The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1860-11-29

THE SEER Ell.
CHAPEER T.

In IS, we were invited to address
the friends of Temperance in a village Of
Western -- A Division of the Sons
of Temperance had just been instituted,
and had redeemed some Of the most aban-
dcned drunkards in the place. Legions
of devils had been cast out, and noble
men given back to their families.
The gentleman presiding over the
meeting in the church, was noble spec
linen of mat tall, finely built, polished
IN manner, and with an eye and voice in
which the light and tone of full, great
heart were unmistakably blended He
was dignifed and commanding; yet gen.
tie and unaffected as a child. 1 loved the
man before he had placed his hand in
mine.
Others were impressed with the bear
ing of the president of the day-why so
much | could not understand, he being
a citizen with whom they were familiar
but a feeling of quiet, beaming joy SEEM
ed to pervade the vast audience in attend
ance There were three ladies in the au-
dience who more especially appeared to
labor under some deep and uncomfortable
emotion. They wept like children, but
their tears hardly seemed those of sorrow
[ noticed that the chairman, at times,
could hardly suppress his own feelings,
for the lip was pale and quivering, and
his voice was tremulous with the flooding
of tears beneath. [ saw here and there,
tears dripping upon other cheeks. 1t was
mystery, for the exercises had not COM
menced and | had seen nothing to account
for the tears. And yet | was deeply af-
fected myself before | was aware of it.
At the close of my address, Iappealed
to the people in behalf of the Division,
and asked them if it had not wrought
good in their midst? Had it not redeem
ed some citizen who was once the soul of
honor? Had it not restored some erring
son to widowed mother? Had 1t not
made some happy, and flied some aching
heart with bliss too deep for utterance !?
1t has and the widows blessing be
upon it, and the blessing of the God Of
the widow and the fatherless !"
AS if one heart pulsed in that audi
ence, a deep and thrilling amen, burst
frou every lip. the eldest of the ladies
before noticed, standing upon her feet
and weeping in the fullness Of joy. The
chairman hid his face in his hands, and
his broad chest heaved as only that of
strong man can do, in such an hour.
In the evening, the Division met, and
[ was pleased to find the chairman of the
day, the Worthy Patriarch, filing the po-
sition with that rare tact which few can
boast. Twenty-three were initiated By
special dspensation, and the glorious old
altar glowed with the kindling of more
glorious light. Hands silently elasped
hands tears answered tears; and through
all. the calm smile of great joy shone
out and warmed every heart.
After the business of the evening was
completed, the Chaplain asked that the
Division re open under the head Of the
good of the order, and the doors be thrown
open to the people who were thronglng
the streets before the building Z" This
is not 30 much for the people" said he,
"as for parties Immediately blessed BY
by our efforts here, and to bring together
again 10 the holiest of earthly ties, those
whom rum has put asuuder. Angels ID
bliss are drawing aside the curtains this
hour to witness a scene at this altar which
will cause Joy Oh earth and in Heaven,
The doors were thrown open, and ike
a pent up food, the people swept in and