel of that name. A lovelier scene than one gets from thej veranda of this hotel can hardly be imagined. The lake nestles in its emerald setting of hills! — even now scarcely disturbed by the usual I signs of village life ; but then^ one could hardly Und a more restful, peaceful spot. In the early' morning the deep purple shadows of the hills lie heavy on the lake ; but as the sun rises higher j and higher, they are gradually lifted until the| clear blue of the water «hows itself. The three friends found pleasant quarters in I the house of a farmer, and spent a week or two sleeping, reading and boating. (It is more than probable they afe something too.) As would be expected Hamilton and Warren expressed their enjoyment in a more quiet way than Mcriierson, who was extravagant in his expressions of| pleasure. SOCIAL HEROISM, 27 Mouii- itinen- v^ there kvellers ^e their itingly ying so QtJjh to iicon- at the a little !se two teofold of that .^om the agined. of hills usual I hardly ^e early lills lie higher itil the ters in\ >r two re than I ould he! d their hersonj lions of I " I believe there isn't a lovelier place this side lof Scotland," he exclaimed one day as they were rowing on the lake — winding around the little islands, and sometimes landing and explor- ling for themselves. *' I have heard tourists say it is very like Loch IKatrine in its general characteristics," answered lllaniilton. They were not anxious to hurry away from kuch encliantment. But iinally they concluded Itheir brains were in good working order again, [and they must begin work in earnest. So they ifcarted home by a different route, feeling they uad been off duty long enough. 'l^S^* -•■tJ -; i". >i^) ",.;, f I ■" li . / ai 38 SOCIAL HEK0I8M. CHAPTER lY. ** God's plans like lilies pure and white unfold. We must not tear the close shut leaves apart ; Time will reveal the calyxes of gold," Wliile they liad been studying at tlie ITniver] ity, Ilaniiltun and his friends had conscientiousljl kept themselves from being drawn much into! society. 'J hey liad allowed themselves but! few recreations — *'just enough to keep fronj getting rusty.'- They knew from experience that the flash of brii^ht eyes has a very disastrj ous effect on Euclid and Mill. Now however] they thought they could throw down the barriei in a measure. Harry McPherson seemed to be more aiK more conscious of the attractions of Judtied. Bur' Btill he waited. Judge Harriston treated hiii: *^ with great cordiality, although he must havt known that Harry was aspiring for the possession of his one treasure. But with the modesty o\ all true-hearted lovers, he underrated his own good qualities, and magnified Isabel's, until lie| persuaded himself that Judge Harriston might look higher for his daughter. But at last matters came to a crisis. Harn and Isabel were out rowing one night in early Bummer, (i suppose it was moonlight, for it al- ways is on such occasions.) about a year af- ter the trip to Lake George. They had been| driltin^,- for some time, but it was growing late, Bo [\ .;^, ' ^ain took the oars, — Isabel the helm,! L >1 ^e!i praising her skill in guiding the^ f)oai'. IJ.VJ then suddenly, as if the words could io lo ^oul( ife >rom Ihanc :indb woet lafcr be "I [link i K)wn nile. As : ►oked Lve isits. leir I lace ii Social Beboibm. 3i learly all niestnesl ened bj reat sorl ler besi veil witl with lieii ^lier pur| at he di( it belbrtf ivas morti >le; ever ed. Bu| Lted hiiii! ist have! ossessioiii )desty OF, his owni until lie| •n migbti Harrj; in earljl for it al-l )^ear af- ad been ng late,, e helm.l ling thej Is could 10 longer be restrained he said, " I wish you ^ould promise to be my guide through life. A dfe is truly her husband's guide. Will you )romise to be my wife ? " Poor Isabel had no |hance to hide her l)lufhes, unless the moon :incily hid her face just then, as she answered vveetly and solemnly, '' I think you need a ifer guide than I could be ; but I will promise be your wife." I am not going to tell you w^hat Harry did Uen. He did not row : and so the boat drifted ;ain with the waves. After awhile he asked, Do you think your father will give us his* con- mt and blessing, Isabel ? I have feared he ^ould not think me w^orthy of such a gift." " I know he has always liked you : and I link if he had felt any objection he would have lown it before now," she answered with a nile. As Isabel said, if Judge Ilarriston had not >oked with favor upon Harry, he would not Lve waited so long before discouraging his [sits. He gave his free and hearty consent to ieir marriage which Ilany urged might take [ace in the fall. I^abel thought that was hurry- ig matters a little too much ; but at last she ve her consent. ■ f ■.II L /Q 11JS41.I V ii SOCUt BSROIdlt. ■ > <■».*. 1 i-rf :;*OM. . CHAPTER V. ** The bells of time are ringing changes fast : Grant, Lord ! that each fresh peal may usher in An era of advancement, that each change Prove an effectual, lasting, happy gain !" The summer passed quickly away, and Octoj ber came with its beautiful clear days, wher Isabel was to fulfil her promise of becominc Harry's wife. Louise and another friend oa Isabel's were to be bridesmaids. Hamilton aiK Warren groomsmen of course. Everything which love could suggest wa| called into use to beautify Isabel's home on \m wedding night. Although it was late in tlij season for flowers, the h.)Use was bright anJ beautiful with their abundance — arranged in graceful carelessness by loving hands. This night, if never before Harry and Isabe| were very serious, for they realized the solenii vows they were about to take upon themselves| You have never had a description of the persons appearance of either Isabel or Louise. Yoii have had glimpses of their minds and heartsl whose beauty is of far more importance. Thij night perhaps they were fairer and more w( manly than ever before. Louise looked as serij is anc las thi ips '' >re." Judir >ice ^ords. SOCtAL fiEROISM. 33 IS and earnest as Isabel herself: perhaps she |as thinking of marriage in the abstract : per- ips *' coming events cast their shadows he- re. Judge Harriston was as courteous as ever jfore to his guests. But one could easily see lat Isabel's marriage was, for many reasons a id event to him. For her sake he rejoiced ; |iit who was to fill her place in his home ? To sure she was coming back to live near him, a home which he had fitted up for her m the lost pertect manner. But her place in his home lould be vacant Is it any wonder] that tears imnied his eyes as he gave her to Harry to llove, cherish and protect." He had great con- lence that Harry was worthy of the trust, and lat belief lightened the pain to a great extent. tnd Harry's heart was full of the most earnest itentions to faithfully fulfil the trust. At supper there were the usual toasts to the 'ide, to which Harry responded in a very grace- il and hearttelt manner. — Then the other toasts |hich are deemed necessary on such an occa- lon. After they were over, Harry brought a lass of wine to Louise and said, '* Surely Miss oward you can forget your scruples for once, id take a glass of wine with me in honor of iy wife." It would be difiicult to give an idea all the satisfaction and happiness Harry's )ice expressed as he spoke those last two brds. W ' U: SOCIAL HEROISM. Louise hesitated for one moment. She did not like to appear singular, and it was mosj painful to have special attention called to her] self. And she knew it would do her no harinl but she answered iirmly, " I would gladly gra' your request if I thought it would give on^ moment more happiness to Isabel. If you wil give ine a glass of water, I will drink herhealtl twice over." *" I see there is no hope for you now," Harrj said. Do not think he was trying to break dowr her principles. He thought it was only a ' wo| manly whim,' and it would be great fun to sho^ the masterful power of man and break her of it| He was not annoyed at her refusal. It wou]( have taken ir.ore than that to cloud his Eunshinej that night. But he thought, " I am glad after] all that Isabel is not quite so much after tliel heroic type as Louise. I do not like to see woman too positive in her beliefs." Then aloudl to Lousie, '' You are such a regular little Puril tan, I henceforth wash my hands of all respon] sibility with regard to your conformity to the customs of good society." " Do not look so sober Louise " said Isabel " know I have the best wishes of- your heart] without this proof." Louise looked up and found Hamilton's seri-l ous dark eyes looking earnestly and approvingl] at her. She could not understand all the mean] ing his look expressed. She knew he never tool SOOIAL HBROISM. S5 'ine himself; but, as yet she did not know his listorj, and the reasons why he should feel so leeply on the subject. She had the approval of ler own conscience : and she also felt that he \as not displeased with her and so she was con- tent. Hamilton and Louise were not yet engaged. tut they thoroughly trusted eacli other: and )erhaps there was as much happinej^s in their [ntercourse as though the deiinite words had )e6n spoken. Louise had confidence that he 'as a true-hearted man. And his attentions lad been so exclusively given to her, — she had [•eason to cherish the hope which was beautifying ler whole life — the hope which she hardly put Into deiinite form even in her own mind. And .rtliur, inspired by the same trust in her, knew \\\e would never have allowed him to become so larked in his attentions, had she not returned lis love. What a chaniice it would make in jociety, if men and women wonld be true to lliemselves and to each other. How much more }ause there would bi^ for faith in humanity. Hamilton intended to tell Louise his history )etbre he asked her to take his name, and link ler happiness with his. It was a painful subject |o him : it had cost him a great strugirle to tell to Warren. And still more difficult did it |eem to tell Louise that his father had been a [runkard and a suicide. But he knew that the >ye of such a woman would stand the test of ^ I I 86 SOCIAL HEROISM. revelation even like that. If parents have m pity tor themselves, a tliought of the sorrow aiij shanie th'-j are bringing on their children onglil to res trail I them. As tliev wer«^ driving lioine that night fro^ the we !ding Hamilton told lier there wjis soiml thing connected with his past life, which li wished to tell her >ome evening when siie woulJ be at leisnre to listen to him. She named ai evening, and it was settled he shonld come thenl She wondered a little what he could be goinj to tell her. She felt there could be nothing iij /iis past life which would not bear close in spec) tion. But it was natural that she should have little curiosity about it. Perhaps he had loveJ some one else before he loved her, and thouy-liil he ought to tell her. She did not torment herl self with improbable surmisings, she knew i| must be somediing which interested him, and c| course it would her also. , , . .. The appointed evening came* and found Arthur and Louise seated in her parlour frej from intrusion. Without much preface he toll her the same sad story which he liad trld War) ren nearly two years before: — ^oii)g a littlf more into details, for he felt it was her right tj know all. She did not interrupt him by words but her face was beautiful in its expression q\ sympathy. When he had finished, before giving her an opportunity to reply he said " I thin| j^ou will not wonder why I have told you this SOCIAL HEROISM. 3T For more than a year, every thought of home- liappiness has been associated witli you. The love which might have been hivished on father, [mother, brothers and sisters has long been pent up in my heart: and now has been added to it a deeper and tenderer love which is all centered in you. Is it too much for me to hope^ihat you return this love? You are the only woman I liave ever wanted for my wife." For answer, slie laid her hands quietly in his own. They had found the home they so much needed. -ii , \j',- •', .' i * lij. }■■ 8 38 SOCIAL HEROISM. CHAPTER VI. "Let him that thinketh he standetL take heed lest he fall." Harry and Isabel returned from their wedding trip, and took immediate posst ssion of their new home. Of course there w^ere many visits to receive and return : besides a number of parties given in their honor. There seemed to be danger that they would be drawn into a sort of a wliirlpool ot fashion. They both had higher aims. But the claims of society are imperative upon those who acknowledge her laws as binding upon themselves. They always had wine on their side-board to offer their guests : and sometimes Harry's face seemed a little flushed, as though, in fulfilling his ideas of hospitality, he had taken one or two glasses too much. But a thought of danger never ocemed to '^nter Isabel's mind. Alas! if I she could have realized that every great sin has a small beginning. TJien the habit had a very slight hold upon 'him, and an expressed wish from her would have made him give it up. He had been on the point of doing so several times before his marriage, for he could but feel the SOCIAL HSBOISM. 39 lest he adding ir new sits to parties to be sort of higher erative inding ard to 8 face Ifilliiig or two danger laftl if I in has , very wish . He times lei the effect of Hamilton and "Warren's example. Had Isabel formed the habit of looking deeper into life : and thinking more of thr3 sorrows ot others, she uiiglit have seen the danger. Harry showed good business abilities, and was receiving great commendation from the Directors of the bank. And there was every prospect of rapid promotion. So life seemed one bright day to them both — not even a cloud to dim the sunshine. 'T'he intin acy between the three friends, and between Isabel and Louise remained unbroken, Harry and I-abel could lind no better wish for Arthur and Louise than the often expressed one that they might be fis happy as they were. 1 he four joined in their commiseration of Robert's lonely condition : and there seemed some danger that thev would all turn match-makers on his account ; although they all believed in the right to choose for ones self. Warren seemed the least troubled of any of them. '* Never mind me " he replied to their repeated sallies, '* you see if I don't do better than any of you. lie- member the proverb 'Patient v;aiting no loss.' " Arthur and Eobert were both reading law with great dilii>;cnce. 1 hoy were connected with an old and well-established law firm : the senior members of which had expressed their determination to retire and leave the w'hole practice to thero as soon as they had passed their 40 SOCIAL HEROISM. final examinations. A prospect which was very .encouraging to Hamilton and Warren. ' ^-^-••^ M Hamilton had a double inducement to do msi best — his own love of study and ambition to make his name in the world : and a wish to earn a home for her who was all in all to him. They did not expect to be married for two years ; but that did not seem long when they could see each • other nearlj^ every day. Their hopes and aimsl were one already, and their companionship was] proving mutually beneficial. The trouble which Arthur had seen in thel past made the present very bright. And Louise thought he deserved all the devotion she could - give him to make up for that past. The stain which rested on his father's memory made no difference in her love. She felt that ''to live nobly is better than to be nobly born." And , she was more interested in Arthur's present and . future than in his past. The present was all ^ that she could wish, and gave promise of a harvest] . of happiness in the future. We have seen how earnestly both Hamiltonl and Louise felt on the subject of temperance. They believed that intemperance was one of the greatest evils of the present day. J5ut they did not believe that it is the only evil. It isl written that hatred, evil-speaking, envying, wrath and strife will keep men from inheriting the Kingdom of God, as well as drunkenness.! And with the help of Chxist — the Great Helper, SOCIAL HEROISM. 41 they wanted their lives to speak against all these things. What a difference there is even in men^s faults. It takes much more of God's' grace to make some men earnest and useful than it does others. Christianity does not change a man's disposition all at once. The mean, small soul will have a hard battle before all the mean- ness is purged out 1 here are some men who are noble and lovable, even before the Divine Touch has transformed their nature. This is no heresy. Are we not told that Christ beheld the young man and loved him, although He still had need to say to him " One thing thou lackest.i And when a noble, truthful nature like Hamilton's is influenced by the principle of love to God, we can realize something of the truth that man was made in His image. In the second year of their married life a little I daughter came to Harry and Isabel. They had thought their cup of happiness was full before, but they found there was room for one diop more. Isabel seemed to realize, even more than Harry, the responsibility of having an immortal soul to train for Eternity : and the new experi- ence added more dignity to her character — or [rather proved the touch-stone to call out what Iwas there before. Judge Ilarriston evidently thought the little [Louise was his especial property. He would take her home and keep her for hours ; and she 5oon came to know him, and would show her 42 SOCIAL HEROISM. pleasure in her own baby-fashion, whenever be ,made his appearance Hairy nipde great show of being jealous, but the little woman lavished her smiles freely on him also, so he could not| fail to be ccmtent. Sometimes it seemed to Isabel that a cloud,, very small as yet, was rising on her horizon. When they were first married Harry had not seemed to care for wine, and only took it with their friends. But now lie had it reiiuhirly for dinner, and of en took it at other times as well She still had no fear he would ever be a drunk ard, but she did not like to feel that he was at| all dependant upon it. • ♦ One day she stood waiting, with baby in herl arms, to receive his good-bye, as he was about to start for the bank after dinner. He had taken more wine than usual at dinner, and now he walked to the side-board and poured out another] glass. " Harry," she began, and then hesitated. ''Well' Isabel?" '*I have been wondering if it would not be asi well for us to give up having wine for dinner] It is an unnecessary expense, and do you notj think we would be better without it ? " I '* We scarcely need to hesitate about such al little expense as that, do we? And then I thinJ it does me good. I have a great amount of worn to do this afternoon and evening, and itj strengthens my nerves." SOOIAL niCROISM. 43 jver be : show ivished lid not! cloud, lorizoTi.l ad not it with iirly for as well drunk- w^as atl in herl bout to I taken now hel anotUerl id. :)t be asl diiiner.l h)U noti such I thinll of woiM and iti Isabel looked at the robust, manly form of her husband, and she could not keep back a little smile of amusement that he sliould require any- thing foreign to strengthen his nerves. i3ut the smile faded in a moment for there was an earnest purpose in hei* mind. ''I suppose it would not he too much to say that (»ur wine costs us at least a dollar a day the year around. I tliink it would be grand to give that to the Home Missions. That would be a real self- denial. And you know we do not have to deny ourselves very much. And I do not like to have you go to the bank every day, among all the clerks, with your breath so strong of wine." It was a hard thing for this wife to tell her husband that she feared he w^as getting too fond of wine. He laughed good naturedly, and putting his hand under her chin, he lifted her face so as to make the down-cast eyes look into his own. " Why my darling, what new freak is this ? Has Louise Howard been lecturing you again ?" '*No, Louise has not mentioned the subject since we were married." '* What is it then? I was just on the point of giving it up about the time that we were married. I could not help feeling the influence of Hamilton's and Warren's example. They were so solemn about it it made me feel I must be doing something dreadful. But I thought it was better to please you and your father than to 44 SOOIAL HEROISM. please them, as long as I had no very strong convictions either way. I was afraid Judge Harriston would think me mean if I refused to have wine for our friends. And now here is my wile forsaking me and going over to the enemy." He kissed her good bye and hurried away. How his words had sunk into her heart ! He would have given it up oi^* '*, but for her. And now she knew it would I ch harder for him to do so. How could she speak to him again about it, when he had b.iid ^t »'^«^ to please her and her father that he began to ueo it in his own home ? She was just beginninsr to see her mistake. She remembered now saying to him so many times that she could not see any harm in drinking wine in moderation. Ah ! who could decide the bounds of moderation ? A council of all the wise men of the nations would have difficulty in deciding. An undefined feel- ing of dread seemed to have taken possession of I her, and she had more of a feeling of sadness than she had ever in her whole life known. And now she could realize the truth of manj things which Louise Howard had said in past years. Ah ! it were more Christlike to feel for the misery of others, as Louise had done, and sacrifice her own opinion before the iron entered her own soul. '*Min Ithey ma [way, he The Ibegan and W profess Ito indu The Iquiet lit was [many, Inaturej Han [home f but th lupon Ithough that tl other, peace death Iso ma klorion iBhould & SOCIAL HSROtSM. 45 stror.g Judge sed to I is my o the Lurried ! He And or him again ase her in his iee her :o him f harm ! who 11? A would 3d feel- ;sion of madness inown. ' ■ many n past feel for le, and entered CHAPTER VII. i ''Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that Ithey may dwell with me : he that walketh in a perfect [way, he shall serve me.'* The two years had now passed and Hamilton [began to think of a home and of a wife. He and Warren were now well estabh'shed in their profession, and it was quite excusable in Arthur |to indulge in dreams of this kind. The marriage of Arthur and Louise was a Iquiet one and need not be described. Perhaps it was more a true marriage of hearts tlian Imany, for it is not often that two such noble matures find each other in this world. Hamilton had fitted up a simple, cheerful Ihome for his wife — very different from IsabePs, [but the happiness of home does not depend lupon outward surroundings. He had woven a Ithought of her into all its arrangements, and that thought was visible to her eyes if to no other. Theirs would be a home from which the peace and love would never depart. Even if death should claim one of them, there would be ISO many blessed memories ; and hopes of a klorious immortality to comfort the one who Isliould be left. 46 BOCIAL HEROISM. In society and before others. tKere were none of these demonstrations of alfection, which should be kept private — else tiie sacredness were gone. Jiut Hamilton believed he might s]iov\' his wife at least as much courtesy as he would a stranger. Wherever she was she felt encompassed and surrounded by his thought- ful love. And how did she repay such devotion ? Just as only such a woman could repay it — with a love and reverence equal to his own. This is no ideal picture. Such a marriage has been and can be realized. Does Christ eh vate mar- riage too much when He makes it a type of His love and care for His Church, and the Church's love and dependence upon !!im? There was no danger that Arthur and Louise would grow sellish and think only of themselves. Hearts so full ot such hai>piness must overflow with good to others. Their lives were spent in^ trying to elevate those who were sunk in sin and unhappincss — trying to do -^W they conld to send their little gleam of light through the darkness of this sin-sick world. No one could be long with them without wishing to have his- own life more dristlike. Arthur and Eobert watched Harry very closely as they found their fears were being realized. Even before Isabel had opened her eyes to the danger, they had tried to show him whither his present habits were tending. But Harry was just at that point when it is SOCIAL HEROISM. 47 hardest to convince a man that he is in danger. He felt that as yet the habit had not taken strong hold of him, and he could break from it at any time. And even then he could have done so without much of a struggle. But he could not believe tliat it would become more and more fastened upon him. It is easier to reach a man who knows his own misery and degradation. Harry was still the same generous-hearted, high-spirited man, and it made their hearts ache to think of his laughing eye becoming un- steady, and all his fine powers corrupted and made a curse to himself, and to his family. It was somo time loi>ger before Isabel could bring her mind to speak to her father of her fears. Like a true wife, as she was, her husbands honor and good name were precious to her. And she could not endure that anv one else should notice and speak of the fear that was saddening her life. At length Judge Harris- ton noticed the change in her, and before speak- ing, tried to find out for Jiimself the reason. But his eyes were not keen enough to detect anything amiss. So finally he asked her why she was not the same merry-hearted girl she used to be. She hesitated a little and finally told him the heavy burden of anxiety which was troubling her and making her so different. '' Why Isabel, I have never seen Harry when he seemed mastered by the wine. 1 think ho keeps control of himself." ir 48 SOCIAL HEROISM. " But he is getting more and more fond of it. He depends upon it lor inspiration 'as he callg it." Iler voice quivered with leeling as she went on. " I know he seems to be all right now, except his jscrowing fondness for it; but I seem to be impressed lately with the feeling that he will be a drunkard. I have nut touched wine for a long time. Oh ! if I had only felt the importance of my influence before: for he says it was from your example and from mine that he first began to drjnk wine." Judge Harriston looked very serious. This was the first time that he thought he might have made a mistake in his hospitality. *'I think you are alarming yourself unnecessarily my dear child. I will keep a lookout on Harry and warn him. I am afraid you are not as well| as usual, it is not like you to believe in presenti- ments. You always looked on the bright side of I everything." Some little ray of comfort seemed to shine upon Isabel now that her fear was confided to her father. She had great confidence in his ability to influence Harry. It is a sad thing for I a wife when she has a sorrow which she cannot I confide to her husband. One of the most sacred and beautiful things about married life is the mutual confidence. How sorrow and care are I lightened when they are mutually shared. If possible, Isabel became more loving and I devoted to her husband than before. The SOCIAL HEBOISM. 49 I of it. e calls as sliel t now, . seem I hat he d wine jlt the le says e that attractions of his home were strong. Baby jLouise was daily developing many w'nning [child-like ways. Seldom has a man more in- [ducements to be noble and up-ri^ht. But alas, Iwe can look about, and see many instances, Iwliere such attractions seem to have h'ttle Ipower over a man who has begun to listen to the [voice of temptation. 7 This might i jssarily Harry as well! •esenti- side of I i-'^ '' V- > shine ded to in his ing for cannot sacred is the ire are >?!: k: \g and . The fi 50 SOCIAL HEROISM. CHAPTER VIII. ** There is a way which seemeth right unto a man ; bq the end thereof are the ways of death. " Five years have ffone by since the close of tlij last chapter — years which have brought maii| elianges to all : sad — very sad experiences foj some of them, and joyful ones to others. Arthur Hamilton and Louise were in theij pleasant drawing room one evening just aftel tea. Arthur was down on the floor on handi and knees playing horse with his four-year old boy. Louise sat sewing with her little girl oj her knee, enjoying most heartily the antics of tlKJ horse and his driver. The horse must have had an unusual supply of oats, for he seemed verj P fractious. At last Arthur said " Now Fred tli I horse is tired, we must let him go into liij I ^ _Btal)le. " V« r There was just a little hesitation before Freii I unharnessed his horse, but he had learned alj ^ ready that his father meant what he said. Sol he climbed u]) on Arthur's knee and laid his headi lovingly against his shoulder, and asked for tlie| story ot the bears who ate up all the naughtj SOCIAL HEROISM. 51 liildrcn The story was told with his correc- ioiis, and Louise said " That was pretty bad for le iiaui^lity children, wasn't it?" Fred had ( . phown a disposition to see the est side of evtrything. If there were one itle patch of blue in tlie sky, and all the rest ark and clondy, he always saw the blue. So i -^ ovv his mother waited to see what his answer , uuld be. \ *' Yes mamma, but it was good for the h^ars. "J When the smile which this answer called up ad passed away, Arthur said *'When the lit- lle people are in bed, I have something to tell on Louise. '' She look, inquiringly into her husband's ce to see whetiier it was anything painful hich he had to tell. lie understood the look and answered ** Yes it about Harry. Every time I think of him and oinpare their unhappiness with our happiness, feel so saddened. And yet in the beginning ne would have thought that they had more to ake them happy than we. The only ditfer- nee, thev had not such a sense of the need of od's help. Then, too, I do not know what! ight have been my course, if you had not J4 ad such principles about temperance. Tou \ ere like mountain scenery always inspiring! e to better deeds. " j A happy look came into her face. What wife J oes not like to hear such words? But still"" 52 SOCIAL HEROISM. she thought that without her, he was strong in God's strength. "I do not despair of him yet" she said "I feel that God will answer our prayers. Poor Isabel ! " *' Poor Isabel " echoed Fred " did the bears eat her up too ? " And Louise thought he was not dangerously wise with regard to their conversation. , „ After a little Arthur carried the two children up stairs, and when Louise had put them in bed .aid listened to Fred's prayer for them all: especially for '' dear Uncle Harry," she went down to listen to Arthur's story. ■ i . , i .. '' I have known for some time that Harry has been goinj^ down in spite of all our remons- trances and prayers. But 1 never realized how low he had fallen until to-day. I went to the bank to see him on business. The teller had a queer look on his face when I told him I wanted to see him. He pointed to the private room and said I would find him there. ' I know you are an old friend of his ' he said * perhaps you can do something for him.' I did not understand what he meant, although I had a dread that something was wrong. I found him lying on the bed in a drunken sleep. Just think of it Louise ! Our Harry, with all his noble gifts fallen so low as that ! I cannot tell you of all the thoughts which passed through my mind as I sat there be- side him. I wondered how a man with such a treasur I with L ''It I home would that h( prom is until I [Isabel any thi I knew wrong 1 felt, for tb afraid 4 SOCIAL HEROISM. 53 •ong in I aid '4 Poor I bean le was their lildren in bed in all: went rrv has •emons- }d how to the had a w^anted Dm and on are on can jrstand d that ing on : of it illen so oughts ere be- mch a wife, and two such dear little childrtm could so far forget his duty to them and himself — if he Lad no higher thought of his duty to God. I bathed his head and lace : and at last he awoke. I need not describe to you his mortification [when he found I had seen his degradation. 'Oh Arthur,' he said ' if I had only listened to your advice ; but now I am afraid it is too late. I do not believe I can break off now.' * No Harry it is not too late. Think of the men who have fallen so much lower than you have, and yet by the help of God, have thrown off the power of this habit, and become free men again. For the sake of your wife and children, turn over a new leaf.' He sobbed like a child when I spoke of them. * I am not worthy to have such [treasures' he said. 'But you were on^e and |with Divine help you can be again.' ^ r' " " I told him he was not in a condition to go I home to tea, and if he would promise that he [would stay there, I would go and tell Isabel that that he would not be home until evening. He [promised faithfully that he would not leave until I came back. So I w^ent to his home. Isabel seemed very much alarmed, and asked if anything had happened lo him. I think she I knew from my manner that something was wrong. I could not help showing how sober I felt, when my heart was so heavy with pity for them both. She turned so pale. I was afraid she would fa"!l. 54 SOCIAL HEROISM. 4l p " *To think that I am the cause of it all' sli«| Baid over and over." i' "I think she blames herself more than shel ought " said Louise. " I think so to ; but still Harry would havsl given it up onoe if it had not been for their falsel • idea of hospitality. I do not think she erred) wilfully. It was from thoughtlessness, and bef cause others had done so, and were doing so, slie r did not see the harm of it. If influential men and I women would only take a different stand ho\T jL soon the evil would grow less. Men are BO much afraid of being called mean and fanati- cal. Perhaps it would help them to bear the title with equanimity, if they would remember that the greatest men of the world have been called fanatics. Really it is the aristocracyl of independence and devotion to the good of| others.' " But to return to Isabel. She grew calmer! after a little, and asked me if I thought there was no hope that he would reform. ' I seem to have no faith in my own prayers,' she said. ' I feel God thinks I ought to b© punished for placing temptation in the way of others.' "You are taking a morbid view of God's dealings with you,' I said. And then I took the| Bible and read the hundred and third Psalm, dwelling particularly on the verses ' He hasl not rewarded us according to our iniquities. Like as a ftither pitieth his children, so the Lordj SOCIAL HEROISM. 55 all ' M lan she! Id havfil eir false le erredl and be- so, shel nen and! nd horn "en are . fanati- •ear the] memberl ve been! stocracjl good ofl calmer lere was to have ' I feel placing r God's ook thel Psalm,. He has quities. lie LordI >• t ; ' . )itieth them that fear Hira. For he knoweth )iir frame. He remembereth that we are dust.' 5he seemed greatly comforted ; and I told her tliat you and Robert and I are praying for Harry liinceasingly, and I feel survi God will answer our )rayer3, although it looks very dark now. I )romiBed I w^ould bring Harry home safely to ler in the evening. And now I think I must fO." Louige had listened with tearful eyes to .rthur's painful story. In the realization )f their own great happiness, these two joiild still sympathize with the sorrows of >tliers, and weep with those whose hearts were Heavy. ^ - ^.^ ■ ■■- ■ - ■- '■ --- '' IsabePs life has been so full of sunshine : [it makes it doubly hard to live in tnis dark jliadow now. It envelops her so closely, I fear she cannot realize that the sunshine of jod is still behi'id the cloud And what a [change there i» in Judge Harriston. He would have done anything rather than have lier troubled, even to giving up a time-honored Icustom." ''I believe he does not have wine on his table mow. How differently we look at a truth, when Itlie force of it comes home to us." " I left Robert with Harry, and he was going out to an hotel, or somew^here to get him a cup |of strong coffee. So I hope lor Isabel's sake, he lis sober now." , 56 SOCIAL HEROISM. % ^ Arthur folded his wife closely to his heart he said " Thank God for us, my precious wifel that His grace has been sufficient to keep m\ from these things." The^re was the secret of their strength and theirl humility. They knew tliat from God comes the strength, and the honour for their uprightnessj belonged to Him. 0! fi y'ic»:ii* :P:.m ilWii l- ^n:\ t-^i^»v/ :.i- 'ill w I'M* ii^ lit' ^^CT"' to T ^i', V 'f ■ > . _. A J.. '-\ * uO .iiofi^i -Mv-li, n. : .; - ■- Siliil ;'!.;-:!*■ m^m^ :; ■ .■ , ■. : ^t}^%-it^M ■ ,-,.■- ■ - ■■ ^- ^ ■ ■-*' . . . A $OCIAL HEROISM. 67 i^l : ^ ■ ■.. 1 ■ • • CHAPTER IX. '♦ The fruit of the righteous is a tfee of life ; and lie^^ that winneth souls is wise." Harry's fall had coirie about in this way. He had met some old College friends, whom he had not seen for year.- ; and they had been drinking to the memory of ^' Anld Latio; Svne,'' until both past and present were obliterated from their minds by a drunken stupor. This was the first time Harry had been so intoxicated as to lose entire control ot himself His mortification and contrition were so intense, that for some time his wife and his iriends hoped he had really reform- ed. Had it not been for the faithful watchfulness of Arthur and Robert, it is not easy to say what might have been the result when Harry awoke to a sense < f his disgrace. But their earnest W'^rds ot* advice and hope inspired him with some comfort. He was more like himself than he had been for some time, when Arthur took him home that night. And Arthur was very thankful that Isabel had been spared the agony of seeing him in the condition in which he had found him. M u SOCIAL HEROISM* 1 &i a r L 1 : Siie did not meet him with tears and reproaches. She felt it was not in that way she could undo the wrong she had done. For sometime after that night their home seemed something ms it had been at first: and the happiness began to come again into Isabel's face. Their little girl was now six years old ; their boy three. And it often seemed to Isabel that but for them, her lieart would have broken. There is some healing tonch in baby lingers which softens the most bitter sorrow a mother or wife can know. Harry had never been nnkind. She was spared the l)itter memory of cruel words. But he had always hiughed off her pleadings by telling her it was all lier doings. Had he known the agony of heart such words cau-ed her, he might: not have said them : although a man, under such circumstances is ever seeking a cause ft»r his conduct. And one who couLl so far forget his manhood in one thing, would scarcely hes^itate about speaking words, which he knew would wound. And how had Warren been spending all these years? , He had been true to his best impulses and feelings; true to his Christian principle. And ail these years had been useful ones. His name through the whole city was spoken with admiration, not so much on account ot his tnlents, other lawyers were as clever, but because of his uprightness in all things. No man would have thought of coming to him or to Arthur to plead in an unjust or unlawful cause. SOCIAL HEBOISM. 59 Robert was still unmarried — a fact which Louise mourned over more than a little. ' ' . " He has all the qualities necessary to make a good husband ; and his wife would be the happiest woman in the world — except one," she said to Arthur one day. " You show the wisdom of a statesman, putting in that last clause, in order to keep disaffection out of your kingdom. 1 suppose your most loyal subject may take that dainty morsel to himself." Hamilton and Warren had been for sometime engaged as counsel in an extensive lawsuit ; and it became necessary, in behalf of their client, for one of them to go to England to hunt up some witnesses of a contested will. Hamilton pre- ferred not to go unless it was best, for the business might det^jn him a number of months. And his home claimed him first. As Warren had no such ties, he thought it would be a fine opportunity to see England. So it was decided, to the satisfaction of all that he should go. He came one night to say good-bye to Arthur and Louise. He was to start the next morning for New York, where he would spend a few days, and then sail for Liverpool. Louise could not resist the temptation of giving him a parting remonstrance. *' Remember Robert, I expect you will bring! back an ' English Rose' as your wife. I am ^t getting thoroughly diaheartened at your short . JU^-i-i 60 SOCIAL HEROISM. •/? comings. Do you know you are thirty one years old and are getting grey V^ r '' Yes, I am conscious of both these dreadful \ facts ? and I will do my best to satisfy you. But j what can I do until the right one comes across my path ?" p " 1 expect you will meet her in the most ro- mantic manner." , Louise had assumed this playful manner to hide the real sorrow she felt at parting with him, even for a few months. He had been like a brother to them all these years, and they felt they would miss him very much. Kobert's parting with Harry was painful to both. There were a few earnest words of en- r couragement and admonition from him and Harry ;\ promised to do all he could to break the chains ^ '4 which threatened to drag him to eternal ruin. r But Harry had not yet felt his own weakness \ and his need of God's help. It was not very long I after Kobert's departure before he had again fall- / en into temptation. Every new failure deadened I his sensitiveness regarding his disgrace, and I brought also a loss of self-respect and courage. His tails came so often now that Arthur^ with all his chivalrous devotion, could not always save Isabel from the heart- breaking misery of seeing him when there was little intelligent manhood visible in him. Oh ! the mystery of the power of that temptation which makes a man forget everything which was once dearer than life to Ihiml •OCIAL HEROISM. 61 One day the President of the Bank called upon idge ilcirriston and requested a private inter- lew. "I have come in the name of the Directors, a painful errand — one which lean hardly find nirage to communicate to you. T ou will know is something regarding your son-in-law, Mr. [cPherson. I wL-h from my heart that it were le same message that I had for you seven or Ight years ago. 7 hen I told you he had gained le confidence of all. But I need not tell you lat since the change in his habits, it is all quite liferent. We have confidence still that Mr. [cPlierson is s.trictly honest. But when he is a condition to Le hardly conscious of his jtions, we feel it is endangering the stability id credit of the Bank to allow him to hold his resent lesponsible position. He cannot inspect je accounts properly ; and should any irregu- Irity occur, it might cause a serious loss to the lank." - -. Judge Harriston had heen sitting with his jad bowed upon his hands while Mr. Mont- )mery had been speaking. !Now he raised his ;ad and said '*I am deeply grateiul to }ou for je kindness and courtef^y you have shown me in lis matter. 1 appieciate the truth of all you ive been saying ; but il he is dismissed fj cm [e Bank 1 am afraid it will break my daughter's ?art, and send Harry to immediate ruin. — )uld you consent to keep him, for a time at 62 SOCIAL HEROISM. ill \ least, in his present position if I place iiftj thousand dollars in your hands, as a suretj ajrainst any such irregularity? Would yo think that amount sufficient?" " It will be more than sufficient to satisfy m\ 1 will speak to the other Dirctors about it, an I am quite sure they will be of the same opinion.! P " Mr. Montgomery, I feel in a measure rj sponsible for Mr. McPherson's fall. It was 1 my house he first learned to take wine — jiistiJ 1 a social manner. And he was often urged bj I me to do so when he refused. I had alwai been accustomed to it, and could not undel stand how it could prove a temptation to otheij My eyes are opened now. God teaches men heart-breaking experiences sometimes, if thJ refuse to learn by gentle ways. If you have nevj seen the danger of some of our social custoi take warning from my experience." So Harry remained in the Bank, although one but Judge Harriston and the Directors Kne| the conditions. :u.' I 600IAL HEROISM. 63 CHAPTER X I" Commit thy way unto the Lord . Trust also in Him. id He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light thy judgments as the noonday. " Warren went first to London to find some ice of the persons for wluim he was seeking. intended to < onil)ine business and pleasure, id concluded he miaht as well stay in London \' a week or two just to t:et a glimpse of its Hiders. At last much to his satisfaction, he ind that the men he wanted lived among the [estmoreland lakes. So about a month after arrival, he started for the north of England. hen the train was fairly beyond the London and smoke, he found that the other occu- [uts of the railway carriage were a lady and a m — probably a gentleman in that individuals n\ estimation, but not in Roberts. The two were [idently perfect strangers to each other, but man seemed inclined to make the acquain- nce of both the h^dy and Robert. She seem- to be very much annoyed at his advances, and )bert thought she looked rather appealingly at [ni, as if she were asking to be relieved. So, Ither against his own inclinations, for he saw 64 SOCIAL HEROISM. T* the man was intoxicated, he asked him to (!oni| and take a seat beside him, and he would shou him some views of Canada. The lady gave bin * a look of grateful relief and turned again to hi book. Whih^ Robert was explaining the picf f tures, he could not help now and then glancinJ f at her face, and he lound a sti ange fascinatioj in it. lie could not help smiling to himsei when he thought how Louise would weave alii tie romance making him a true knight, deleiid ing a poor besieged damsel. Truly one wuul| search far and wide to find a man with nm heroic virtues. In days of chivalry he woiiI| have been a knight " without fear, and witlioi (reproach." llobert was to change cars at Lichfield : anj he found the lady gathering up her shawl anj book as if she were going to do so, too. Tlif other occupant seemed inclined to begin his aJ noying attentions again ; so li »bert, havinii: a| opportunity, ventured to say to her " If I ca be of any assistance to you do not hesitate command me.'" She thanked him cordially anj said she would not. At Lichfield when the train stopped and tlj guard opened the door ; the man started to taf her bag, but Robert was too quick for liin *' This lady is under my care," he said with deJ sion. The man looked quarrelsome but fiiialj went his way, and they saw nothing more liim ; but th-y learned he was an unworthy sii of a noble house SOCIAL HEROISM. 65 ^' I saw enough of drunkenness in Canada but^ it is far worse here," Robert said, as they were \tj going from one train to another. 1^ " Yes, it is England's greatest curse, ^' she ' answered. Under ordinary circumstances, probably these two people would never liave spnken to each other. But now the ice was broken, and they talked of many things. She told him she had never travelled such a distance alone before ; but the illness of a friend in London had made it necessary for her to goto lier, and now she was returning home. She told him it must be much pleasanter in America than in England for a lady to travel alone, partly on account of being locked in the railway carriaire in England. Itobert found that her home was at Ravens- dale, Westmoreland, and that she was going to stay with a friend over night at Manchester ; so hec ncluded, if he could find out that it would not be disafj^reeable to her, he would stay over too, as *lieii ad would be the same next day._^ F vved he'* some of his *' credentials" so that ! s A'ould fee safe under his protection. But wim a pure-hearted woman's quick intuition, , and sensitiveness, his face and manner were the i bes^ credentials to her. At Manchester, she found no one waiting for her at the station as she expected ; so that decided Kobert aboi. staying over night. lie saw her safely to her friend's house, and then 'H ee SOCIAL HEROISM. L t. i-i-x'-KftJ's**' went to an hotel. The next morning saw them again on their journey, feehng by this time almost like old friends. The further details of the journey need not be told. They took stage a short distance over the mountains to Ravensdale, and how it reminded him of that other ride, years ago, when Harry was his own true-hearted manly self. At last he left her at her own door with the promise, if he could find it convenient, at some future time, he would call upon her. She gave hi Ml her card, and after he left her, he read "Helen Douglas," and he found himself repeating Scott's description of the " Lady of the Lake." Someway in his letter:* to Arthur and Louise, he did not mention this little episode; although he had given very detailed accounts of all his experiences before. But strangely enough, he thought ; tor the first time smce Louise had giv^a him the oi der ; o+ the " English liose" he v/as to take back to Canada. p- Robert found after a time the men he had I been in search of, and obtained the i.itormation / I whi(;h was needed to prove his client's claim. '^1 But only three months had passed, and he j had six or eight months' leave of absence. "So now he planned how he could spend the time remaining to the best advantage; and conclude I that he would si»end a little time most pleasantly among the hills and lakes ot Cumberland and Westmoreland. So we find him at Eavensdale, m SOCIAL HEROISM. 67 them time i of the ;age a isdale, • ride, earted th the t some le gave 3 read )eating ake." Louise, tbough all hia gh, he givbii He Vv'aa e had nation claim, id he bsence. 10 time elude I asantly nd and nsdale, cosily settled in a quiet English inn. From there he miade exeiirsions in all directions — , going as far as Scotland, and spending some time in Ireland. But always coming back to head- quarters, as if a magnet drew him irresistibly. lie had called upon Helen Douglas soon aftei his first arrival — had been introduced to her father and brother, and had received a cordial welcome. For his thoughtful courtesy to Helen had been a password for him, even through the reserve of an English home. He was soon es- tablished on the most friendly footing with them all. The six months passed rapidly away, and Robert wrote home to ask if the time could be extended. Arthur answered that he could be spared three or four months longer as well as not, and urged him to slay. So Eobert felt at ease. He found that among all of Er gland's attractions, to him, the strongest one was to be found among the Westmoreland iiills. He had surrendered at last. And now he felt he could not go to Canada without ask- ing Helen Douglas to go with him as his wife. She possessed all the qualities ofthe ideal woman he had been thinking of so long. So one night j he told her of his love and hopes, and asked her if she would go home with him. "I know I must seem almost a stranger to you" he said. W " You know irom the letters I have shown you what my position is. But your heart alone can i^»fn -.V 68 SOCIAL HEROISM. u tell you whether I ^ whether you can tn am worthy of your love, you can trust your happiness in my . hands." t- Her heart seemed to tell her something which satisfied them both. "I do not know why it is," Robert said to llelen, " that your face has always seemed like that of some one I have known before. From the first hour I saw you I have never been able to think of you as a stranger." They went together to her father, and in a few, straightforward, manly words, Robert made known his wishes, and his request. c^^i*y " I cannot say that I will keep sorrow from her life, for God alone can do that ; but I will try to make her life as joyful as it is possible for human love and care to do, it you think me worthy of such a gift." " 1 cannot give my consent to your marriage until you know mj history," her father answered. '* Helen herself only knows it in part. 1 would spare you both the humiliation of hearing it, but it would not be right. Ah ! how it bows my head in grief to think of my past. My prospects were very bright, but 1 ruined tLem by dissipa- - tion. And in my drunken frenzy, one night, I killed my wife : forsook my son, and then jumped into the river with you, Helen, in my arms; thinking to end all the misery at once. But we were picked up by a small boat, from an out- ward-bound sailing vessel. God, in His mercy, gOCIAL HEB0I8M. 69 had not allowed me to rush unprepared into Eternitj'. " I told them on the vessel that my wife was dead, and they thon^ht that griefhad driven me mad. We were very kindly cared for by all on board. We went to Australia, where for a time, I worked with the convicts— a self-inflicted punishment ; hut 1 knew it was what I deserved. But at last God's peace flowed into my heart, j nd I knew that, in Christ, I was forgiven. We stayed in Australia, until you were ten years old, and I made enongh money to allow us to live in comfort I adopted your little playmate : his father and mother had died ; and I hoped, in return, some one would take pity on my own boy, whose father had so cruelly deserted him. At the end of the ten years, we came here, and have lived here ever since. I made what in- quiries I dared about my boy; but could hear nothing of him. And so 1 thought he might be dead. " Mr. Warren, if your love for Helen is strong enough to overlook all this : I gr c her happiness freely into your keejing. 6he has been my guardian angel, and life will be very desolate without her ; but I cannot be selfish enough to keep her from such happiness." Helen had been so intently watching her father's face that she had not noticed Eobert. The echoes ot almost forgotten words were lingering in his mind, and how strangely like 5 i To SOCIAL HEROISM. they were to this story. As Mr. Douglas paused he said, with great earnestness : " I implore you, Mr. Douglas, tell me where you lived, and what was your name ? I assure you I do not ask from idle curiosity." Mr. Douglas looked at Eobert in astonish- ment, as he answered, " In Quebec, and my name is Arthur Hamilton." They thought then that Robert had gone crazy. He caught Helen to his heart as he exclaimed " Oh, thank God ! Thank God ! Mr. Douglas, you did not kill your wife, she lived ten years after that. And your son has been for long years my dearest, my most honoured friend. I heard his story from his own lips years ago. How little did I imagine it was lor this I came to England. Surely God works in strange ways. Mr. Douglas turned so deadly pale while Robert was speaking that they hastened to get him a glass of water. As he recovered he said, "Mr. Warren are you beside yourself? You purely would not say this without some foundation for it." ' *' No, Mr. Douglas, I know perfectly well wliatl I am saying." And then he told them all that Arthur had told him — and told of the friendship which had been such a safe-guard and blessing to them both. " I have always thought Arthur Hamilton the noblest man I ever Knew. To I think that we shall be brothers !" tii ^' fiOOIAL HEROISM. " Mr. Douglas you will surelv go home with usT " Do you think he will ever be able to forgive me the cruel wrong I did him ?" this father asked. "He never spoke of you with any bitterness. There will be nothing but the most intense joy- in his heart." Mr. Douglas bowed his head in fervent thanksgiving to God for his loving kindness in lifting this terrible weight trom his heart. Robert showed them pictures of Arthur, Louise and their two little children. And with what strange feelings Mr. Hamilton look- ed upon the features of his son. Helen had hardly spoken through all this scene. She seemed almost bewildered by her father's words. But now with what loving eyes she looked at the brother, of whose existence she had never known. Robert and Helen sat with hands clasped and he told them gently all he knew of Arthur's mother, of her sweetness and dignity, and of her peaceful death. *' I know now what made your face such a study to me from the first," he said to Helen. " It is your resemblance to your mother." *' Yes, she is very like her mother, as she was in her days of happiness. If I could only atk her forgiveness fur all the sorrow I caused her." 78 SOCIAL HSR0I8M. ** Perhaps slie has known it all, dear father. Think now of the glorious hope of meeting her in Heaven." There was much to tell on both sides, and these three, all Uiiconscious of the flight of time, talked until dawn began to brighten the east. Mr. Eamilton felt that for him the day had dawned, after his long night of self-condemnation and sorrow. llOCUt BBROISU. n t ,ii CHAPTER XL " So live that wlien the mighty caravan "^ Which halts one night-time in the vi^le of death, Shall strike its white tents for the morning march, . ^-. Then shall mount upward to the etemil hills, ^ ^i Thy foot unwearied, and thy strength renewed. Like the strong eagle's for the upward flight." "^ It was decided that Hobert and Helen should be married in about two montlis ; and then they, with Mr. Hamilton, start for Canada soon alter. "We have waited for eath other so many years, and I came so far to find you : we can afibrd to huny a little now," Robert said. And as both Helen and her father were impa- tient to see Arthur, he met with little opposition. Mr. Hamilton's adopted son was well established in business, and decided for the time to remain in England. Robert only wrote to Arthur and Louise that he would bring his wife home with him. He did not tell ot the strange discovery he had made. "You have always been like brother and sister to me," he wrote " and I ask that you will welcome my wiJe as a sister. You will find she well deserves such a welcome. Talk of u AodiAt liEkbldMi I'i English roses, Louise ! wait until you see mine. You will be glad 1 waited." So two months later Robert and Helen stood together in the ivy-covered village Church, and spoke the solemn promises, which made them husband and wife. They went for a few days to Gr asm ere, to the spot, which had been Wordsworth's home lor so many years. And they thought, with a mind so sensitive to the finest influences of nature, he could not have wanted inspiration. His own happiness, and a thoughi of the joy in store for his friend, had made a wondeiful change in Robert. He had been a quiet, dignified man — cheerful and aifaMe always; but now his overflowing joyfulness was suggestive of Harry McPherson in his best days. At last they said good-bye to England, and it with mingled feelings of pain and was happiness that Helen and Mr. Hamilton saw the shores of America. They came home by way of 'New York, for Mr. Hamilton felt it would recall the past too painfully to land at Quebec. Arthur and Louise were in a state of the greatest excitement, as the time drew near that they might expect Robert and his wife. Louise wandered about the house, putting a few finishing touches to what seemed perfect before. It was one of those beautiful cool days in October, when Canadian foliage blushes because of its own 800IAI' hi!:boism. n and it and I saw home Dn felt and at of the ar that Louise lishing It was , when i3 own beauty. Louise and Arthur were glad to have Helen see her new country at its best. They had a bright, cheerful lire burning in the grate to give the crowning touch of home. They felt as if they really were going to wel- come a Fister, for Robert had long been like a brother to them both. Robert had decided that it would be best to have Mr. Hamilton go to an Hotel first ; and then Helen and he would drive to Arthur's. He feared otherwise the excitement would be too great for them all. So at last they reached the house, and Helen received a welcome as heartfelt and sincere, as even her husband could wish. Louise wondered why her English cousin trembled so when Arthur kissed her, but thought it must be her timidity at meeting strangers. She might have wondered, to, at the suppressed excitement, which showed itself in Robert's face and manner. After they had removed their wrappings, Robert said ^* Arthur, perhaps you and Louise have wondered a little that 1 have said so little about my wife. I reserved it all until now. Arthur, look at her, does she not remind you of some one you have known and loved ?" Arthur had been looking at her almost all the time since she had entered the room. He was impressed with a strange familiarity about her, the same that had so fascinated Robert at first, .jviLov w 0OOIAL HEBOISM. r— Robert hastened on, for the paling cheek of 'Ti \ his wife warned him that the excitement was Ltoo intense. " I found my wife in England, but, Arthur, she was born in Canada — in Quebec: she had a brother five years older than lierself ; he has long believed her dead. Her name was Helen — Helen Hamilton ! Arthur, Louise, did I not ask a sister's welcome for my wife ?" Arthur had listened to Robert's rapid, joyouB words as one in a dream. Now the strong re- semblance to his mother flashed like lightning across his mind, and in an instant his long-lost sister was clasped in his arms — only for an instant did he hold her there, before his arms opened to take into their embrace his wife also. She had been his comfort — his blessing in his loneliness; now they were one in their joy. When Arthur could find words he said, falter- ingly, as though he feared to ask, " And our Father, did he live long enough to seek and find God's forgiveness? What a comfort it would be to know that?" And Helen answered " yes Arthur he did," and then she looked appealingly to Robert, as though she wished him to tell the rest. " Arthur can you bear more j()y ? for there is yet more in store for you. Your father still lives— he is here in Toronto. He long ago found God's forgiveness, and is waiting now to find I yours." SOCIAL HEBOISM. 77 The meeting between Arthur and his father ^ was too sacred for description. Kobert went with him to the hotel, but he felt that the meeting would be too touching and solemn for any one to witness; so he left them to them- selves. It would be hard to tell which one, of all the group gathered in Arthur's home that night, was the happiest. Mr. Hamilton had not believed he could ever know bo much joy again on earth. Surely God does not reward us according to our iniquities. There was a strong resemblance between Arthur and his sister — the same clear, dark eye, the same quiet dignity of manner. Helen noticed with great delight the love which existed between her brother and her husband. During the evening Helen and Robert found themselves alone for a few moments, and she said playfully " I am glad you asked me to be your wife before you knew 1 was Arthur's eister, or I should alwa^^s believe you wanted me to marry you just because of that relationship." " If such a thing were possible, my own beloved, I believe I would think more of you because you are like him." And was their nothing to cloud their joy ? Yes ; not for themselves, but for those very dear to them. Robert had asked about Harry, and learned there was no change for the better, but rather for thd wcwrse. I n SOCIAL pspoi^^. . " We must all work still harder for his re- formation, and never grow weary in our prayers until his home is as bright with God's smile as ours are," Robert said. The ^' world" knew that Arthur had found his father and sister ; but the world never know how he had h^st them. Isabel's trouble had developed all the strength of her character. The laitli of Arthur and Louise and all ot them, that Harry would sometime be brought back from his fearful wanderings, kept faith from dying out of her own heart. jjj Mr. Hamilton heard of Harry from them all; and from the first, these two seemed strangely attracted towards each other. At length Mr. Hamilton said to Arthur "lam going to tell Harry all of my sad story. Perhaps a picture of my life — its miserable failures — the trouble and want 1 brought upon my wife and children ;— and then the forgiveness and peace which God has given me may have some effect." One night Harry was perfectly sober, a rare occurrence lately. Mr. Hamilton was with him in his library, and he had been reading something from Euskin. As Mr. Hamilton came to the passage : '^ He who has once stood beside the grave to look back upon the companionship which has been forever closed, feeling how impotent ihi7'e are the wild love, or the keen sorrow, to give one instant's pleasure to the pulgelefti heart, or Atpne in tbw how trength Louise :ime be 8, kept 3m all ; L'angely th Mr. to tell 3ture of ble and Iren ;— ch God a rare ith him nething to the ide the ionship g how e keen to the neature to the departed spirit for theliourof unkindness; will scarcely for the future incur that debt to the heart, which can only be discharged to the dust — ." His voice faltered and broke. He was thinking of his wife, and her bitter years of sorrow and want. *' May 1 tell you my story, Mr. McPherson?" he asked, after a little. " There seems a sort of parallel between our lives, as far as yours has gone. Perhaps my failures may prove a beacon light to warn you fri>m the rocks that made shipwreck of my happiness." And then he told the story, going into the very^ depths of its blackness and despair — its wretch- : edness and sin. Harry listened with paling , cheek. Mr. Hamilton did not spare himselil \ He wanted Harry to feel all the dreadful "T^' possibilities for wickedness there are in a heart f which has drifted away from God on the stormy ; sea of temptation and sin. Then he told hiiuj why he had opened these old wounds. " They tell me your wife is so different, that the joyousness has gone out of her life, when she used to be as joyous as a bird ; and yet she is so patient and uncomplaining. Harry, you do not know what you might do to her and your children, when you are crazy with alcohol. For all these long years, I have believed I was a murderer ; I did murder my wife's happiness, her joy and hope, and of what value is lite when they are gone?" Long and earnestly did Mr^ i^^ # a- i 80 SOCIAL HEBOISl^; Hamilton plead with him. And at last, for the ,/ first time in all these dark years, Harry realized yhf' the terrible gulf, over which he was ttanding; and believed that God alone could hold him back I from certain destruction. He stood up, and with something of the old hope and enthusiasm kindling his eye, he said, " Mr. Hamilton, I believe all of ycur prayers have been answered. I know now my need of God and His willingness to help me. 1 solemnly promise that this shall be a turning point in my life. I shudder now to think where 1 might have been, but for their prayers, their laithful ad- monitions. And what would have become ot my wile and children had we been poor, and had not Judge Harriston cared for them. 1 learn- ed to-day that but for his intercession, I should have been discharged irom the Bank more thivn a year ago. That is why I came home sober to-night, and why I am in a condition to ,_ listen to you Oh! that I may have strength \ to keep my resolutions." And he added rf^ solemnly, " The Lord is my strength, in Him .... will I trust." Isabel had been in her own room all the evening, watching by the children, who were recovering from a severe illness. As Harry entered her room that night he stiw with clearer eyes than ever before, the great change in her. And how all the heart and manhood in him were shamed that so often her love had been so treated. "Isabe" past ar chains with G( again." there w seemed been o to her- breakir And Someti] their In as if th must g< victory tempta^ and pe was ne^ sin lea\ those \\ but Ha never r( And torth a] came ^ honour Oh y are goi: loving no voi:; SOCIAL HfiBOtSM. 81 'Y >■ i said, )rayer9 eed of lemnly in my it have ill ad- )me ot nd had learn- should more J home tion to ;rengtli added 1 Him ill the were Harry clearer in her. Ipci were reated. "Isabel, my darling wife, can you forgive the past and beh'cve that to-night I have broken *^he chains which have so long bound me? ^ nd with God's help,I will try to be worthy ot your love again." He spoke with such earnestness, and there was such a resoliKte look in hii eyes, it seemed as if the Harry she had first loved had been on a long journey and had come back to her — that at last the heavy clouds were breaking. And were there no struggles — no failures? Sometimes in spite of all their watchfulness — all their l<>ving help and encouragement — it s<^^emed as if the struggle were tr>o much for him, and he >J^i must go back to the old habits. But with every ; ^ victory came new strength, until at last the temptation had lost its hold on him. The joy and peace came back to his home ; but there was never the same unclouded joyousness. Alas^ sin leaves its scars. There was the memory of tliose wasted years, which God had forgiven ; but Harry could never forget. His vigilance never relaxed : he had leai ned his own weakness. And now from these Christian homes w^ent torth an influence, which was felt by all who came within its reach. God recognized and honoured their faithfulness to Him. Oh ye Christians! think of the thousands who are going downward by many paths, with no ^ loving hand to point them to the Divine helper ; no vone to plead with Him for their salvation i -u h **^^ ii ioGiii, mmoisiit. Ah ! if each one could believe that, " Let the world go how it will, and be victorious, or nol victorious, he has a Lite of his own to live. Oni Life, a little gleam of Time between two Etem^ ties : no second chance to us forevermfwreP ■\ "'#'"/■>•,-*'». T.j'.i.f, -• 7\---!,n'\\ .KVi ' .(ii'iAi' \. 1* ^MT- iiii:— a-.- > ^f-. -ii-:}lU ■ ■'1 ^ifi' • ^—7 i' :'JiVyt^iVl.my^if:^:inl^; i.UOil::' cil: t>'i.^i' vf ^t O'lOn v'. ■•■''■•■ ' ~n^f'i':- . . ■:iuri»fe Oil' '.n::/^^mi •"n.i r > u jiiai /Hio -fit :u^ ir^-;^:' jy^niiofr Let the or noil 3. 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