Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-01-24

every night, partially intoxicated. They
then implored him earnestly and af1ec-
tionateIy, to reform; but their tears and
entreaties were alike disregarded. Those
who supplied him with the deadly drink
were then appealed to, but all IN vain.
Still his course was downward a"...
One evening, Hervey left home, and
the clock struck eleven, and yet he came
not. His father waited with fearful anx-
icty for his return; but the still and SOL
emn hour Of midnight was fast approach
ing and his footsteps were not heard, to
relieve the doubts and fears of that ia
theirs heart. Oh! that the rumseller,
who at that moment was dealing out The
accursed draught, 10 young Hervey,
could have felt the pangs that rent the
bosom of that old man! Oh, that he
could have been an eye witness TO the
agony of that father, as he walked the
room to and fro, wringing his withered
hands, and crying: ooh, my son my
lost son where is my fallen, my lost
son! Oh that he had never tasted the
polluted cup! my heart--my heart is
breaking! Dear wife mother of fall
len, lost son! our fond hopes are ali
crushed to the dust,-our days must be
ended in mournlng,-sorrow mus! fill mp
the measure of our cup! l will speak
TO Hervey once more-yes, upon my
knees will entreat of him, this night
will !, his father, PROSTATE myself at his
feet and plead with him by all in heaven
and earth, TO abs tain forever from the
accurscd cup -
| The agonized mother could not reply
her grief was too deep for utterance.-
| At this moment noise was heard at
the door. which the father hastened to
open. Hervey staggered into the room,
and according 10 his VOW, the father
threw himself on his knees at his feet,
and began in thrilling tones. while tears
streamed down his furroweG cheeks, to
beg of him TO turn from the path of ruin.
Heryey looked for moment upon the
bending form of his father,-his eyes
flashed with demoniac rage,-his blood
was heated by the fires of hell, and
drawing a stileuo from his bosom, he
buried il in his fathers hearl!~
Nav, start not, reader neither doubt,
for this is not fiction, but an awful real
! ily. had it from the lips Of Hervey's
classmate, himself, and the truth of it
cannot be questioned. Soon as Hervey
became conscious Of what he had done,
he gave himself into the hands Of JUS
lice, and the result was, as before stated,
he was condemned to die. His heart
broken mother, spent but few days of
sorrow in this world after the removal of
her son 10 prison; when her stricken
spirit took its eternal flight.
This is the work of strong drink -
And yet, how many in our land; profess
sing christians too,-yea, and ministers
Of the gospel, hold up their right hands
and strive to defend this unholy traffic
Fathers, BEWARE Z! il you put the poi
sonous cup to the lips of your sons,-if
you sanction by your example; even the
moderate use of Intoxicating drink; de-
pend upon it, the iron shall enter your
own souls, and you shall be held accoun-
table at the bar of God, for the down
fall and eternal ruin of those committed
to your care!
i Processing Christians, bemare! if the
blood of immortal souls be found upon
your garm ents; the sacred livery of hea.
ven. which you have dared to wear
while here on earth, will but serve to
sink you lower into the depths of hell
A Christian, selling or drinking rum =
Oh God ! say, can III be! Methinks
hear Thee answer in thunder tones
from on high, "Ye cannot drink Of the
cup Of The Lord, and the cup of deu.
its!" And yet how many strive to
do it.
Ministers of the gospel! bearers oil
the glorious news Of salvation to fallen
man Can it be possible that one OIL
i these can have SO much fellowship with
the Prince of darkness as to be found
slipping of the cup of devils And We,
we sometimes hear that such is the case!
Truly Zion mourns; she hath laid aside
her beautiful garments-she hath cloth.
ed herself in sackcloth-her gold has be.
! come dina cloud overshadows hel
once spotless face and her children GO
: mourning about the streets. But thanks
. be to God for the Ulorious liUht that is