The Ohio organ, of the temperance reform. (Cincinnati, [Ohio]) 1853-1854, 1853-05-20

ueou' ike tne young man 10 Wnom
have before referred, he rather re-
CARDS the advocates of temperance as
fanatics. And he was not so much to
blame on this account, for his own
father, in whom he confded, kept IL
quors on his sideboard, used them
himself, and set them out in mistaken
hospitality before his friends. Well,
this young man went on well for a
time; but sad to relate, a change was
apparent in few years.
His frequent visits to taverns
brought him into contact with danger.
Gus companions. Drinking was fol-
lowed by its usual consequence, idle
ness; and the two united in speedily
working his ruin.
MY friends, = the speaker was
again visibly exc.ted:-'one night, two
years ago, was returning home from
visit to a neighbor. 1t was dark,
heavy clouds obscured the sky, and
there were all the indications of a rap
idly approaching storm. Presently,
lightning began to gleam out, and
thunder to roll in the distance. l was,
perhaps, quarter of mile from
home, when the rain came down in a
fierce gust of wind. The darkness
was now so intense, that | could not
see FIVE PAGES ahead; but aided by the
lightning, obtained shelter beneath
a large tree, had been there only
few moments, whan a human groan
came upon my ears, chilling the blood
back to my heart. The next flash
enabled me to see, for an instant, the
PROSTATE form of man. He lay close
to my feet. Twas for time paralyzed.
At length, as flash after flash rendered
the figure momentarily visible, and
groan after groan awoke human feel
ings, spoke aloud. But the only
answer was, that continued moan, as
one in mortal agony. ] drew nearer,
and bent over the PROSTATE body.
Then, BY the lightning's aid, knew
it but too well. 1t was, alas! that of
the unhappy young man | have men
tioned--n1y OaCD son!
4 took him in my arms continued
the old man, in faltering voice, after
another pause, in which the audience
bent forward, and with a strength
given at the time, carried him home.
was, from that moment of recogni-
lion, unconscious of storm or darkness,
Alas! when | laid him upon his own
bed, in his own room, and looked ca
gerly down into his face, that was
rigid in death. If am a cold water
fanatic, friends, here is my apology,
Is it not all sufficient
And he sat down amid low murmurs
of feeling. For time the silence of
expectation reigned ,hroug ghout the
room. Then one of the audience stood
up in his seat, and every gaze was
turned towards him. Itwas the young
man, Parker. Fixing his eye upon
the still disturbed countenance of the
speaker, he said, slowly and distinctly:
Yes: the apology is more than
sufficient | take back the words un-
wisely spoken. With such an expe-
rience man may well be pardoned
for enthusiasm. Thanks! my vener-
able friend, not only for your rebuke,
but for your reminisccnce. l never
saw my danger as l see it now; but
like wise man, loreseeing the evil,
| will hide myselfrather than pass on,
like the fool, and be punished. This
night enlist in your cold water army,
and trust to make brave soldier
Parker sat down, when instantly
shout went up that started the far-off
slumberlng echoes, Sturgess sprung
from the stage, grasping the young
mans hand, and said in a voice not
yet restored to calmness--
My sonl born of love, for this high