Plymouth banner. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1852-1855, 1853-09-01
THE OLD MANS STORY.
l. THRILLING SKETCH.

shall never forget the CONNIE ncem ent
of the temperance reformation. l was a
child at the time, of some ten years of
age. Our home had every comfort. and
my parents idoIized me, their child
Wine was often on the table, and both
my father and mother frequently gave it
to me in the bottom of the m morning glass.
One Sunday at church, startling an
nouncement was made TO our people. /
knew nothing of its purport, but there
was much whispering among the men
The pastor said that on the next evening
there would be a meeting. and an address
upon the evil of intemperance in the use
of alcoholic drinks. He expressed him
self ignoran; of the object of the meeting
and could not say what course would be
best TO pursue in the matter.
The subject of the meeting came up at
Our table after the service, and ques-
toned my father about il with al the
curious eagerness of child. The whis
pers and words which had been dropped
In my hearing. clothed the affair with a
great mystery 20 me. and | was all eager
ness to learn the strange thing. NJ, "a
ther said it was merely some scheme 10
unite church and State.
The night came, and groups Of people
gathered on the tavern steps, and heard
the Jest and laugh. and saw drunken men
come seelins out of the bar-rooh. urged
my father TO let me go. bu! he at lrst
fused. Finally, thinking that it would
be an innocen: gralifca tion OF my curl
osity. he put on his hat and we passed
across the green 10 the church. | remem-
Der we'll how the people appeared as they
came in, seeming to wonder what kind
of an exhibition was to come of.
In the corner was the tavern keeper.
and around him number of friends.--
For an hour the people of the place con-
tinued pouring in. until there was fair
house full. I'll were curiously watching
at the door wondering what would ap-
pear next. The pastor stole in and took
a seat behind pillar under the gallery as
if doubtful of the propriety of being in
church al all.
Two men finally came in and went to
the altar and took their seats. All eyes
were fixed upon them. and general still
mes prevailed throughout the house.
The men were unlike in appearance.
one being short, thick-set in build. the
other tall and we'll formed. The younger
had the manner and dress of clergyman.
a full round face, and quiet good ma
tured look, as he leisurely looked round
over the audience.
But my childish interest was all in the
old man. His broad. deep chest, and un-
usual height, looked giant-like ss be
strobe up the aisle. His hair was white
his brow deeply scanned with fur
Rows. and around his handsome mouth.
lines of calm and touching sadness. His
eye was black and restless, and kindled
as the tavern keeper uttered a low Jest
aloud. His lips were compressed. and
crimson flush went and came over his
pale cheek. One arm was off above the
elbow, and there was scar above the
right eye.
The younger finally arose and stated
the object of the meeting, and asked if
there was a clergyman present, and if SO,
for him TO open with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speak
er himself made short address. at the
conclusion calling on any one present 20
make remarks.
The pastor arose under the gallery, and
attacked the position of the speaker, us
ing the arguments which l have often
heard used since. and concluded BY de-
nouncing those engaged in the movement
as medJlesome fana tics. who wished to
break up the time honored usages of good
society. and injure the business Of re-
spectacle men. At the conclusion of his
remarks. the tavern keeper and his friends
got up cheer. and the current Of feeling
was evidently against the strangers and
their plan of reformation.
Wnile the pastor was speaking. the
old man had fixed his dark eye upon him.