The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1852-06-08
!. T E NJ P e R A CE.
Why does not that Clergyman
Sigia sTse Temperance Pledge
my. CAROLINE GILMAN. M. N !.

oS'oPi', .htiu N1s SCuply luuUIIS Ills
forehead with the fort6nger Of his
left hand, waiting for q thought. His
young niece was filling a reticulatcd
aperture, commonly called q darn, in
his stocking. She rose occasionally
with q light step to sweep the ashes
on the hearth, but at the time of
which | speak, her attention was
attracted BY the jingling Of approach
ing sleigh-bells. They stopped at
the gate, a lady was announced. and
soon a well-drcsscd stranger entered.
The Pastor received her with
courtesy, and she sat down.
There are times when the comrc on
places Of life utterly fail, when even
to say "a very pleasant or cold
day, madam" jars on some string Of
sentiment or feeling. SO it was in
this case. The Pastor cast his glance
on the lady, with n silent air Of
respectful inquiry, and Mary's needle
made quick movements, while the
rustic Of the strangers silk dress
sounded loud in the silence.
Mary would have retired, but the
visitcr said, 'You can stay my DEAR"
and then, drawing from her side
her delicate handkerchief, she leaned
her head al instant upon it, as if there
were tears to wipe away. At length
she said:
M"l have como, sir, on q singular and
embarrassing crrand. | wish your
assistance to rescue n fellow-bcing
from misery. ] have lovely friend,
educated, intelligent, warm-hearted;
wife and mother. She is happy in
all her domestic relations with an
indnlgent and wealthy husband. high
;ss;,, his profession She has com,nis-
sssgSSs;9n s;g9nme to call on YOU" Rsxa
" t,uinn, tx. strange Il
,ss9ssSSsi1 Mar, and hor uncle Il,.elSs Il {
heads to catch her lowered and ddS'tfISsSs tfrIShSs-s
ulous cadence.
This friend, so seemingly blessed,
and indeed so beloved, is incorporate,
and we fear (indccd she fears herscIf.)
for the life of a beautiful infant, only
two months old, which is in hourly dan
ger from the intoxication Of its
mother.''
A th:iIl Of as.onish,ncnt, and almost
of terror, ran through the veins Of her
hearers. There was pause. N1ary's
needle tremblcd in her fin 1crs her un-
Gle gazcd at the floor, and the stranger
pressed her handkerchief to her eyes.
How can I assist you!' said the
Pastor, with sweet trelncr in his voice.
that told volumes of sympathy.
My friend wishes to sign the TEN
perance Pledge" replied the stranger,
! and has asked me to call on you for
the purpose.
But how is this ;" intcrrogatcd the
Pastor. " Why does she not apply to
her own minister?
/" Because" replied the stranger, "hc
takes no interest in the Temperance
cause, and has never signed the Pledge.
She has heard of your efforts, and feels
confidence in your aid and sympathy"
"To-morrow is the New Year." said
the Pastor, thoughtfully "say to her,
that will be with her, and help her
present her New Years gift to our
Heavenly Father"
The stranger gave directions respect
ing her frienla,s- residence, which was a
few miles distant, and departed with
the same tender melancholy with
which she came.
The next morning Mary and her
uncle started on their humane errand;
the crisp snow sparkling and cracking,
rs the horse drew their light sleigh over
its pure surface.
Mary wrapped her iurs closely about
her, seeming to be lost in thought;
but she became restless, and at length
said:
"unclc, why does not that Clergy
man sign, the Pledge %
The Pastor gave an unnecessary
jirk at the reins; he looked up to the
SKY, the sun dazzlcd him round at the
.ilall landscape it was all glitter; then,
resting on Mary's soft eyes, as they
Peered up among her fi,rs, he said:
!" ! thind, my little girl, that either
ne is not aware of the miseries Of
drunkenness. or that he loves to sip
MS own pleasant glass"
They reached the place of destina-
tons; one of those romantic country
seats which stud the outskirts Of our
more northerly seaport towns. The
gay bloom Of summer was hidden, but
the snow aud frosts threw their feathc-
fy ornaments over the trees and shruhs 4
thet, marked the well-pIanned walks. !
They were introduced into an apart.
4nent graced with the luxuries of wealth.;
Towers, hooks,;and. birds M,imatillg its
soft reposed e;8 3ta,1i ~ ,'.;,. >, |
Mary aypla her5 ,nelei drew close to
faelI Other with u sense Of ave- They
tntd often gone on errands of mercy,
with EillI the ~ islcdgsa, to the .huants Of poy-