Spirit of the age., 1853-06-29
CIluirR Iitfratarf.
The Old Mans Story.
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I shall never forget the commencement of
the Temperance Reformation. was achild
at the time, Of some ten years Of age. Our
home had every comfort, and my parents
idolized me their child. Wine was often at
Che table, and both my father and my moth
or frequently gave it to me in the bottom Of
the morning glass.
One Sunday at church, startling an
nouncement was made TO our people. knew
nothing Of its purpoft,s bat there was. much
whispering among them. The pastor said
|. that on the next eyeniaA there would be
d meeting, and an address upon the evils ol
intemperance in the use of alcoholic drinks
He expressed himself ignorant of the object
Of the meeting, and could not say what
course it would be best to pursue in the mat.
ter.
The subject of the meeting came up al
our table after the service, and questioned
nv father about it with all the curious eager
ness Of child. The whispers and words
which had been dropped in my hearing,
clothed the whole aiflr with great mystery
to me. Ny father merely said it was a
scheme 10 unite church and state.
The night came, and groups of people
gathered on the tavern steps, and heard
the lest and laugh, and saw drunken men
come reeling out of the bar-room. l urged
nv father to let me go, but he first refused
Finally, thinking it would be an innocent
qualification Of my curiosity, he put on his hat
and We passed across the greento the church.
I remember we'll how the people appeared
as they came in, seeming to wonder what
kind Of an exhibition was to come off.
In the corner was the tavern-keeper, and
around him number of friends. For al
hour the people of the place continued t,
come in, until there was fair house full
All were eurously watching at the doc
wondering what would appear next. Th
pastor stole in and took seat behind pi
lar under the gallery, as if doubtful of tt
Uropriety Of being in church at all.
Two men finally came in and went to IL
altar and took ther seats. All eyes we
6xod upon them, and genera! stiffness pc
vade& throughout the house.
The men were unlike in appearance, OF
being short, thick-set in his build, the 9th
eall and we'll formed. The younger had t
manner and dress of clergyman, full rour
face, and a quiet good-natured look, as
leisurely looked around over the audienC
But my childish interest was all in
oldest man..1ltE5s 4 pr0aVS2. deep chest, and |
usuale1ght, looked giant-IIFc>( as he stro
Uwiy up the isle. His hair was whItag hi
brew deeply scanned with burrows, and p;
rouad his handsome mouth, lines of cali
and touching sadness. His eye was bac
aud restless, and kindled as the tavern-kee
er uttered low jest aloud. His lips we
compressed, and crimson flush went ar
came over his pale check One arm W
off above the elbow, and there was wit
scar over his right eye.
The younger finally arose and stated t
object of the meeting, and asked if there "
n Clergyman present to open it with aprayt
Our pastor kept his seat and the speak
himself made a short prayer, and then ma
n short address, at the conclusion callingu
on any one present to make remarks I
pastor rose under the gallery, and attack
the positions Of the speaker, using the are
ments which ! have often heard since, a
concluded by denouncing those engaged
the new movement, as meddlesome fanati
who wished to break up the time honor
usages Of good society, and injure the br
ness Of respectable men. At the conclus
Of his remarks, the tavern-kceper and
friends got up cheer, and the current
feeling was evidently against the strang
aud their plan.
While the pastor was speaking, the
man had fixed his dark eye upon him,
leaned forward as if to catch every word.
AS the pastor took bis seat, the old n
arose, his tall form towering in its symme
and his breast swelling as he inhaled
breath through his thin, dilatcd nos,rils.
me, at the time there was an awe-inspir
and grand in the appearance of the old IL
as he stood with his full eye upon the
dience, his teeth shut hard, anda sile
like that Of death throughout the chu
lie bent his gaze upon the tavern kee
and that peculiar eye fingered and kline
for half a moment
The scar grew red upon his forehead,
beneath his heavy eyebrows his eyes Gilt
ed aud glowed like serpent's. The
ern-keeper qualled before that searcl
glance, aud felt relief when the old
with drew his gaze. For moment he Sc
cd lost in thought, and then in low
trcmulous voice commenced. There W
depth in that voice, thrilling pathos
sweetness which riveted every heart in
house before the first period had been ro
cd. My fathers attention had become
on the eye Of the speaker with an int
which had never before seen him exl
! can but briefly remember the substan
what the old man said, though the. seen
as vivid before me as any that l ever
messed.
My friends: am stranger in
village, and | trustI may call YOU fri,
A new star has arisen, aud there is ho,
the dark night which hangs like pa
gloom over our country With a thri
depth of voice, the speaker locked his h
together and continued - Oh God,
who lookest with compassion upon the
erring of earth's children, thank Thee
brazen serpent has been lifted, upon '
the drunkard can look and be healed I;