Happily few human beings sink to the depths in which John B. Gough
found himself at the age of twenty-five years. By sheer force of will
he raised himself from the slough in which he wallowed, till he
attained a position honored among men, and performed a service of
exceptional usefulness to society.

His story, as told in his own vivid words, is one of the most absorbing
in the annals of self-help. His example must have helped thousands
among the myriads whom he thrilled by the dramatic recital of his
experience.


From his "Autobiography."

I boarded in Grand Street at this time, and soon after laid the
foundation of many of my future sorrows. I possessed a tolerably good
voice, and sang pretty well, having also the faculty of imitation
rather strongly developed; and being well stocked with amusing stories,
I was introduced into the society of thoughtless and dissipated young
men, to whom my talents made me welcome. These companions were what is
termed respectable, but they drank. I now began to attend the theatres
frequently, and felt ambitious of strutting my part upon the stage. By
slow but sure degrees I forgot the lessons of wisdom which my mother
had taught me, lost all relish for the great truths of religion,
neglected my devotions, and considered an actor's situation to be the
_ne plus ultra_ of greatness.

During my residence at Newburyport my early serious impressions on one
occasion in a measure revived, and I felt some stinging of conscience
for my neglect of the Sabbath and religious observances. I recommenced