The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-02-05
II III + n i w + II A !.
ORIGIN AL.
ORIGINAL.
THE TEMPERANCE MEETING
NIGHT AND MORNING.
II Il H-ND 4HOIN4NINN
BY w. N. NJ.

The speaker ceased, and
the death silence that had pervaded the multi
tude for the space of two hours, while with fea
lures fixed in awe, and their attention rivetted ON
him who had SO long entranced their feelings, as
though listening to the dying strains of some dis
tant heavenly music, gradually gave place 20 tho
murmur of many voices. The pledge was read
and the worthy President of the Society, i'm his
clear and cheerful voice, urged upon those who
had not signed the pledge TO come forward. and
do so. There was tramp of many feet, and a
rush towards the Secretary's table, and amid the
shouts of the excited crowd, and the silent tears
of Gods tarest work. many, very many ofnature's
nObemen, who for months and wears, had been
willing abject slaves TO the MoIoch of Drunken.
ness, and stepped in misery and disgrace, sud
denly broke their chains, and enStng under the
pure banner of Total Abstinence, recorded their
names among the true ffeemen of the earth For
the space OF half an hour, gllslening eyes, Joyous
congratulations and friendly grasps of hands. told
that happiness presided DER the scene, and thai
the fountain of mans better feelings, which had
been polluted through the malign influence of the
demon OF dlscord, once more gushed forth in
clearness. sparkling in the rays of Hope and JOY
love such scenes, no strange evidence is needed
Cat least TO my mind to prove that 50 there is
Divinity that stirs within u.s. than 10 see men,
In whose hearts there seemed no love for morali-
ty and religion, and from whose very presence
virtue shrank, arousng from their slumbers, and
standing erect in the Majesty of God, triumph
ing over craving desires, and nobly breaking down
depraved and vicious habits. Order was at
length restored and again the Presidents voice
was heard Come friends" said he, s.Total
Abstinence must prevail, let it not be said of you,
when the battle shall have been fought, the vic
tory won, that when most needed you refused
your aid; for the sake of others, for your own
sakes, come and sign the pledge. Reflect but
Tor one moment, contrast your former situation
with the one you now occupy, remsmber' and
here he seemed TO fix his gaze upon an individual
IN whose counlenauce, conflicting emotions were
plainly written.) Z" Oh /! remember that darlino
child whose spirit but few months since winged
lis flight TO a purer world, when the cold sweat
stood thick upon his brow, and the palid hue that
overspread his couhenance told that the angel of
death was lowering nigh, Oh remember his dy-
ing words, Father-my Father drink no more. %
shrek rang out, chilling my very blood, and
female form clothed in the habiliment of mourn
ing, Sprang from her seat, and rushing to the in !
dividua alluded to, threw her arms about his
neck, eXclaiming, my husband, oh my hus.
band" Expectation and hope beamed in every
face, for the attention of all was attracted to the
scene as if subdued, the Wan arose from his sea
but pride, and shame, and the fear of ridicuLe
perhaps, come to his aid, and firmly but tenderly
unclasping his wife's arms from about his neck,
he seized his hat, and rushed from the house ex-
claiming, g not now, not nOW--to- morrow -
Alas Tor him, the morrow never come but will
not anticipate. Order was at an end and num-
bers crowded around the poor afflicted woman to
render her the assistance she so much needed. for
overcome by excitement she had tainted.
The meeting adjourned, and walking towards
my home in company with Mr.. Rsa*, the indie.
fatigable and noble President of the Association.
| oie "a t,o al
individual, who had thus acted - Poor fell1w, -
said r.. in answer TO an enquiry MADE by my
self. eyes, know him well. He was an only
son, and was tenderly raised by his pious Father.
for his Mother had been called from earth To
heaven, before he knew Mothers love every
educational advantage that could be derived from
orr g University" was afforded him. and on his
Dist birth dsv he was established in business by
his Father, who died soon after, leaving his son
pursuing an honorable and successful career: He
afterwards woOed and won his lovely bride, sweet
Emma $, to whom was generally accorded
the palm of beauty, and of excellence. One child
blessed their union, and his innocent prattle, and
sportlve joyOnsness served bat TO strengthen their
love, and endear them to each other Universal.
ly respected and most loved, where best known,
their days gllded smoothly on, and not cloud
arose upon their sky of life Shortly after the
birth of their little boy, his wife's mother died
her last moments were those of peace-her last
words were those of thankfulness to Almighty
God, for having provided good, so kind bus
band Tor her daughter,--her last prayer was,
that they might meet in g another and better
world" Time rolled on-six or seven years
elapsed after the birth of their little Alpernon.
who was remarkable for his brightness ofinieect,
and graceful carriage, and Henry Nj was
considered as a man upon whom Fortune delight
ed to bestOw her fayors-successlul IN business.
and prompt to discharge his duty under all cir.
cumsIances, tits no wonder he began to be a lead
ing man. About this time he was induced 10
purchase a Lottery ticket, which unfortunately
drew prize of $4,000, say unfortunately. for
this proved The hinge, upon Which he S,oung TO /
ruin. On the evening of the day he received the
news, he met with some acqualntances. who con /
graduated him on his good luck and insisted on
his going with them 10 a tavern, ." to drink con
Iinued prosperity" Henry, although fond Of socie
~, and very sOcable, objected, for drinking was
practice no had never acquired, and dissipation
was his adherence, but they reminded hin oil
his good fortune, until fearing that they might
attribute his refusal to other motives, than his
dlsinclinatiOn to drink, he reluctantly complied
determining TO leave them soon rs possible
Vain resolution, the tempef had spread mis- coils
too securely Henry was by nature and bv habit
frank and honest hence. he MAYER esid ,,rL,