Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-04-28
CHAPTER TX

A44 Ia
Months roll BY, AMI Horace Laverne still con-
tinues 10 drink, his wife in the meantime OBJ
tanning a scanty subsiste pee by her needle She
had abandoned all hope OF ever seeing her hus-
band restored to sobriety and responsibility, and
centerlng all her affections, and life itself, in her
little daughter, she bears TO suffer and TO live
for her sake. The caImness Of despair had
settled upon her.
And now came accounts of a recently insti-
tuted Temperance organization, called the Order
Of the Sons Of Temperance. A Grand Division
had been organized in North Carolina, and was
issuing charters to Subordinate Divisions. Some
OF The citizens of S. began to talk of apply
Ing for a charter, and the Order became the
general topic of conversation. No one knew
any thing about il, and consequently most of
them did not like it. Il was "a money making
socIety,''a Yankee speculation "a huInbug,'
"a secret order,' Sc, &c. Nevertheless some
halt a dozen persons united and procured a
charter, which arrived in due time, and the Di-
vision was shortly afterwards organized.
A beam of hope once more penetrated The des-
alr-enyeloped heart Of Mrs. Laverne. She
urged her husband TO join the Division, and
others also attempted to persuade him. To his
vile he said, : | am afraid To take the pledge
if | were 10 break ii | should feel myself dis
graced still more, still deeper. 1t is solemn
promise, and oh | too we'll Know my own
~e@h"ess> To o;hers he would give no salts
factory answer, but continued on in his former
course. occasionally 6arning a little money in
some way, the most Of which went to paving
off liquor bills.
nus matters went on a few months, and the
faint ray of hope once more faded from the heart
of Mrs. Laverne.
1t was a beautiful night in the month of Nav
that Mrs. Laverne and her daughter were seated
at a little side table, the former sewing aud The
latter attempting 10 read, for the double purpose
OF amusing her mother and improving herself
when Mr.. Laverne entered the house, a smile
WreaIhing his lips and a wild joy beaming in
MS eyes. Advancing to his wife he embraced
her, Vehemently exclaiming:
Il an saved am saved | have Joined The
Sons.'
The words Of pardon to the beautiful Peri
when al the gate Of Heaven she offered the lea
Of a penltent, thrilled not her reinstated sou
with more JOY than did these words the hear
OF Mrs. Laverne.
- my husband ! my husband !" she cried
ana teii weeping upon his neck. Little Marion
100, threw her arms about him, and a. three
mingled their tears together.
When the first e~cstatic feclinr had subsidized
and reflection began TO return, a shade passed
over the brow Of Mrs. Laverne as doubts anC
fears tllroaged upon her. Fer husband marked
'he change IN her countenance and said quickly
Know what you think, wife-you think
will violate my pledge and drink again bur
you need not fear. | too, had my fears of nv.
self, and though / have long wished to Join the
Sons, feared to do SO. To-day | resolved t.
risk IT, as a last chance to break the hold Of lhe
monster upon me. Now | feel secure. there
found ceremonies and associations which have
strengthened me. Surrounded by III infuen.
ces there eXerted, | feel that | am safe. have
found IN association the strength | coveted, but
aid not possess within myself, Dismiss your
doubts and fears, and let US rejoice in the hone
Of happiness yet in store for u.s.
Years have passed since that e~ventful
night. Horace Laverne is again in bust
ness, a sober, industrious, upright man but he
never tails to attend The meetings of his Divis-
Ion. No business detains him. for he feels that
he IS safe only in the associations he there
meets with and he weekly renews his pledge
and his strength in the circle of HONOR The
Old time loves and amusements have returned
TO his family freside, and he, his wife and
daughter are happy; and this happiness they
owe TO the Order Of the Sons Of Temperance.
Peace and plenty surround them, and the
smiles OF prosperity again beam upon them.