Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-06-13
MISCELL A N Y.
Little Dennie

"Li,tle Dennie" was the only son OF clergy
man who. some wears since, lived on the shore Of
Lake George. This was beoie the commence
ment of the temperance reformation, when every
family kept intoxicating liquors constantly on
hand and used them as an occasional, 1t not dai-
ly beverage Taught by the example of the father
and his guests, the little boy contracted love for
strong drinks, that gave his parents most painful
iapprehensionS on his account, and was the subject
lof their frequent but unavailing remonstrance.-
At length, at a barn raising which he had been
permitted 10 attend, and where he had Tree access
t. keg of liquor, he became dead drunk, and
was laid upon board under tree. The rest Of
the story we copy in the language oil The author {:
"Abuut four o'clock his father called to accom-
pany him home; not seeing him, he eagerly IN
auired for his child; they pointed him to the place
where he lay. With heart full of sorrow he
carried him home to his mother ami sisters. To-
getner his parents watched by his oed during lne
tedious night that followed, not Knowing but me
dreadful stupor would result In his death but fu
y resolved 1t he lived, not to leave untred any
effort that might promise TO save him.
at was not until the evening oil the second day
that he was restored to perfect consciousness
His parents thought it best not to speak to him OF
the cause of his illuess for some days. hoping his
own reflections would do him much more good ;
but in this they were disappolnied-he did not
exhibit the least symptom OF remorSe or conscious
uess that he had done wrong.
"Ahlut week after the event just related, h'S
father invited him one pleasant morning to take
walk. Their read lay along the shore OF lake,
aud was lined with stately trees on either sde.-
For time they walked on in silence.
..Dennie,' said he, do you know what II was
that made Won sick the other day I!
".Why, suppose drank too much rum he
arllessly replied.
".Well, my SON. do you know that think you
are in danger OF becoming drunkard &
".Why, father. know you tell me so, but
am no, afraid of it. You drink rum every day
and YOU are not druukard and when get old
euounh to know how much it will do for me to
drink, then can keep from being drunk too
"'rhey both seated themselves on rock near
the shore. aud most faithfully did his father speak
of the evils Of intemperance, then taxing small
uold watch from his pocket, which Drnnle had
lonu desired 20 call his own. he said. Denne, 1t
von nronise ,ne that you will never drink any
more rum. [ will give you this gold watch. VIII
you dOit!'
Rising from his seat, and looking his father
full in the iace, he replied III 1t is wrong or me
to drink rum. scorn to be hired not TO drtaR II
But will tell you sir, what ,cal do. 1t 1t is
wrong fr me to drink, it is wrong Tor you, and II
YOU will STOP drinking, will
Had flash of lightning burst from the cloud
less SKY above theu, his father would have mol
been more startled How could he preach per
form the laboruuS duties Of pastor without his
daily GLASS of biiters? How could he get up IN
cold wiuters night, and go 10 pray BY the bed OF
some dying parishoner, without glass OF sone,
thug to prevent him taking cold! How could
he attend the various ecclesiastical meetings OF
the church, without something to help him bear
| the ialrgues of the iuurney? The saerihce was
indeed great hut the welfare of his son demanded
1t. And summoning all his resolution, with iai-
tering voice, he replied. Il lcM do 1t my son y
Aud thus they pledged themselves to Total .7'-
Siinence there.
The lake, the trees, and the pure blue sky,
being their only witnesses, save only that Holy
Being who is everywhere. As they retraced
their steps. his father. taking the little watch
from his pocket, gave it 10 Dennle, and said, MY
son, You have long wished that would give you
this watch. II is now yours as long as you Keep
vour promise. Should that ever be broken,
shlll expect you to return It to me- I'LL ihen' ie'
| it be a token to yuu Of this promise we nave no"
made
Years have passed, and the same little Len
ME is now distinguished clergyman IN one ol 'ne
most populous Western cities. Four bright niue
tboys call him father. The same little gold watcf
decorates his paror wall. aud often does he point
to it and tell of his danger and his escape from me
whirlpool of INTEMpERANCE." ."-.u0nsreat Lye
Boat