Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-06-02
TEMPERANCE CAUSE.


Hon. Thomas f. Marshall, at arecen. TEMPER
ance meeting in Washington, thus beautifully de-
scrbes his feelings at being released from the
dreadful slavery of intemperance
"Sir, would not exchange the physical SEN
s",iohs-the mere sense OF animal being which
belongs to man who totally refrans from all tina,
can Intoxlcate his brain or derange hjs pervons
structnre-the elasticity with which he bounds
from ms couch IN the morning--the sweet repose
yields him at nightS-the feelings with which
| he drinks IN through his clear eyes the beauties
and the grandeur of surrounding nature 81 say,
SIT, would not exchange my conscious beino. as
strictly temperance man-the sense of renovated
yonth-the glad play with which my pulses now
beat healthful music-the bounding vvacity with
which the lifeblood courses its exnltn1 way
through every fibre of my frame, in the commu-
Mon high which my healthful ear and eve even
now hoid win all the gorgeous beauties of earth
the splendors of the morning. the olorics If The
evening sky-the bloom, the beauty, the verdure
Oh earth, the music of the air and the waters
with all the grand associations of external nature
-Te-opened to the fine avenues of sense no. sir
though poverty logged me-though scorn pointed
us SLOW hnger at me as passed-lhough want and
cestitu'ion' and every element Of earthly misery
save only crime, met my waking eye from day to
Gay mot tor the brightest and noblest wreath
mat ever encIrcled statesman's brow ; not. if
some anger commissioned by Heaven, or some
demon rather sent fresh from hell to test the re-
sisting strength of virtuous resolution, should
te"iPl me oack, with all the honors which world
can Destow mot for all that time, and all that
earth can give, would cast from me this precious
pledge OF liberated mind, this talisman against
temptation, and plunge again into the dangers and
!crrors which once beset my path So help me
heaven, sir, would spurn beneath my very feet
an the gifts the universe could offer, and live and
ole as am, poor but sober"
oLoI at
proceeded 10 speak of the happiness he had fell,
since he signed the pledge, and more than all in
the good he might have been instrumental in do.
Ing to others. And here, gentlemen and ladies,
no continued, allow me TO read a letter | find in
the newspapers. 1t is not from any feelings OF
vanity assure you.
"Will Mr.. Marshall pardon lady for thank
| ing him, through the medium of the public press
ior his able and surprisingly eloquent speech on
temperance! 1t has had the blessed effect &c
cheer friend, and make widowed heart rejoice
as her only son, well known Lawyer, has pIedp
ed himself 'Totai Abstinence" with some cen
tlemen in this city, in consequence of bavinr read
that odmiraJie addiress Two of tho sons-in-Iaw o
the President of the United States. have likewise
| pledged themselves.
May God bless Mr. MARSHALL, in timc, ant
! throughout eternity"
lMr: NJ. was evidently deeply affected by tht
perusal Of this letter. IL, said he, had spoke,
in this cause until had racked and shattered ev
cry nerve in my frame, would not mntmur if
received Tor my reward one such triumph as this
An aged mother, to me entire stranger pour
Ing out the deep emotions Of her soul, over be
loved son reclaimed from ignominy and dealt
through my insirunehaity! l tremble when
thipk that there may he some who will meet W.
at The bar OF God, and plead that they fell, tbroug
my example, in the reckless days Of my youth
TembIe when reflect on these things, for Their
IS nothing like cold water to bring man TO re
lection. What must not that mother have under
gore before she would write such letter as thai
too have mother, and If she knew a ma
through whom have been plucked as bran
from the burning, how would her prayers 90 II
!, .or blm TO the throne Of God, night and day! An
she does offer mp her blessings TO the most High
She writes IN her letter 20 ne that she consider
my reformation as through the direct agency
Tod himself and her voice is raised in continue
praise, and THANKSGIVING 20 the Father NJ Mercio