Smyrna times., 1856-09-03
Affecting Incident.

always rallylng me abouI our ConSresSlondl
Temperance Society. ...
Briggs" he used to say, :" I'm going to join
your Temperance Society," as soon as my demi-
jon is empty" But just before it became emp
ty, he always filled it. At one time, toward
the close of the session, he said to me:
"I am going to sign the pledge when | get
home. am in earnest" continued he; tiny
demijon is nearly empty, and am not going to
fill it again." lie spoke with such an air of
seriousness as had not before observed, and it
impressed me and asked him what it meant
what had changed his feelings.
"Why," said he, :" had a short time since
visit from my brother, who stated to me fact
that more deeply impressed and affected me,
than anything l reccllect to have heard or read.
"In my neighborhood is a gentleman of my
acquaintance, we'll educated, who once had
some property, but is now reduced-poor! He
has beautiful and lovely wife-a lady of cul-
tivation and refnement--and most charming
daughter.
"This gentleman had become decidedly in
temperate in his habits, and had fully alarmed
his friends in regard to him. At one time,
when a number of his former associates were
together they eounselled as to what could be
done for him. Finally, one of them said to
him, why don't you send your daughter away
to certain distinguished school % which he
named.
"Oh, cannot,' said he; it is out Of the
question I am not able to bear the expense
Poor girl l wish could.
"Well," said his friend, if you will sign
the temperance pledge, will be at all the ex-
pense of her attending school for one year."
"What does this meant said he. DO you
think me in danger of becoming drunkard y
"No natter said his friend, about tat
now, but will do as said"
.And l." said another, I" will pay the rent o
your farm year. if you will sign the pledge
"Well, these offers are certainly liberal--bu
what do they mean! Do you think me il
dagger of becoming drunkard! What can i
mean! But, gentlemen, in view Of your liber'
ality, will make an offer. will sign if yol
. will - ~
This was proposition they had not consid
cred, and were not very well prepared to meet
but for his sake they would and did sign, an
he with them.
And now for the first time the truth poure
into his mind, and he saw his condition, and sa
down bathed in tears.
"Now," said he, "gentlemen, you must G
and communicate these facts to my wlfe--poo
! woman! know she will be glad TO hear it, bl
: cannot tell her." ''- ~
Two of them started for that purpose. Th
;. lady met them at the door, pale and tremblin
8, with emotion. ~ q. ...-.... ....t -.
They bid her dismiss her fears, assuring IL
! they had come to bring her tidngs of her hu
= band-but good tidings, such as she would
,t glad to hear. a: .. ta....ao.. q
~ "Your husband has signed the temperan'
i pledge-yea, signed it in good faith" 80
:, = The joyous news nearly overcame her--sl
;. trembled with excitement, wept freely, al
clasping her hands devotonally, she looked l
to heaven, and thanked God for the happy chang
"Now," said she, "I have a husband as
once was, in the days Of our early love-"
- " But this was not what moved me-" said t
gentleman. "There wasin the same vicin
4, another gentleman---a generous, noble soul
' married young--married well-into a char
ing family, and the flower of it. His viii
- drinking had aroused the fears of his frisn
- and one day, when several of them were to!
- ther, one said to another, " Let US sign
=. pledge. e."treI will if you WILL" said one
~ another, till all had agreed to it, and the th
was DONE I..- -.
- This gentleman thought it rather a So
business, and felt little sensitive about revt
~ - ing to his wife what he had done. But,
.o'' returning home, he said to her :, e. j
a :" Mary, my dear, have done what
:, will displease you. ....... Il. r.
+" Well, what is it !' ...4 81.
10. "Why, l have signed the tempera
@ pledge" .a ,e.sl esaU aa
w Have you" 1" s.eoqa .aa .s
"Yes, have certainly"
Watching his manner as he replied,
reading in il sincerity. she entwined
arms around his neck, laid her head upon
49, bosom and burst into tears. Her husband
here aneo'eu ueep'' y '"'' O' =
.,,s,l said .sf-... s-,+ss st ~ sa
go, I" Mary, don't weep; | did not know it W
.,ars affiict you SO, or | wo6ld not have done
: The will go and take my name off immediately
.osnt sTaks your ame orr said she: no,
For let it be there. | shall now have no more
her citpde IN reference 70 your becoming a DR.
with ard. I shall spend no more wakeful midr
pher noufS.i sAaA afs il0ss. s'eep- y, my PniO
had i'eafs''N' % o'1"s' . ''-' 81
bo We Now, for the first time, truth shone
his mind, and he folded to his bosom