"O, Robert, _will you try_?" I exclaimed, while my heart beat with pleasure to hear him thus speak. "'Tis hard work, Mary, harder than you think for." "I know it is hard, my dear husband; but only think of the happiness it would bring to us all--of the ruin from which it will save our little boys--the agony from which it will save your poor wife. O, Robert, if you have one spark of love remaining in your bosom for any of us"-- I could not go on; but leaning my hands upon my husband's shoulder, I sobbed aloud. Robert seemed affected, and said, in a doubtful tone, "Perhaps I might leave it off by degrees." "O no, Robert, no," I answered, "that will never do. Don't you remember how particular the minister was to say, '_Leave it off at once_?' You will never do it by degrees." Robert looked steadily into the fire, and did not say one word more. When not under the influence of strong drink, he is a man of good sense, and I thought it better to leave him to his own reflections. I know not what passed through his mind. The kinder and better feelings of other days seemed to be awakened from their slumber, or rather, He from whom "all just thoughts and holy desires proceed," was influencing his determination. As for myself, I longed in secret to pour out my soul to God. So I went into the bedroom, where my poor children were fast asleep; and after seeing that they were well covered up, I kissed each one of them, and knelt down by their side to offer up my prayer. I prayed as I had never done before. I seemed, through my Redeemer, to gain a nearer and bolder access to the throne of grace. My heart was filled with deep gratitude, penitence, humility, and joy; and from that hour I have dared to hope myself a child of God. O that blessed, blessed night. It caused joy among the angels in heaven, over the reconciliation of one soul to God--over the desire of another soul to return to the path of duty. It caused joy on earth, in our poor, humble dwelling--joy in the bosom of the long-afflicted wife--joy that her own soul was trusting in Christ--joy that her husband was purposing to forsake his wretched way, and turn into a happier, better path.