Nebraska advertiser., 1864-07-21

using the arguments which | have often
heard since, and concluded by denounc-
ing those engaged in the new movement
as meddlesome fanatics, who wished to
break up the time bonored usages Of
good society, and inidre the business Of
respectable men. At the conclusion Of
his remarks, the tavegnskeeper and his
frie1ds got up a cheer, and the currentOf
feeling was evident against the strangers
and their plan. qs yia9s5 silI
While the pastor was speaking, The
old man had fixed his dark eye upon him,
and leaned for ward If to catch every
word. aa315 d..
AS the pastor took his seabh the old
man arose, his tall form toweringf in Its
symmetry, and has chest swelling as he
inhaled his breath through bis hin diIated
nostriIs. To me, at that time, there was
something awe-inspiring, and grand in
the appearance of the old man as he
stood with his full eye upon the audience,
his teeth shut hard, and a silence like
that of death throughout the Church.
He bent his gaze upon the tavern
keeper, and that peculiar eye fingered
and kindled for half a moment.
The scar grew red upon his forehead,
and beneath the heavy eyebrows his
eyes glittered and glowed like those of
serpent. The taVern-keeper quailed be-
fore that searching glance, and Ifeit a
relief when the old man withdrew his
gaze. For moment he seemed lost in
thought, and then commenced. There
was a depth IN that voice thrilling pathos
and sweetness. which riveted every heart
in the house, before the first period had
been rounded. My fathers attention
had become fixed on the speaker william
interest which l had never before. seen
him exhibit. j eanbul briefyremember
the substante of what the old man said.
though the scene is as vivid before me
as any that / have ever witnessed.
"My frienGs!--I am stranger in your
village, and trust 1 may call you friends
"a new star has arisen, and there is
hope in the dark night which hangs like
pail of gloom over cur country" With
thrilling depth of voice, the speaker
continued: 20 God, thou who lookest with
compassion upon the most erring Of
earth's children, thank thee that bra
zen serpent has been lifted, upon which
the drnnkard can look and be helped
that beacon has burst out upon the
darkness that surrounds him, which shall
guide back to honor and heaven, the
bruised and weary wanderer."
1t is strange what power there is in
some, voices. The speaker was slow and
measured, but a tear trembled in every
tone and before l knew why,a tear
dropped upon my hand, followed by others
like rain drops. The old. man brushed
one from his own eye, and continued
"Men and Christians You have just
heard that / am. vagrant and fanatic. l
am not. AS God knows my own sad
heart came here to do good and be
just.
81 am an old man, standing alone at
the end of LIES journey. There is deep
sorrow in my heart, and tears in my eyes.
| have jOurneyed oyera dark and beacon.
less ocean, and all life's hopes have
been wrecked. l am without friends,
home or kindred upon earth, and look
with longing to the rest of the night Of
earth. Without friends, kindred or home
1t was not SO once" 0f rkI1Oas
No one could withstand the touching
pathos of the old man. / noticed tear
tremble on .my fathers eye, and l no
more felt ashamed of my own. IS
| e"No my friends, it was not so once
Away over the dark waves which have
wrecked my hopes there is a blessed
Light of happiness and home. | reach
again cOnclus lively for the shrines Of the
household idols that once were, now mine
no more." nod 1isa 20
The old man seemed looking away
through fancy upon some bright vision,
his lips apart, finger extended. Iunyol.
UNFAIRLY turned in the direction it was
pointed, dreading to see some shadow
invoked by its magic movements.
Il once. had mother. With her old
heart crushed with sorrow she went down
to the grave. / once had wife-a fair,
angel-hearled creature as ever smiled in
an earthly home. Her eyes as mild as a
summer sky, and heart as faithful and
true as ever guarded and cherished a
husbands love. Her blue eyes grew dim
as the floods Of sorrow washed away its
brightness, and ih6 living heart I wrung
until every fibre was broken. Ience had
a noble, braye and beautiful boy, but he
was driven out from the ruins of his home
and my old heart warns 10 iknov ;f he