Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-08-16
4 Temperance 5kettI).
THE OLD MANS STORY.
Thrilling Sketch.

Thrilling Sketch.
shall never forget The commencement of
the temperance reform ! was child at the
time, Of some ten years Of age. Our home
had every comfort, and my parents idolizad
me, their child Wine was often on the ta-
bic, and both father and mother frequently
gave it to me in the bottom Of the glass
One Sunday at Church, a startling an-
nouneement was made to our people. knew
nothing Of its purpori, but there was much
whispering amopg the men. The pastor said
that on the next evening there would be
meeting and an address upon the evils of in,
temperance in the use of alcoholic drinks
lie expressed himself ignorant Of the object
Of the meeting, and could not say what course
it would be best to pursue in the matter.
The subject Of the meeting came up at our
table after the service. and questioned my
father about it with all the curious cagerness
of child. The whisper and words which
had been dropped in my hearing clothed the
whole affair with great mystery to NE, and
] was all eageruess to learn the same strange
thing.
My father merely said it was some scheme
I to unite Church and State.
The night came, the troops of people gath
cred on the tavern steps, and | beard the jest
aud the laugh, and saw drunken men reeling
tut Of the bor-room ! urged my father to
let me go, but he first refused. Finally,
thinking it would be an innocent qualification
Of my curiosity, he put on bis bat mud we
passed across the green to the church Ire
member well how the people as they came in,
seemed to wonder what kind Of an exhibition
was to come off.
ia the corner was the tavern keeper, and
around him a number Of friends.
For an hour the people Of the place con-
tiuued to come in, until there was q fair house
full All were curiosity, watching at the door
wondering what would appear next. The
pastor stole in and took seat behind pill
lar under the gallery, as il doubtful ofthe pro-
priety of being in church a. all.
T7o men finally came in and went to the
altar, and took their seats. All eyes were
fixed apon them, aud general Stiffness per-
vaded the house.
The men we're unlike in appearance: one
being short and thick set 10 build, the other
tall and well formed. The younger had the
n amer and dress Of clergyman, full,
round face, aud quiet, good ratured look, as
he leisurely looked around the audience.
But my childish interest was all in the Old
man His broad, deep chest, and unusual
height, looked giani-like as lie strobe up the
aisle His hair was white his brow deeply
scanned with burrows aud around his hand
some mouth lines of calm and touching sad
ness. His eye was black aud restless, and
kindled as the tavern keeper uttered low
jest aloud. His lips were compressed, and
crimson flush went and came over his pale
cheek. One arm was off above the elbow,
and there was a wide scar over the right eye
The younger finally arose and stated the
object Of the meeting and asked if there was
a clergyman present to open with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, aud the speaker
himself made short prayer and then made
short address, at the conclusion calling upon
any one present to make remarks.
The pastor rose under the gallery, and at
tackled the positions ofthe speaker, using the
argument which | have often heard since
and concluded by denouncing those engaged
10 the new movement as meddlesome fanatics,
who wished to break up the time honorcd
usages Of good society, and injure the bush
ness Of respectable men. At the conclusion
Of bis remarks, the tavern keeper aud bis
friends got up a cheer. aud the current of feel
ing was evidently against the strangers and
their plan.
While tho pastor was speaking, the old
man had fixed bis dark eye upon him, and
leaned forward as if to catch every word,