The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-04-26
" Ou & his I'D epa II & ma c m &
WHAT GOOD Will IL DO?

WHAT GOOD WILL lido?
"What good will it do if do join the Cold Wa
ter Army?" said Henry, when he found every OBJ
lection he could make. was easily answered.
"What good will it do" replied uncle Edward
''st down the bank here and will tell you
story
Henry threw his skates down beside his uncle,
and listened while he related the following, about
RLAcK-EYED JOE.
Two or three years ago, went into town in
the State OF New Hampshire to give temperance
lecture. There were many persons in the village
who did not drink intoxicating liquors But many
came to hear me, and noticed, just as commen-
ced speaking, little bright eyed boy, just about
your age, who came into the hall and sat down
near the door. He listened very atlentvcly, and
when spoke ofthe cruel treatment of wives
| and children from intemperance men, saw him
more than once take his handkerchief and wipe
AWAY the tears. told them the pledge would pre-
vent all this, and make men kind and pleasant sand
told the children to sign it if they would prosper
and be happy in the world. This little fellow
was almost the first to put his name down; and
when asked the people who he was they told me
he called Bleck eyed Joe, and that his father
was one Of the worst drunkards in town.
! 1t was his custom every morning TO mingle rum
and sugar with water, and pass it round to every
one Of the children who took little, well as
their father and mother. He would drink again al
eleven o'clock, and at noon time, at four o'clock
and at supper. So that when evening came, he
would always be intoxicated, cruel and revengful
Sometimes he would beat his wife; sometimes bea,
his children, or shut them out Of doors in the cold
storms. 1t was thus that made Joseph weep, when
I told of cruelty TO children, and 1t this that
induced him TO sign tho pledge.
He went home from the meeting and de,ermin med
to keep his resolution. The next morning, as ustr-
al, his father took out the brown Jug wiped the
pitcher OF poison, and handed il to Joseph first,
He shook his head and declined taking it.
''Dnnk, joel said his father
! 81 do not wish for any again, sir" replied Ju-
seph
His father looked a, him sornIy moment, and
then said, roughly,
''Did you go to that temperance meeting
Joe?"
eyes sir" he replied
t'Did you sign the pledge?"
eyes sir.
/ ssWhat did you do that for joel"
"Because, father" said Joseph hesitatingIy. ''ii
I am ever man, do not want TO be as you aie.'
His father blushed, turned pale, stood confused
a moment, and then opened the door and dashed
the jug and pitcher 20 pieces, saying.
s.You shall have a lalhcr, Joe, that you woni
| be ashamed 10 be like!''
| From that hour he has never taken any thing
that can intoxicate, and is happy himself and
ders his family happy besides; and will venture
to say, that Joseph will have ready for
any one who asks him "what good will it do" 10
sign the pledge?
''Uncle Edward, you may put my name down,
said Henry, sand thank you for telling that
story" So saying, he put on his skates, went oil
upon the ice with swift motion, 10 tell the story
of Black.eyed Joe TO his companions Gold Water
Army.