Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-12-21
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THE OLD MANS STORY.
A THRILLING SKETCH.

shall never forget the commencement Of the
temperance reformation. was child at the
time, of some ten years Of age. Our home had
every comfort, and my parents idOzed their
child. Wine was often the table, aud father
and mother frequently gave it 10 me i'll the bot
tom Of the morning glass.
One Sunday at church'a startling announce
ment was made to our people. knew nothing
of its purport but there was much whispering
among the men. The pastor said that upon the
next evening there would be Il meeting, and an
address upon the evils Of intempcrance in the
use of alcoholic drinks. He expressed himself
4 ignorant of the cause uf the meeting, and could
Z not say what course it would be best to pursue
in the matter.
The night came, and groups of people gath
cred on the tavern steps, and heard the jest and
i the laugh, and saw drunken men come reeling
out of The bar-room. Iurged my father to let
3 me 90, but he at first refused Finally, thinking
that it would be an innocent qualification of my
curiosity, he put on his hat and w, passed across
the green to the church. rcmeuber we'll
how the people appeared as they came in,
4 seeming 10 wonder what kind Of an exhibition
was to come of.
In the corner was the tavern keeper, and
laround him Il number of friends. The pastor
Scame in and took seat behind pillar in the
gallery, as if doubtful Of the propric,y Of being
tjin church ut ALL
Two men finally came in and went to the al
tar and took their seats.
The men were unlike in appearance, one be-
ling short, thick-set in his build; the other tall
3and we'll formed. The younger had the manner
Sand dress of = Clergyman, 4 full round face, and
y good naturcd look, as he lesurely looked
sGround over the audience.
The younger finally arose and stated the ob-
feet of the meeting, and asked if there was 4
clergyman present to open it with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat and the speaker him
self made short prayer, and then 4 short ad-
hress, at the conclusion calling on any one pre-
bent to make remarks.-The pastor rose, under
he gallery, and attacked the positions of the
hpeaker, using the arguments which have often
heard since, aud concluded by dcnouncng those
Engaged in the new movement, us meddlc-some
Sanatics who wanted to break the time-honored
hsagcs of good society, and injure the business
sf respectable men.-At the conclusion of his
emarks, the taycrn-kecper and his friends got
. cheer and the current Of feeling was ev-
kenty against the strangers and their new plan.
Whilst the pastor WAS speaking, the stranger
: md fixed his dark eye upon him, and leaned for
Yard as if to catch the words.
Ms the pastor took his seat the old man arose.,
lis tall form towering in It's symmetry and his
hest swelling as he inhaled his breath, through
lis thin, diIatcd nos!rils-To me, at the time,
mere was something awe-inspring and grand in
,e appearance of the old man rs he stood with
lis full eye upon the audience his teeth shut
.E,rd and silence like that of death reigncd
throughout the church.
| He bent his gaze upon the tavern-kecper, and
bal pcculiar eye fingered and knded for 4 mo-
v lent.
The scar grew red upon his forehead, and be-
S. eath his heavy eyebrows his eyes glittered and
owed like a scrpe,lt's. The tavern.keeper
hailed before that searching glance, and felt
relief when the old man withdrew his gaze
s br moment he seemed lost in thought, and
len in 4 low and tremulous tone commenced
here was 4 depth in that voice. a thrilling pa-
los and sweetness which riveted every heart
S the house before the first period had been
unded Ny fathers attention had become
cd on the eye Of the speaker with an interest
hich had never before seen him exhibit. /
h but briefly remember the substance of what
AZ 8 old man said, though the scene is as vivid
fore NE rs any that ever witnessed.
MY friends. 1 ana stranger in your village,
I'll trust may call yor friends. A new star
y arisen and there is hope in the dark night
itch hasspread y 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
bn the most erring of cartit's children. thank
e that q brazen serpent has been lifted, upon
ich the drunkatd can look ard be healed;
eacon has burst out upon the darkness that
rounds him, which shall guide back to honor
heaven, the bruised and weary wanderer."
az IS strange what power there is in some
ces The speakers voice was low and meas
IA. but tear trembted in every tcUe, and be-
| knew why, a tear dropt upon my hand,
owed by others like rain drops. The old man