Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-12-21
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THE OLD MANS STORY.
pJpIJ ZINC SEETf~IJ

H shall never forget the commencement Of the
temperance reformation. | was Il child ut the
H time, of some ten years of age. Our home had
{ every comfort, and my parents idolized their
\ child. Wine was often on the table, and father
| and mother frequently gave it 10 me in the bot
tom Of the morning glass.
n One Sunday at churrh'a startling announce
d ment was made to our people. knew nothing
d of its purport, but there was much whispering
4 among the men, The pastor said that upon the
next evening there would'be mce.ng and an
Il address upon the evils OF intemperance in the
use of alcoholic drinks. He expressed himself
4 ignorant of the cause Of the meeting, and could
y not say what course it would be best to pursue
in the matter.
The night came, and groups Of people gath
n cred on the tavern steps, and heard the jest and
the laugh, and saw drunken men come reeling
Il out of The bar-room. urged my father to let
me go, but he at first refused. Finally, thinking
& that it would be an innocent qualification of my
curiosity, he put on his hat and We passed across
+ the green to the church. | remember well
E how the people appeared as they came n
seeming 10 wonder what kind Of IN exhibition
was TO come oil.
II In the corner was the tavern keeper, and
around him number of friends. The pastor
lcame in and took seat behind 4 pillar in the
gallery, rs if doubtful Of the propric,y of being
|7in church ut all.
e Two men finally came in and went to the al
tar and took their seats
Fl The men We're unlike in appearance, one be.
ing short, thick-sct in his build the other tall
and we'll formed. The younger had the manner
and dress of . clergyman, full round face, and
b good naturcd look, as he lcisurely looked
around over the audience.
The younger finally arose and stated the ob-
|6Sect of the meeting, and asked it there was 4
tlergyman present TO open it with prayer
f. Our pastor kept his seat, and the speaker him
scf made short prayer, and then short ad-
iress, at the conclusion calling on any one pre-
bent 10 make remarks.-The pastor rose, under
he gallery, and attacked the positions of the
Speaker, using the arguments which have often
/ heard since, aud concluded by dcnouncing those
Engaged in the new movement, us mcddle-some
Sanalics, who wanted to break The time-honored
+ bsagcs of good society, and injure the business
Sf respectable men.-At the conclusion Of his
/ lcmarks, the tavcrn-kecper and his friends got
o cheer and the current Of feeling was cvi-
Gently against the strangers and their new plan.
Whilst the pastor WAS speaking, the stranger
Ind fixed his dark eye upon him, and leaned for
Yard as if to catch the words.
L ks the pastor took his seat the old man arose,
lis tall form towering in It's symmetry and his
shest swelling us he inhaled his breath, through
lis thin, diiated nos!rls.-To me, at the time,
here was something awe-inspirng and grand in
be appearance Of the old man as he stood with
lis full eye upon the audience, his teeth shut
lrd and silence like that Of death reigned
throughout the church.
He bent his gaze upon the tavern-kecper, and
la. peculiar eye fingered and kindlcd for mo-
lent.
The scar grew red upon his forehead, and be-
bath his heavy eyebrows his eyes glittered and
g owed like a serppnt's. Thc tavern-keepcr
hailed before that searching glance, and felt
relief when the old man withdrew his gaze.
br moment he seemed lost in thought, and
len in low and tremulous tone commenced.
here was depth in that voice, a thrilling p1-
los and sweetness which riveted every heart
the house before the first period had been
Siunded. NV fathers attention had become
ed on the eye of the speaker with an interest
hch had never before seen him exhibit. I
1, but briefly remember the substance Of what
old man said though the scene is as vivid
lore ME rs any that ever witnessed.
My friends ans stranger in your village,
It'll trust may call you friends A new star
arisen, and there is hope in the dark night
ieh has spread = pail of gloom over our coun-
With thrilling depth of voice the speak
locked his hands together. and continued,
ph, God thou who lookest with compassion
pn the most erring of cartifs children. thank
Q that 4 brazen serpent has trcu lifted upon
ich tho drunkard can look and be healed;
eacon has burst out upon the darkness that
rounds him, which shall guide back to honor
aeaven, the bruised and weary wandcrer."
i is strange what power there is in some
ces. The speakers voice was low and meas
ID, but tear tteInbied in every tcre, and be-
knew why, n tear dropt upon my hand,
owed by others like rain drops. The old man