The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1856-11-11
Tns OLD MANS STORY.

N shall never forget the commencement oi
the temperance ref frmation. Our home had
every comfort. and my parents idolizcd me,
their child. Wine was often on the table,
and both my father rand my mother frequent
ly gave it to me in the bottom of my morn
ing glass.
One Sunday, at church, n startling an
nouncemrnt was made to our people. |
knew nothing of its purport bat ther, was
much whispering among the men. The pas
tor said on the next evening there would be a
meeting, and an address on the evils Of in
temperance in the use of alcoholic drinks
He expressed himself ignorant of the object
of the meeting, and could not say what course
it would be blst To pursue in the matter.
The subject of the meeting came up at our
table after the service, and questioned my
father about il with all the curious eagcrness
OF child. The whispers and words which
had been dropped in my hearing clothed the
whole uf r with great mystery to me, and
! was in all eagerncss to know the strang.
thing. My father merely said il was some
scheme to unite Church and State.
The night came. and groups Of people
gathered on the tavern steps, and heard The
jest and the laugh, and saw drunken men
come reeling out OF the bar-room. urged
my father to let me 60, but he at first refused.
Finally, thinking that it would be an inno-
cent qualification of my curiosity, he put on
his hat, and we passed across the green to
the church. / remember well how the pco-
pie appeared rs they came in, seeming to
woundcr what kind of an exhibition was to
come off.
In one corner was the tavern keeper, and
around him number of friends. For an
hour the people of the place continued to
come in, until there was fair housetull. All
were curiously watching at the door, wonder
ing what would appear next. The pastor
stole in and took scat behind the pillar un-
der the gallery, as if doubtful of the propri-
ETY. Of being in the church at all.
Two men finally came in, and went to the
altar and took their seats. All eyes were
fixed upon them, and general stiffness pre-
vailed throughout the room.
The men were like in appearance enc
being short and thck-set, in his build; the
other tall an well formed. The younger
had the manner and dress of clergyman; a
full, round face, and quiet, good natured
look, as he leisurly looked around over the
audience
But my childish interest was in the old
man. His broad, deep chest, ana unusual
height, looked giant-like ms he strobe UP the
aisle. His hair was white, his brow deeply
Scared with burrows, and around his hand
some mouth lines of calm and touching sad
ncss His eyes were black and restless, and
kindlcd as the tavern keeper uttered low
jrst aloud. His lips wcrc compressed, and
N,,o nj 10 r,alo
check. One arm was off above the right el-
bow, and there was wider scar above his
eve.
The you~ger finally arose and stated the
object Of the meeting, and asked if there was
a Clergyman pres mt to open it with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speaker
himself made n short prayer, and then made |
a short address, at the conclusion calling on
any one present to make remarks. The pas |
tor rose under the gallery, and attacked the |
positions of tho speaker, using & G arguments |
which have often heard since, and conclu- |
dcd by denouncing those engaged in the new |
movement as mcddlcaome fanatics, who wish
cd to break up the time honored uages of |
good society, and injurc the business OF re-
spectacle mon. At tho conclusion Of his re-
marks the tavern keeper and his friends got
up cheer, and the current of feeling was ev-
identity against the strangers and their pl u.
While the pastor was speaking the old |
man rose. his tall form towering in It's sym.
rnetrv, and his Ghost swelling as he inhaled
his breath through his dIlatcd nostrils. To
mo, NJ this time, there was something awe
inspiring md grand in tho appearance of the
old man. rs he stood with his full eye upon
a. L.: al, toY md ci.
lcncc like that of death throughout the
church.
For moment he seemed lost in thought,
and then, in n low and tremuloHs tone, COM
mcnccd. There was depth in that voice, n
thrilling pathos and sweetness, which rivcted
every heart in the house before the first peri
cd had been rounded Ny fathers attention
had become fixed on the eye Of the speaker
with nm interest which never before seen
him exhibit. can but briefly remember the
substance Of what the old man sad, though
tho scene is as vivid before me MS any ever
witnessed.
ANY frinnds-T am n stranger in your viii
lage and trust may call you friend--a
new star has arisen, and there is hope in the
dark night which hangs like u pail Of gloom
over our country" With thrilling depth
Of voice the speaker locked his hands T. geth-
er, and continued: "Oh, God ! thou who look
est with compassion upon tho most erring of
earths children, thank thee that brazcn
serpent has been lifted up, upon which the
drunkard can look and be healed; that bea-
con has burst out upon the darkness that sur
rounds him which shall guide back to honor
ani heaven the bruised and weary wondcrer.'
1t is strange what power there is in some
voices. The speakers voice was low and
measured; but tear tr emb ed in every tone,
and before knew, why, tear dropped upon
my hand, followed by Others like drops.
The old man brushed one from his own
eyes and continued:
sMen and christians" You have just
heard that am vagrnt frantic. | a,n
not. AS God knows my own sad heart,
came here 10 do good. Hear me and be