The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-01-11
A GLORIOUS MEETING.


rance SOCIETY," held their annual meeting last week
on Tuesday at the Congregational meeting house
in Danvllle, and although the morning ofthe day
was inanspcious, there was an immense gathering
oc the people of the County, most Of whom were
young. The spacious house was crowded--uE
Stairs and down- pews and asles-and the mum
Der present al n moderate estimate, may be POI
down al 500
| A, the lime Of putting this III type we are with
out the official proceedings Dr.CoBB OF Peacham
was chosen President for the ensuing year, and
THERON Howard, Of DanvIlIe, Secretary The
addresses were generally Of the right spirt-klnd
toward all-and calculated to affect lavorably the
mind of the nearer. The Star gives very good
account Of the meeting, and we copy most OF il
below: ....
"The exercises, were appropriate, novel, and for
the mos: part Of an interesting character. In the
former part of the day after the transaction of some
preliminary business, the audience listened with
attention to short written address from the Rev.
MIR. Merrill, ofPeacham, who was followed by
brief remarks from other gentlemen present. Mr..
Robinson,a gentleman Of Prepossessing appearance,
in the primo Of lite, with countenance bespeak-
ing more than ordinary intelligence, was then ln-
troduced TO The meeting, aS member OF the Re
formed Drunkards or more properly speaking the
WashngtonIan Society. lie made but few OBJ
servaons, las sort of introduc ton to more extend
ed remarks in The afternoon. But he spoke with
huency, with power from experience ,and was well
received as the champion Of cause which has had
mighty influence given to its progress, by the
aid of the Westinghouse. God bless them in
their abors. say we The meeting then adjourn
cd till one CLOCK, =. NJ.
The audience reassemblcd in the afternoon, and
great was the anxiety TO hear the new lecturer,
that many were unable TO obtain seats. After the
election of the usual officers Of the Society and the
performance by the choir IN an admirable manner,
Of a hymn suited to the occasion, the meeting was
again addressed by MrRobinscn. He spoke
Iy an hour and half, and was listened to with
profound attention. 1t would be idle in us
tempt Civ ing even Il sketch Of his remarks. They
were confined principally to history Of his own
career in drunkenness which vice he practced sew
eraI years, experiencing every virissilude of for
tune, mingling with every class ofinebriaes- the
emperate the fashionable, and the occasional tips
pier down to the confirmed drunkard. AT times
he would fancy himself happy and excuse himself,
because he others drink, who were considered
men ofinAuence and standing in society He was
quite severe upon some Of the members of Cons
gress, and alluded to the example which Southern
ladies and gentlemen exhibited by their dissipa,cd
habits; and to these degrading and policing exam.
Piles, witnessed in high places of fashionable resort
he traced the commencement Of his career. Blu
there secondary cause TO which he attributed
his downfall, and which induced him to pursue
II course, both reckless and degrading 1t was the
entire want of feeling, of sympathy, OF friendship
manifested for the incorporate. Il had no one,
said Mr.. r., Sin win ON l could place confidence,
that would commisserate my msfortunes. Every
stunned me. None would listen but with
dstrust and cold hearted Indifference to my words.
None believed Tue capable Of reforming; no cheer
ing word Of hope 81 cOmfort-no language of atiec
ton or regard. seldom, if ever, uttered, by
those whom called my friends. They considered
me an outcust-unfil Tor their society, and uuwor-
thy the confidence of community The speak
then proceeded to illustrate this idea, by the
ton of several incidents connected with his
his own history and chcquered scene it was -
At one time he would be full of energy, in high
spirits, having money enough; at other times he
would he penny less and almost broken hearted. -
Sometimes he would be the inmate OF prison; a
Others literally begging his bread from doc, tc
|
being in existence, because the public gave hin
this character. AT times he would meet with dan
gers and hair bread tn escapes, endure the perlls
the deep md in one instance almost provden
TALLY saved from watery grave. Yet, so infatu
a,ed was he with strong drink, and so conhrme
were his habits, that even when suspended as
were, but moment previous, between time an
eternity he resorted without giving himself tim
for reflection, TO The intoxicating bowl. The lee
turer concluded, by exhoIting those who hear
him, 10 beriend the drunkard-guilty, degraded
forsaken, though he might be-and no longer boil
him up to the scorn and ignominy of the world.
Messrs. Fairbanks, Worcester ,Shedd, and anot
err gentleman, whose name we do not recollect, se
orally introduced resolutions, accompanied wit
br,ei remarks, which were adopted. The publ
exercises were closed by the choir singing wit
much animation and effect, another approprat
hymn.
We must not forget to mention the Juvenii
Choir, who acquitted themselves admirably, an
who sang with much proprIety and sweetly, a Tel
perance odc set to the air of 'Bruces Address. :
Early Volunteers may they never desert the