Des Arc citizen., 1859-03-18
THE OLD MANS STORY.
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST.

1 I shall never forget the commencement 1 of lhe temperance reform. was child al the time, of some ten years of age. Our nome had every comfort, and my parents Eidoized me, their child. Wine was often on the able, and both my father and my mother frequently gave t to me in the bottom of the glass eaas.a | Que Sunday at church a startling an- lnouncement was made 10 our people. knew nothing of its import, but there was much whispering among the men. The Ipaslor sad that on the next evening there would be meeting, and an address upon the evils of intemperance in the use of al- coholic drinks. He expressed himself ignorant of the object of the meeting, and could not say what would be best to pursue in the matter.
 The subject of the meeting came mp al our table after the service, and question: ed my father about it, with all the curious eagerness of a child, The whisper and wolds which had been dropped in my hearing, clothed the whole affair in great mystery to me, and was oll eagerness to learn of this same strange thing.
 My father said il was some scheme to unite Church and State.
 The night came, and troops of people gathered on the tavern steps, and 1 heard the jest and the laugh and saw drunken men reelng out of the bar-room. 1 urged my father to let me go, but he refused. Finally. thinking it would be an innocent! qualification of my curiosity, he put on his hat, and we passed across the green 10 the church. 1 remember well bow the people appeared as they came in, seeming to wonder what kind of an exhibition was to come off. aa ss
 < In the corner was, the tavern keeper, and around him number of friends.
 For an hour the people of the place continued 10 come in, until there was a fair houseluI. All were curiously watch ing the door, wondering what would next appear The pastor stole in and took seat behind a pillar under the gallery, as if doubtful ofihe proprlety of being there at all.
 Two men finally came in and went to the altar, and took their seats. All eyes were fixed upon them, and a general still ness .pervaded the house. at ss5 The men were unlike in appearance, one being short and thick sci in build, the other tall and well formed. The younger had the manner and dress of a clergyman a full, round face. and quiet, good-natufed took as he leisurely looked around the au- dience. aa
 But my childish interest was all Tn the old man. His broad, deep chest and un- usual height, looking giant-like, as he slrode up the aisle. His hair was white, his brow deeply scanned with iurrows, and around his handsome mouth lines of calm and touching sadness. His eye was black and restless, and llindled, as the tavern keeper uttered low jest aloud His lips were compressed and a crimson flush went and came over his pale cheek. One arm was of above the elbow, and ihere was wild scar overthe right eye.
 The younger finally arose and stated the oblect of the meeting, and asked It there was clergyman present to open 3ilh a prayer.
 Our pastor kept bis seat. and the speak CT himself made short prayer, and then made short address, at the coneluslon eefaA upon arly one present to make re- marks.
 The pastor arose under the gallery and attacked the position ofthe speaker, usIng the argument which 1 have often heard since, and concluded by denouncing those engaged in the movement as meddIesome fanatics. who wished to break up the tIme- honored usages of good society. and injure the business of respectable men. Al the conclusion ofhis remarks the tavern-keep- CT and his friends got up cheer, aud the