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


shall never forget tho commencement Of the
temperance reformation. was n child at the
time, of some ten years of age Our home had
child. Wine was often on the table, and father
and mother frequently gave it 10 me in 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
address upon the evils Of intempcrance in the
use of alcoholic drinks. He expressed himself
ignorant of the cause of the meeting, and could
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
the laugh, and saw drunken men come reeling
out Of the bar-roonl. urged my father to let
me go. but he at first refused. Finally, thinking
! that it would be an innocent qualification of my
curiosity, he put on his hat and we passed aero IS
the green to the church. remember we'll
how the people appeared as they came in.
seeming TO wonder what kind of an exhibition
was to come of.
4 In the corner was the tavern keeper, and
Aaround him Il number of friends. The pastor
Acame in and took n seat behind pillar in the
gallcry, rs if doubtful Of the propricty Of being
lin church ut ALL
Two men finally came in and went to the al
tar and took their seats
a The men were unlike in appearance, one be-.
ling short thick-sct in his build; the other tall
and we'll formed. The younger had the manner
and dress of = clergyman, full round face, and
.,,l 1;,, -nl
around over the audience.
The younger finally arose and stated the ob-
Sect of the meeting, and asked il there was i
clergyman present to open it with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speaker him
kclf made short prayer, and then 4 short ad-
iress, at the conclusion calling on any one pre-
bent to make remarks.-rhe pastor rose, under
ahe gallery, and attacked the positions of the
Speaker, using the arguments which have often
l,eard since, aud concluded by denouncng those
Engaged in the new movement, as meddle-some
'anatics, who wanted to break The tme-honored
hsages of good society, and injure the business
.Sf respectable men.-At the conclusion Of his
3 cmarks, the tavcrn-kecper and his friends got
10 cheer and The current of feeling was cvi-
aently against the strangers and their new plan.
Whilst the pastor WAS speaking, the stranger
Ind fixed his dark eye upon him. and leaned for
Yard rs if to catch the words
81 ks the pastor took his seat the old man arose,
4 His tall form towering in It's symmetry and his
ahest swelling us he inhaled his breath, through
lis thin, diIated most tfils.-To me, at the time,
here was something awe-inspiring and grand in
,e appearance of the old man rs he stood with
Lis full eye upon the audience, his teeth shut
q lsrd and silence like that Of death reigncd
throughout the church.
= lie bent his gaze upon the tavern-kccper, and
bat peculiar eye fingered and kindlcd for 4 mo-
~ lent.
The scar grew red upon his forehead and be-
$ bath his IleiSy eyebrows his eyes glittered and
lowed like a serpe,lt's Thc tavern.keeper
hailed before that searching glance, and felt
s. relief when the old man Withdrew his gaze
pr u moment he seemed lost in thought, and
4 len in low and tremuous tone commenced
here was 4 depth in that voice, 4 thrilling pl-
S os and sweetness which rveted every heart
the house before the first period had been
s uuded My fathers attention had become
led on the eye Of the speaker with an interest
hich had never before seen him exhibit. I
IA, but briefly remember the substance of what
B old nian said, though the scene is as vivid
fore me rs any that ever witnessed.
My friends ans stranger in your village,
tt trust may call you friends. A new star
- arisen, and there is hope in the dark night
Itch las.spread pail of gloom over our coun-
!" With d thrilling depth of voice the speak
locked his hands together, aud continued,
ph, God! thou who lookest with compassion
bn the most erring of carihs children. thank
e that brazen serpent has been lifted, Il 'on
,h nl,ord nd ho hnu ,I
eacon has burst out upon the darkness ut
rounds him, which shall guide back to honor
heaven, the bruised and weary wandcrcr."
Il is strange what power there is in some
ces. The speakers voice was low and meas
ID, but tear tse,ubted in every toI!e, and be-
knew why, tear dropt upon my hand,
owed by others like rain drops. The old man