AN ARTIST named Hall was visiting in Ireland and making some sketches of some of the beautiful scenery. On one occasion when he was in the neighborhood of Lake Killarney, he met a bright young Irish boy, who offered to guide him through the district. They made a bargain and the sight-seeing party started out. The boy proved himself well acquainted with all the places of interest in the neighborhood, and had plenty of stories to tell about them. He did his work well, and the visitors were entirely satisfied.
At the end of the day, Mr. Hall took a bottle of whiskey from his pocket and had a drink. He then handed it to the boy telling him to help himself. But the dear lad polity refused. Mr. Hall offered him a shilling, and a half crown and five shillings if he would take a drink, but the boy was firm. A real manly heart was beating under his ragged jacket.
Mr. Hall determined to try him still further, so he offered the boy a half sovereign if he would take a drink. The poor boy had scarcely seen a coin worth so much before.
But straightening himself up, with a look of indignation on his face he said: “For years my father was a drunkard. It almost broke my mother’s heart; and a hard time she had to keep us children from starving. But finally my father was able to give up the awful drinking habit. I promised him on his death-bed that I would never drink intoxicating liquor; now, sir, for all the money you may be worth, and a hundred times over, I will not break that promise.”
The boy’s decision about drink was a noble one. Yes, and it did good too. As Mr. Hall stood there astonished, he took the bottle of whiskey and threw it out into the lake. Then he turned to the boy and shook him warmly by the hand sang as he did so, “My boy, that’s the best lecture I’ve ever heard. I thank you for it. Now, by the help of God, I will never drink another drop of intoxicating liquor while I live.” And he kept his promise.
To keep from strong drink is wise and good, to accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour and Shield from that and all other temptations is better still. May the Lord help you to do both, dear reader.
ML-01/07/1973