[Illustration] AN OLD MAN'S PRAYER. BY GEORGE M. BAKER. [Illustration] _ILLUSTRATED BY HAMMATT BILLINGS._ BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD. 1868. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by GEORGE M. BAKER, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. BOSTON: Stereotyped and Printed by Geo. C. Rand & Avery. TO MY WIFE. This simple story will be recognized by many throughout New England to whom the author has had the pleasure of reciting it. Frequent requests that he would place it in shape for preservation have emboldened him to issue it in its present dress. Painfully conscious of its defects as a literary work, he sends it forth in search of old acquaintances, trusting it may receive a share of that kindly favor bestowed upon it as it fell from his lips. ILLUSTRATIONS. Designed by Hammatt Billings. Engraved by S. S. Kilburn. PAGE. "High raises his Goblet" _Frontispiece._ "Into the Light an old Man steps" 23 "I had Wealth and Plenty" 29 "Ruined and Bankrupt" 33 "The Curse of the Wine-cup was in his Way" 37 "Hurled from his Hold my darling Boy" 43 "My Boy stepped down from the Preacher's Stand" 49 "With a pure, deep Feeling of heartfelt Bliss" 55 "Bright gleams his Sword as he moves along" 59 AN OLD MAN'S PRAYER.