The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-10-26

FLEE from the bright and sparkling bowl.
hrow Tar the tcmpter from thy hand,
i,, dIs touch leaves but the foul plague spot,
nat sweeps its millions from our land,
Inc toui destroyer walks the earth,
FROM east to west, from pole to pole =.
All countries grant him leave to slay,
Their subjects with the madnin bowl.
Wars devastating sword may Law,
us hundreds Ger the battle-hclds H
But what is this to those who fall,
ny the keen blade intemperance wields.
ALMOST two years had passed away
since Louisa Benson had become the wife
OF young Henly; little boy, but
few month, old set on her knee -
need | say she was happy-as she caress.
ed and kissed the little dmpled cheek that
was turned up to her though he slept. a
smile ever and anon played around III.
mouth, particularly when the lips of the
mother gently touched his cheek. that
might well make one believe. in the old
IRISH tradition, Of children seeing and con.
vers'ng with angels, when they smiled in
their sleep. 81 fss7
Inc table Was neatly spread for supper,
which had evidently been waiting some.
time. Mrs. Henly at length arose. and
laying down the babe, walked to the street
window to watch for Mr.. Henly, but her
vigils were not long, in few moments
step was heard on the pavement, and Jo-
seph lieaiy with light heart aud light
er step, almost LenndAd -throuah the pas.
ssge. ..-.
Don't scold, Louisa !" have been de.
fa.n.1 latn hnt i.,t, "a 4
will tell you something = new society
is about to be formed in our town-bnt
first kiss from little Joe, and the happy
young father bent over his boy, proud as
king Of his treasure.
Nov, Joseph, tell me about the socio-
ty; said Mrs. HenIy, rather seriously -
hope it is nothing that will detain you
from home. You can't think how lonely
have been tonight, it is the first time
since our marriage that you have been out
50 late without me.
81 plead guilty, Louisa, but we were all
detained rather late tonight at the count
ing house the firm has done fine busi-
ness to-day, and by the by, | will have to
go back to night, to finish packing some
goods, and assist in making out the bills.
"But the society, Joseph"
"Ah! curiosity well it is nothing
moro nor less than the establishment of n
Lodge, by the Sons of Temperance. Two
OF the clerks in the store intend joining to-
morrow night, and they were pursusdng
me to become n member also. OF course
thought it right to consult with you a.
bout It, before promising, and have your
opinion about the use Of such = society"
"lndeed, Joseph, / see no use iu any
such societies, except for dIunkards you
never drink, and would consider il an in
suit for person to ask me to join any
such society"
Louisa, youmistake the intention Of the
Society. At least fifty members will go
into-morrow night, aud not one Of them
drinks the head Of our establishment in
tends joining"
That is NO reason that you should
join" persisted Mrs. Henly :" it will only
draw you from home, aud do no good. /
a,eysi he&s,i :f such folly. ss parcel OF
sober men joining the Sons Of Temper
sanes. Why do you not get up societies
20 prevent stealing, and other vices, for
fear some day you will all become thievess'
"Beeailse the law lays its hands on the
perpetrators Of other crimes, all but tn e
crime OF drunkenness"
'SMr. =, the gentleman who has
visited our town for the purpose Of estsL-
iish.ng the Lodge, wishes first to get not
-oply sober men, but the most influential
'men Of the place, TO take hold Of the TEN.
Peranee movement; il would be useles.
10 attempt forming society out Of the
drunken and outcast alone. Indeed Lou
isa, you have no conception, and no femal,
can form an idea Of the amount afmiscry
in Isrge town that % brought on by in
temperance.
at is strange, Joseph. that you nsve,
shought Of this before. Mr.. F----- hsl
presched you all crazy, the thing can dc
no good, and do not wish you 20 join
though will not oppose you, II you wish
3 % do 40. ifyou drank would then thinl
h right"
Then Louisa, ] will net Join you 81
ways have desisied from doing anything
tiny slightest wish, and susely Iougbl
90 do the same" ~,
The heart Of Mn. Henly ssnots her sh,
regretted opposing her husband, he was .
Sind, but she had spoken what she fcsIl,