The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-12-21
For the Caledonian.
WHAT HAS BEEN DoNEs

VIII at HAS BEEN DUNE:
That was bright page in the history OF human
ity when II few hard drinking men in Baltimore
threw down their cups, and solemny pledged
themselves to drink no more. 1t was proud and
glorious day, when that little band rose 0p from
their table, with the stern resolution that they
would be free from the slavery of debaSing habits
The influence which went forth from the dram
hon when that vow was made, has vibrated thro'
the land conveying hope and joy to many broken
heart, --rasiug up many who had long been bowed
down under the tyranny of alcohol ,-sending a
smile Of comfort to many desolato hearth, and
restoring thousands to the paths of rospec liability
and usefulness who had been considered lost to so.
ciety,
Take one single instance, as an example of The
change that has been wrought in the thousands OF
cases. That man with n wife and six children
will tell you the following tale His parents were
respectable aud industrious farmers, and he inheri'
ted heir good name ard steady habits. With an
amable and interesting wife, he early settled in
life and engaged in business which promised in
time to render him independent if not wealthy
As he and his companion looked forward The
future, the prospect fair and encouraging for
life OF posperiy, usefulness and happiness. No
thorns were discovered in their pathway, and not
a cloud to dim the sunshine Of life. With the
Young men of his age he occasionally took his
glass as he met them at the tavern or store, and
al distant intervals he would spend evening
with them over the bottle. AS the mariner sailing
by the great whirlpool the coast of Norway will
sometimes find his barque veeIing from its course
and drawn around by the eddying current before
NE Gun perceive any agitation IN the waters; so he
was gradually led on from step to step 10 indulge
more aud more in The Intoxicating bowl, without
perceiving his danger, TIL at length the circling
currents growing stronger and stronger swept him
onward with irresistible force. His business was
neg lccled-his time was spent mostly at the tavern
and store-his debts accumulated and his family
were but scan,ily provided with the necessaries of
life. Ills wife, whom lew years ago he loved
and cherished tenderly, was treated with neg
lect and occasional harshness. His children whom
he had sazed upon with a fathers pride, and so Of
ten looked iorw ard to tho lime when they would
be the support and JOY of his declining years, were
suffered TO grow up i'll idleness and ignorance and
were known by their rags TO DO the children Of
drunkard. His family were driven from their
home by his creditors, and for years were they
changing from one poor tenement 10 ano'her, with
IA miserable pitlance Of food and clothing, and al
most wholly destitute of the Ordinary comforts OF
life; while he who should be their provider, their
comforter and the guardian of their happiness,
spent the most of his aud the most of his earn
ings at the grog shop.
But mark the change. That man is now steady
and Industrious. His wife and children, as well
as himself are decenty and comfortably clad, and
pIentfully supplied with wholesome food His
house is repaired and has assumed the air OF
nea;ness and comfort. His family greet his return
from his daily tolls, with joy, and unite in their
endeavors anticipate his wants and contribute
TO his happiness. He has again acquired the conf
deLce of his neghbors and acquaintances, and who
encourage him with their patronage; and with
heart grateful tor tho comforts and blessings which
are beginning to cluster around his pathway, and
the frightening prospects which beam on the flu
,ure, he presses onward, determined again TO be
respected aud useful in society, and the kind hus
band and father.
And what is the cause of the change? He has,
after the example of The Baltimore reformers, re-
nounced intoxicating drinks in all their forms from
hard cider to brandy. He has broken away from
the bondage of bad habits, and he again walks the
earth with the step of free man. His heart is
again thrown open 10 all the kind and generous
sympa,hies, which he cherished when he first en-
tered the stage Of active life, and he is happy,
and the of happiness to others.
Who could hesitate which of these conditions to
choose' And yet tho choice is within the reach
Of all. Let false pride, or want of resolution
and decision, prevent any one from coming for
ward aud taking that station in society, and secu-
ring that happiness for himself and has family,
which it is in his power 10 obtain. Pr.
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T.n,ecsee There il n difficulty in the Tsunes-