Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-07-21
THE OLD MANS STORY.
A THRILLING SKETCH


the temperance reformation. was child at
the time, some ten years of age. Our home
had every comfort and my parents idolized
me their child. Wine was often on the table
and both my father and mother frequently
gave it to me in the bottom of my morning
glass.
One Sunday at church, a startling announce
ment was made to people. L knew moth
ing of its purport: but there was much whisper
ing among the men. The pastor said on the
next evening there would be meeting, and an
address upon the evils of intemperance in the
use of alcoholic drinks. He expressed him.
self ignorant Of the object of the meeting, and
could not say what course it would be best to
pursue in the matter.
The subject of the meeting came up at our
table after the service. and questioned my
father about it with all the curious eagerness
of child. The whispers and words which
had been dropped in my hearing clothed the
whole affair with great ystery to me, and
was all eagernesS to learn the strange thing.
NY father merely said il was some scheme to
unite church and State.
The night came and groups of people gath
cred on the tavern steps, and L heard the jest
and TIE laugh, and drunken men come
reeing out of the bar-room. urged my father
10 let me go, but he at first refused. Finally
thinking that it would be innocent gratifi-
cation Of my curiosity, he put on his hat, and
we passed across the green to the church. /
remember well how the people appeared as
they came in, seeming to wonder what kind of
an exhibition was TO come off.
In the corner was the tavern keeper, and "a
round him a number of friends. For an hour
the people of the place continued to come in,
until there was fair honse full. All were Gu
riously watching at the door wondering what
would appear next. The pastor stole in and
took seat behind pillar under the gallery,
as if doubtful of the propriety 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 stilluess pcrvaded
throughout the room.
The men were unlike in appearance, one be-
ing short, thick set in his build; the other tall
and well formed. The younger had the man
aer and dress of Clergyman, full, round
face, and quiet, good natured look, as he
leisurcIy looked around over the audience.
But my childish interest was in the old man.
His broad, deep chest, and unusual heIght,
looked giant like as he strobe slowly up the
aisle. His hair was white, his brow deeply
scanned with burrows and around his handsome
mouth lines of calm and touching sadness
His ewes were black and restless and kindled
as the tavern keeper uttered low jest aloud.
His lips were compressed, and a crimson hush
went and came over his pale check One arm
was off above the elbow, and there was wide
scar above his right eye.
ne younger EfiiiiN dEuSc Stdtcu t4'N
object of the meeting, and asked if there was
a clergyman present to open it with prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat, and the speaker
himself made short prayer, and then made
short address, at the conclusion calling upon
any one present to make remarks. The pastor
rose under the gallery, and attacked the posi-
rions of the speaker, using the arguments
which have often heard since, and concluded
by denouncing those engaged in the new move
ment as meddlesome fanatics, who wished to
break up the time-honored usages OF good So
ciety, and iDjurc the business OF Respectable
men At the conclusion of his remarks the
tavern keeper and his friends got up cheer,
and the current of feeling was evidently against
the strangers and their plan.
While the pastor speaking, the old man
had fixed his dark eye upon HIM; anu leaned
forward as if to catch every word
As the pastor took his seat the old man rose,
his tall form towering in its symmetry ana ms
chest swelling as he Inhaled his Dreaih, through
his dilated nostrils. To me, at that time there
was something awe-inspiring ana grihi III t,'e y,
appearance of the old man. as he stood WIN
his full eve upon the audience, his teeth smut
hard and a silence like that of death through
ont the church. .
For moment he seemed lost in thought,
and then, in a low and tremulous tone, com
menccd. There was depth in that voice. a
thrilling pathos and sweetness, which rivetea
every heart in tle house before the first period
had been rounded. NV fathers attention had
become fixed on the eye of the speaker with
an interest which had never before seen hiih
exhibit. | can but briefly remember the suo-
stance of what the old man said, though 'ne
scene is as vivid before me as any L ever VIII
messed. 80
s.My friends, | am a stranger in your village
and trust | may call you friends-a new star
has arisen. and there is hope in the dark nlght
which hangs like pail of gloom over our coun-
Try %. With thrilling depth of voice the
speaker locked his hands together, ana con-
rinued :sOh, God! thou who lookest win
compassion upon the most erring OIL ear'h
children. I thank thee that brazen serpeh,
has been lifted up upon which the drunkard
can look and be healed; that beacon mas
burst ont upon the darkness that surroupu'
him which Shall guide back TO honor ana hea'-
en-, the bruised and @eary wanderer.
1t is strange what power there Is 10 SUM
voices. The speakers voice was 10" an"
measured. but tear trembled in every tone,
and before knew why, tear dropped upon
nv hand. followed by others like rain drops
The old man brushed one from his own eseS'
and continued
s.Men and Christians You have just heaIu
that / am yagrant fanatic. l am not. AS
God knows nv own sad heart, L came here 10
do good. Hear me and be just.
81 am an old man, standing alone at the enc
of life's Journey. There is deep sorrow II
my heart and tears in my eyes. L have Jour
neyed over a dark and beaconless ocean, ano
life'a hopes have been wrecked am "ith