The Columbian fountain., 1846-09-23
@ eneral intelligenfe.
Rev. J. I. WARD, Assistant Editor.
PRICE ONE CENT.


completely to control him.
He listened to the remarks Of his friend
with little interest at first; for although he
assented to the truths inculcated, he stead
fastly adhered to bis resolution not 10 sign
the pledge; but at length, as Mr. Darwin
feelingly related to him his own experience,
the difficulties he had encountered, the plea
sure he now enjoyed in comparison with
what he did formerly, and the happiness he
bad brought to his family and friends byIhis
reformation, he became deeply affected, and
the desire arose strongly within him to en-
joy similar happiness. -se.
During the evening the lecturer contin-
ued to urge him by every argument in his
power, by his regardfor his temporal and eter
pal welfare, by the love he borehis family and
his respect for the good opinion Of the
world, to throw off the calling chains by
which he was bound His family listened
with breathless attention to these appeals,
and watched with intense interest their ei
feet upon the husband and father; and
many an earnest, heartfelt prayer went-up
to the Father Of Mercies, asking that the
softening influences of bis spirit might turn
The one they loved SO well from the "error
of his ways'' 2' "..'"
After Mr.. Stanley retired for the night,
he continuedtorevolvein his mindthe events
of the evening for he was too much excl
ted to sleep He thought of his past life,
how from taking social glass with friend
the habit had increased, until he had near
ly become that thing his soul hath loathed,
drunkard Although he hardly dared
confess il even to himself, yet the stubborn
truth forced itself upon him, that he had
lost all control of himself which formerly
had been his pride and boast He had form
ed the resolution in his own mind several
times, that he would cease to use any thing
that could intoxicate but as no one else
had known Of his determination he had
yielded to some excuse to commence again.
He feared that such might be case should
he make another effort to be free without
signing the pledge, which was declared to
be wonderful preventive against a return
to old habits. This he had always abso-
lutely refused to do, and to sign it now
would not be at all compatible with his
character 1t therefore was not to be thought
Of @ s4
next day notice was circulated tAat
Mr.. Darwin would lecture in the village
church that evening. la8 Z
Mr.. Stanley attended, and listened toa
stirring, eloquent appeal to the hearts and
consciousness of those who were addicted
to the use of ardent spirits. He became
more than ever convinced Of the necessity
OF reformation on his own part, and deter
mined to make another attempt, relying not
on his own strength, but on that of Him in
whom is all power. a.a n ea
The nextmorning Mr.. Darwin was max
ing preparations to depart, and was con-
verslng with some of the members of the
family who were gathered sadly around
him, thinking he was about to leave with {.
out having effected the object they so ear
nestly desired, while Mr.. Stanley was OBJ
served to stand apart from the others in
deep meditation. Suddenly taking dollar
from his pocket, he laid it upon the floor,
and seizing an axe standing near, at one
stroke cleft it nearly asunder: then present.
ing it to DR.. Darwin, said,
Take this, and remember that till the
parts unite again, Ralph Stanley drinks not
another drop of ardent spirits ...
This event, SO unlocked for, so unex-
pected to his family, nearly stupifed them
Tor a moment; the next, Kate threw her
arms around the neck of her father, and
oathed his cheek with tears; while more
than one eye was moist beside those of
Kate, as the others gathered around to ex-
press their JOY Mr.. Darwin took his
leave that morning, bearing with him the
blessings of happy family, and the pre-
cious pledge upon which Mr.. Stanley, al
though he would not sign his name, vet
had emade his mark
Should this meet the eve of any one who
has heretofore refused to sign pledge, but
has since regretted that he formed such
resolution, let him ponder upon his course,
let him remember that the mere signing
of his name is not what constitutes
pledge, and that il he finds it necessary to
pledge himself, there are other methods be-
side that of placing his name TO written
one To such one permit me TO respect
fully say, 'go thou and do likewise
MrDDLETowN, CT, 1916,
845 s" F. o. B.
4,