The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-03-22


Mr.. CHADWICK, - Dear Sir,--Having been en-.
gagged in this State and in this County for the last
month, deem it duty and privilege to report
the success OF our efforts in the Temperance Re
foim
In Peacham, where first ectured, little was
required to make that town n total abstinence one
altogether. In Danvile the success has been
signal. They have formed large society and sew.
eral Of their most incorporate men have reformed.
next visited Cabot where there much preju.
dice against our cause. learn, however, that they
have aroused and are doing much at the present
time. Walden is a hard place, and whe Their they
are doing any thing there canno, say. They
should make great effort in Walden.
next Lectured in IIardwick. In that place |
found society. in its infancy however, but pros
pering WELL A large number signed pledge.
One of the most interesting circumstances occur.
red in that place have ever witnessed There
a demonstration of affection that can no longer
leave doubt that kindness and sympathy will re
form the most hardened and wretched The cir
cumstances were simply these: There is in that
place family that once were fattered with the
visions of happiness in future years. while prosper
ed in each generous Office in which they then
gagged. The confding wife as she looked upon
her little group of pratling cherubs, then was bles
sed. Fortune smiled on him who was her youth
full hope. Blu; Intemperance that dark insinuatng
foe TO man, marked for its victim that happy man,
and slow but sure his purpose has effected. For
years he drank for fashion, then for 'heaih, then
for liberty and last OF all because he adrunk
ard His wife and little were now neglected
yes, abused, (for Rum will change fathers love
to hatred )-his property was squandered, his once
- 4
he was wretched man. Ills wife, heart~broken
by an accumulation Of misfog,unes, was overwheim
ed with dspar, and she gazed npon her loIey
babes and there beheld the cause oil her woes, her
heart was filled with sorrow. How oft indeed,
must that wretched mother have contrasiod that
dread reality of wreched disappoin tment, with
her once happy condition. But TO the sequel
The abuses of tha, husband became 80 enormous
that they could be brooked with safey no longer,
and about one year since she resorted TO law and
their matrimonial bonds were rendered VOID. He
then left TO realize his lost and almost hope
less situation; but urged by aPpetite,by misery and
want, no drank TO the dregs the bitter cup that
makes the man a beast Every effort had proved
abortive, every persuasion unheeded and even
the most sanguine had doubted the possibility of
his reform. However, he attended the meeting in
he again came out, and although under the iniu-
ence of liquor, still he was orderly and attentive.
After tha closed was introduced
to this unioI iuuate man, and was endea voring to
prevail upon him 10 abandon his course of intem-
peranco and sign the Pledge. But all efforts APP
peared abortive until his little daughter, inspired
by hope, came to the rescue, and we have reason
10 believe that the spirit hat actuated this lovely
child will protect her father and enable him to sur~
mount every obstacle in his great reform. That
little child was the favorte of the parent and when
he was incensed against all Others, she could by
her kindly influence subdue his Iuffled passions
She had ON the above mentioned night procured
Pledge and had resolved to make effort. While
| was engaged in persuading and pleading with
him she embraced the opportunity to present her
but efficient petition. She came like
some fairy being and In all the innocence and love-
illness Of commissioned from a puror sphere,
she stood before that ruined man. That look
never can forget While the peary tear stole
down her rosy cheek, that sparkling eye so pite-
ously gazing upon ruined Father she gently
raised the Pledge and all silent as the halls of
DEATH For a moment the drunkard gazed intently
upon his lovely child, but the caous heart was
adamant no longer. With trembling hand he sell
zed The Pledge, while all were breathless, waiting
the issue, he wrote the name Of EkocH SMITH,
while the tears OF contrilion and deepielt sorrow
but too well told the misery of the Drunkard.
shall conclude my report next week ifyou
think this worthy an insertion.
i am, dear sir,
'0G D. G. tsai ROBINSON.