13 MY MOTHER’S al sense, and that the pledge might save him at last, as a plank saves the life of a mariner, who is tost upon the waves. Our good Clergyman was unfortunately of a different opinion. He had often disapproved of pledges: the Deacon was of the same opinion : he thought very illy of pledges. Month after month passed away, and our happiness was utterly destroyed. My husband neglected his business, and poverty began to stare us in the face. Notwithstanding my best exertions, it was hard work to keep my little ones decently clothed and sufficiently fed. If my husband earned a shilling, the dram-seller was as sure of it, as if it were already in his till. I sometimes thought I had lost all my affection for one, who had proved so entirely regardless of those, whom it was his duty to protect and sustain ; but, when I looked in the faces of our little children, the recollection of our early marriage days; and all his kind words and deeds soon taught me the strength of the principle, that had brought us together. I shall never cease
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