Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-06-04
THE OLD MANS STORY.
BY NJ. A. DENNIsoN.


child at the time. Our home had every
comfort, and my parents idolized me, their
only child. Wine was often on the ta-
bic, and both my father and my mother
frequently gave it to me, in the bottom
oftheir morning glass.
On Sunday, at church, a startling an
nouncement was made to our people.
knew nothing of ITS purport, but there
was much whispering among the men.
The pastor said on the next evening
there would be meeting, and an address
on the evils of intemperance in the use
of alcoholic drinks, He expressed him
self ignorant ofthe object of the meet
ing, and could not say what course would
be best to pursue in the matter.
The subject came up at the table after
the service, and questioned my father
about it with all the eagerness of child |
The whisper and words dropped in my
hearing clothed the whole affair with a
great mystery to me, and | was all ca
gerness TO know the strange thing. My
father merely said it 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 go at first he re-
fused. Finally, thinking it would be an
innocent qualification of my curiosity, he
put on his hat, and we passed along the
green to the church. l remember well
how the people appeared as they came
in, seeming to wonder what kind OF ex-
! hibition was to come Oft.
In one corner was the tavern keeper,
and party of his friends. For an hour
the people of the place began to stream
in. until there was fair full house. All
were curiously watching the door, won
dering what would appear next. The
pastor came in, and took seat behind
the gallery, as if doubtful of the proprie-
ty 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 prevailed throughout the room.
The men were unlike in appearance,
one being short and thick-set in his build
the other tall and well formed. The
younger had the manner and dress of a
clergyman full, ronnd face, and qui-
ct, good natured look, as he quietly gazed
Eover the audiance.
But my childish interest was in the
old man. His broad, deep chest, and un-
usual height, looked giant-like, as he
strobe slowly up the aisle. His hair was
white, his brow deeply SCARED with fur
rows, and around his handsome mouth
lay lines of calm and touching sadness.
His ewes were black and restless, and
kindled as the tavern keeper uttered a
low Jest aloud. His lips were compress
E ed, and crimson flush went and came
over his pale cheek.
The younger Of the two finally arose,
and stating the object Of the meeting,
! asked if there was a clergyman present
I to open with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speak
+ er himself made short prayer and then
a short address, at the conclusion calling
upon any person present to make re-
q marks. The pastor rose under the gal
Iery, and attacked the positions of the
: speaker, using the arguments which |
: hade often heard since and concluded by
denouncing those engaged in the new
q movement, as meddlesome fanatics, who
+ wished TO break up the time-honored
usages of good society, and injure the
O business of respectable men.
At the conclusion of his remarks, the
+ tavern-keeper and his friends got up a
q cheer, and the current of feeling was evi-
a IDENTIFY against the strangers and their
# plan.
: While the speaker was speaking, the
Q old man had fixed his dark eye upon him
! and leaned forward as if to catch every
n word. Then he arose, his tall form tow.
y ering in its symmetry, and his chest swell
;, ling as he inhaled his breath through his
i nostrils. To me there was something
: awe-inspiring and grand in the appear
d anee of the old man as he stood with hi
e full eye upon the audiance, his teeth set
" and there was silence ike that Of deatl
n throughout the church.
st For moment he seemed lost in tho't
/ and then in a low and tremulous tone
&c commenced. There was a depth in tina
1f voice, thrilling pathos and sweetness
t which rivited every heart in the house
IS before the first period had rounded. My
ot fathers attention had become fixed OF
d the eye of the speaker with All interest
&c had never before seen him exhibit.
d can but briefly remember what he SAT-
l. though the scene is as vivid before me a
y any / ever witnessed.
"My friends-I am a stranger in you
= village, but trust l may call you friend
{, "a new star has risen, and there is hop
- in the dark night which hangs like pal
lS of gloom over our country" With
= = thrilling depth Of voice the speaker lock
X ed his hands together and continued -
ie "Oh God ! thou who lookest with CON
p passion upon the erring Of liie's children
IL thank thee that brazen serpent ha
re been lifted up in the wilderness Of sir
as upon which the drunkard can look an
le be healed that beacon has burst OF
Al of the darkness that surrounds hin
which shall guide him back to honor, an
lead TO heaven the bruised and wear
,e, wanderer."
If 1t is strange what power there Is
be some voices. The speakers voice WI