Page:Account of the melancholy death of seven young men.pdf/4

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leave off his old-fashioned notions. Graham's mind was not fortified against his insinuations, and it is sufficient to say that he succeeded too well; a wonderful change was soon evident in his conduct, he would now join in the infidel laugh, he could now neglect his church, he first learned to omit, then to ridicule prayer, then curse, swear and drink, the alteration in his manner was too evident. His kind master expostulated with him of the foolishness of his conduct, his parents did often chide him, but both reproof and advice were wasted. At times conviction would flash upon his mind, but as soon as he visited the Club at night, he soon shook off all serious impressions; they met on the Saturday night previous to the fatal disaster, when all the party got drunk—while reeling in their cups. Thomson, who as usual, was chairman, made a long harangue, and after descanting largely on the dullness of the Sabbath, when men were prohibited from lawful recreation, proposed that they should hire a boat on the morning and take a trip to Greenock, where he knew a publichouse where they would have the pleasure of dining with a few friends of their own sort. In the morning they assembled again, and after having a few glasses to wash away the debauch of the previous night