What is pardoned to youth, may not so easily be pardoned to manhood.

Have a care, Tom, have a care! Oh, my son, remember that the day will come when thou too must lie face to face with death, even as I do tonight.

Let not the record upon which thou wilt then look be one of vice and profligacy.

It needs must be that in such a moment our lives seem deeply stained by sin; but strive so to live that thou mayest at least be able to say, 'I have striven to do my duty--the Lord pardon all my imperfections!' For, Tom, if thou dost persevere in careless and evil courses, it may be that the power to ask the Lord's forgiveness may pass from thee; and if it comes to such a pass, may the Lord have mercy upon thy wretched soul!" The dying man stopped short, a spasm of suffering passing over his face.

The thought had been a terrible one to him.