State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-04-05
THE DEVIL UNDER THE BED.

Several years since, while iourneyiDg in
the State of New York, had an interest
ing conversation with friend OH the sub
jcct of Temperance, which made an :ndeli
BILE impression on my mind. Among other
things, he related the following circum-
stances: "In this village (snid he) a short
distance from my house, lives man and
his wife, both of whom, four or five years
since, were drunkards, but now they are
sober and industrious-are very valuable
members of society. The history of their
moral reformation and reformation is as
follows. Some ten years since they were
married. They were from respectable
families; their propriety considerable and
themselves much thought of in the village.
When they were married, they made a
splendid wedding, and all were
talking of the happy couple and their flat
tering prospects. After the marriage eve
ming was passed, and they cleverly located
in fine house and pleasant place, in the
full tide of prosperity, much company
came. Friends otter called to congratulate
them, and take a glass of good cheer
With their friends they drank and drank
again, till they became exceedingly fond of
the liquid poison. 1t was not a year from
the time the nuptial knot was tied, before
one would enquire of another and another
if there was not something singular at all
times in the appearance and conduct of the
late happy pair-something that indicated
degree Of intoxication? Soon after such
inquiries, it was whispered around that he
had neglected his business for some time,
and that she made a poor housewife, and
that their property would soon be gone
At length the fact came fully out that they
were drunkards. They were often seen
intoxicated Many wondered at the great
and sudden change, and lamented their
ruin. Poverty came on apace. Friends
eXpostulated in vain. They seemed to care
for nothing but the intoxicating glass, and
they who had been much loved, began to
be Stunned by all respectable persons.--
They at length became so fond of spirits as
TO drink it several times in the night after
they had retired to rest and the better to
accommodate themselves they placed a
keg of liquor under tile bed, out of which
they could easily draw TO satisfy the cray
ings of appetite. One night, as the hus-
band awoke from his slumbers and thought
of the tumbler and the keg, other thoughts
rushed in and troubled him. He reflected
upon what he once was--the pride of a
family respected and honored by all. He
reflected also upon the poverty and dis
grace he had brought upon himself upon
the wretched condition of himself and COM
panion. They had fallen from a high ele-
walton. His heart ached. 1t was too pain
full to be endured alone. He walked up
his wife, and with q voice of alarm said,
Dear S. - the Devil is under the bed
She somewhat frightened, demanded an
explanation. He then told her of the
thoughts which had been passing through
his mind, and spoke of the awful influence
which the 'crter' was exerting on them, |
over which they had been sleeping. They
talked and wept and talked again; and
came fully to the conclusion that evil spir-
its had been haunting their house ever
since they were married that one had even
got under The bed, and that it was not safe
to have him there or to harbor any of his
kindred associates in their habitaton.-
They therefore concluded to eject them ALL !
The husband then sprang up; first siezed /
the enemy nearest at hand, stepped TO the
door, and dashed him headlong The wife !
in the mean time sought light; the house
was thoroughly searched, and exercised. |
And since that hour continued my infor- |
mant somewhat animated they have drunk !
no spirit at all, and are doing well; are re-
spected, beloved, industrious and prudent !
fast acquiring property yes, they are doing
WELL" Zion'S .4dv.