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The best fellow in the world. Wright, Julia McNair, (1840–1903).
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"HOW COULD YOU KILL IT?" Page 52.

THE BEST FELLOW IN THE WORLD. HIS HAPS AND MISHAPS. NARRATED FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT.

BY

MRS. JULIA MCNAIR WRIGHT,

Author of "Almost a Priest," "John and Demijohn," "Jug-Or-Not," "How Could He Escape?" etc., etc.

NEW YORK: National Temperance Society and Publication House, 58 READE STREET.

1871.
page: 3[View Page 3]

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by J. N. STEARNS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. JOHN ROSS & CO., PRINTERS, 27 ROSE STREET, NEW YORK.

PREFACE.

BY REV. THEO. L. CUYLER.

IT is not needful that I write a single word to introduce Mrs. J. MCNAIR WRIGHT to the American people. Her ready and graceful pen has been a "door-key" to unlock ten thousand hearts; and she has been a giver of good gifts to our Sunday-schools and firesides. Nor does this volume need my commendation. It tells its own story. Like her previous writings, it is destined to a wide circulation and a happy influence.

Nowhere has the destructive havoc of the social glass been so manifest and terrible as among that class of young men who are popularly styled "the best fellows in the world." Their excitable temperaments and generous natures make them an easy prey to the tempter. They, in turn, become the most fascinating tempters of others. One such "sinner destroyeth much good," and will poison a whole circle of companions.

A touching and eloquent letter now lies before me, which was written by a former resident of Mrs. Wright's own State—Ohio. It is in an elegant style of composition and page: 4-5 (Table of Contents) [View Page 4-5 (Table of Contents) ] penmanship. The writer was once in a prosperous business and courted in society. But from a charity-hospital—in sickness, poverty, and want—he sends these bitter confessions of a broken heart:

"How I have so far escaped with my life is, to me, a miracle. I have been at death's portal a score of times during the past few years. And what has been the cause of all my misery and wretchedness? Rum. How well I remember the first glass of liquor I ever took! It was in Columbus at the —— Hotel. I took it with Mr. K——, and I drank it at the time under protest. Could K—— have seen the fruits of that 'sherry cobbler,' that one drink, he might better have given me a potion of strychnine in its stead. I am an embodiment of the fruits of that one drink. The bottle has been the skeleton in my closet ever since."

There are thousands of just such "best fellows in the world," who are rapidly rushing on just such a doom. This volume goes out as a warning signal to ward off the unwary youth from the fatal first glass. May the blessing of God go with this faithful "word in season"! And may the blessings of many who "were ready to perish" be the reward of its gifted author!

CONTENTS.

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