The organ of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, O. [Ohio]) 1852-1853, 1852-08-27

they turned their heads. anie
eninII g keg4e t8 taik U0 u llidI Ilst
He told them Of the good one little child
might do--of good many children haH done,
in coaxing their fathers or brothers to sim the
Total Abstinence Pledge. He talked tp them
Of the danger they ran, if they ever formed the
habit of tasting the poison, and begged them
and warned them never to suffer drop TO pass
their lips. ..
After he had finished, he led alitte girl for
ward on the stage, who was not much larger
than Abby. She was very sweet singer; her
voice rang out like young birds, rs she sang
temperance song. 1t was the language Of a
drunkard who is signing the pledge. Every
verse ended with these words:
No-no-nO-no!
I'll never drink any more!"
When the last verse was finished, she made
pretty courtesy, took her fathers hand, and
was lifted off the stage. Rose and Abby, who
has been holding their breath with delight to
hear her, dropped back into their seats, look
ing very meaningly at each other.
Anumber of papers were now passed around,
one Of which Margeret took, and wrote her
name upon it. As she Lifted her veil Rose saw
| that her cheeks were bdrning red.
'What is it, MargieY'' she whispered ''Won't
| you write my nameY'
"Hush dear! not now"
| cit was the pledge not to drink wine, or
rum, or anything that has alcohol in it, except
as modicme) that signed" said Margaret,
as they turned from the crowded sidewalk in
to more quiet street that led to their home,
a few minutes after.
"Oh, SiSterl why did@tyou put our names
| down2''
''It was only for those over twelve years of
age; and neither of you is so old
"But he said little children ought to De
Temperance, urged Rose 81 don t see why
| he don 7 let them write their names tool
"There will be childrCn's society, per-
haps," said Margaret as they reached home.
She stopped on the steps, and rang the bell.
Don say anything to your father about
this, she whispered.
The next Sabbath was a beautiful day oi
summer. Rose and Abby went to their Sab
bath-sc class, and to church, and then sal
down at home to read their library books
They could not read much, however, there VIZ
such noise i'll the room at one sidc---theii
father parlor. They had seen five or SIX mer
go in there and had seen the maid bring up
great many bottles from the cellar They sal
talking sadly with each other or looking out
of the window for Margaret who was away.
having gone to bible class.
ooh, what wicked men, to laugh so on Sun
dayl'' exclaimed little Abby.
''Hush; be still, Abby, pa is calling usl'
Mr.. L. had rung his bell violently
| three times, with no success, as the girl who
| had waited on the band, thinking they could
want no more wine for while, had stolen a
bottle herself, and sneaked off with, it under
! her shawl, to share it with a married sister,
who lived in neighboring street.
! Mr.. called his Children
They came timidly into the room, where the
rude, tipsy companions of their father were
rioting and swearing. Some were tipped back
in their chairs, with their feet higher than their
heads others were tossing their arms about
| laughing shrilly; making most foolish speeches,
cruising great swelling Oaths; some were drink
ing the last dregs Of The empty bottles that
strewed the table. One, young man, lay
hiccuping and suffering, on lounge, evident
ly too far gone to sit up. Their father did not
look so drunk as the rest; but his face was red
and angry, and his breath was fiery with the
fumes Of spirit, as he told them to 60 down III.
to certain cellar--giving them the key--anC
bring each as many bottles as she corld carry
"Ca-can't you br-bring four bottles apieceP
eyes pa Rose answered family.
As they went down stairs, through the wid
hall, Abby whispered to her sister
"Oh, Rose! am afraid he II make me drinl
some more of that poison stuff .'.0h dearl"
"He can t make mel'' Rose said, very firm
ly. Don't you know what the little gir
there sungP'
And both who were accustomed to singin
songs together, joined in the chorus, as the
went slowly from step to step
o.. No-nO-uO-nO?
I'LL never drink any morel''
The echoes rang through the hall, startlin
the house cat, who lay mapping on the rug be
fore the door. They did more; they reache
} the ears Of the father, in the midst Of his rev
cling companions, and they startled hsm, g
/ nothing had startled him since Charley
DEATH
l Howl Was he fallen so low as to be reprovet
5 taught, by his very children-his own despis
r ed neglected little girls2 He leaned his hea
on his hands, and tried to clear it from th
mist of drunkenness. He seemed to hear h
blessed wifes tone in that clear sound Of sing
Q ing. 1t was as though the sky had opened abov
1 him, and Charley and Charley's mother, tw
; angels all in white, had looked down on hin
: and hidden him "aeUer drink any morel
"T aeper aoiHP' he solemnly exclaime
4 within his heart at that moment. He starte
: up; but recollecting himself he sat down, lul
as his pale, sad, sOrrowful- looking little girl
came back with their arms full Of the bottle
he had demanded. He could not look in the
faces, nor speak to them, but motioned to thel
: to 60 out. He then uncOrked the bottles, an
Y passed them to his guests, eXcusing hlmse
|
d other drop.
/, That night he did not sleep on hour. Earl
9 the next morning he went out, found, an
a signed the pledge ofTbtGk 1bStieace from "a
t that can intoxicated
e Margaret was looking very sad, when
! came again to his home. Poor girl, she So
4 nothing but ruin before her father and h
: whole family. He sat down by her side, an
spoke to her moro affectonately than he ha
I done for months.
e Margaret, my daughter" he said, in
7 trembling voice, 81 have made q promls'
Q which, BY Gods help, | will keep till my dy
!, ing day"
Y She looked up, bewildered; afraid TO believ
a what she most wished on earth.
9 Il have signed the plegst' he said, lookin
4 firmly in her face.
"oh, fatherl" she began, lifted her hand
: clasped them together; and turning instantl
( away, she began to cry aloud, like httl
4 Rose and Abby came running in, with thei
school bOnnets on their heads, ready to go oui