The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-04-04
AFFECTING INCIDENT.

AFFECTING INCIDENT.
recollect one member Of Congress wht
was always rallying me about our Congress
Ional Temperance Society.
"Briggs." he used to say, "1'm going t.
join your Temperance Society as soon as
my dem!john is empty" Bur Just before i,
became empty he always filled it. One time
towards the close of the session, he said tc
ME -
II am going to sign the pledge when &c,
home am in earnest" continued he INV
demllohn is nearly empty, and am not 90.
ing to I'LL it again." lie spoke with such an
AIR OF seriousness as lad not before cb,erv.
ed, and it impressed me and I asked him
what 1t meant-what had changed his feel
ings.
"Why," said he, 81 had a short time since
ys;. f.9T cag W TX brother, who stated to me a
!seeee aeetS NY impressed and affected
eds - az ''''''se' to have read or
S:asss4 - seood is gentleman of my
- as5ss educated, who once had
psdsAs1 NJ is now reduced-poor
He has beautiful and lovely wife-a lady
OF cultivation and refinement and 4 most
charming daughter.
Ihis gentleman had become decidedly in
temperate in his habits, and had fully alarm
Ell his friends in regard to him-At time
when number of his former associates were
together they counselled As to what could be
done for him. Finally one of them said to
hv Vnv'S
away to certain distinguished school -
which hs named
"Oh. | cannot" said he cit i, out of the
question. | am not able to bear the expense.
Poor girl wish could"
"Well," said his friend, '.if YOU will sim
the temperance pledge. will be at tn. ex
pense OF her attending school for one wear. ~
"What does this mean >" said he "Do
you think me in danger OF becoming drunk
ard ?"
NO matter" said his frienl, "ab)ut that
now. but will do as SAID
"And l." said another. will paw the rem,
of your farm year, if YOU will sign tn E
pledge"
"Well, these offer. are certainly liberal
but what do they mean? Do YOU think me
in danger Of becoming drunkard? What
can 1t mean? But, gentlemen. in view OF
vonr liheral;tv, | will make an offer. | will
sign if YOU will 2"
This was proposition they had not con
sldered, and were not very well prepared to
meet bnt for his sake they would anl did
sign. and he with them
And now, for the first time. the truth pour-
ed into his mind. and he saw hi. condition.
an! sat down bahed in tears.
"Now," said he. "sentlcmsn, vou must 90
and communicate these facts to NV w,i. ::
poor woman | know she will be Clad to
hear 1t. but cannot tell her"
Two OF them started for that purpose. The
lady met them at the door, pale All trem
bling with emotion
They badr her dismiss her fears. assuring
her they had come TO brin. her tiI,ncs OF
her hnshand-but good tid:nss, such as she
would be glad to hear
our husband has signed the pledge
yes. signed in good faith"
The JOYOUS news nearly ovcrramc her
she tremhlet with excitement, wept freely.
and claSping her hands devotionallv. she
looked up to heaven, and thanked God for
the happy change.
"Now, said she. Il have husband a, he
was once. in the day, oi our early love"
but this was not what moved me-" said
the gentleman. There was in the same VI.
clnl'v another gentleman-a generous. no,l.
soul-married young-marr-d we,l-in,o .,
charming family. and the flower of it. Ills
wine drinking had ,.cu,ad the fears Of his
friends. and one dav. when several of them
were together. one SAID to the other, "L.t rs
sign the pledge" IL will if YOU will" ,,;J
the other, TIL all had agreed to it, and the
thing was done.
This gentleman thought it rather sm.I:
business, and felt little sensitive about re-
veaing to his wife what he had done. Bu,
on returning home he said to her:
MARY. my dear, have done what fear
will di.please YOU"
"Well what is it 2"
"Why, have signed the temperance
pledge" "''0e
"H.ve YOU ?"
"lss, have certainly"
Watching hi, manner a, he repl;cJ and
reading IN it sincerity. she entwined her
arms around his neck, laid her head upon his
bosom and burst into tears Her husband
was affected deeply by this conduct of hi,
wife and said:
MARY don't weep; did not know it
would affect you so, or would not have don.
1T will 90 and take my name off immedi
ately."
lake your name of !" said she; 'no, no
let it be there shall. now have n, ,nor.
sol'c'tude in reference to your becoming a
drunkard. | shalt spend no more w.keful
midnight hours. shall no more s,..n nv
pillow in tears"
Now' tor the first time. the truth shone IN.
on his mind, and he folded to hi. bosom hi.
young and beautiful wife, and wept with her.
Now, can't stand these facts, and am
gong to sign the pledge"