The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1867-11-30
Mistellaueuas.
THE OLD MANS STORY.
A THRILLING SKETCH.


OF the temperance reformation. was
child at the time, some ten years Of age.
Our home had every comfort, and my kind
parents idolized me, their only child. Wine
was often on the table, and both my father
and mother gave il to me in the bottom Of
their morning glass.
One Sunday at church startling an
nouncement was made to our people. ]
knew nothing Of its purpors, hut there was
much whispering among the men. The
pastor said that on the next evening there
would be meeting, and an address upon
the evils Of intcmpernnce In the use OF all
alcoholic liquors He expressed himself
ignorant Of the meeting, and could not say
wha, course il would be best to pursue in
the matter.
Tho subject Of the meeting came up ut
our table after the service, and | questioned
nv father about il with all tho curious ear-
ncs,ncss OF a child. The whispers and
words which had been dropped in my
hearing, clothed the whole affair with great
mystery to me, and | was all earnes'ness to
learn the strange thing. My father merely
said il was scheme to unite the Church
and State.
The night came and groups Of people
gathered on tho tavern steps, and ] heard
the Jest and laugh, and saw drunken men
come reeling out Of the bar room.
urged my father to let me 80. but ho at
frs, refused. Finally, thinking il would be
an innocent qualification OF my curiosity, no
put OH h,s hut, and we passed across tho
green to tho church, well remember how
the people appeared as they came in, seem.
ing to wonder what kind Of an exhibition
was to como oil.
In the corner was tho tavern keeper, and
around him number Of friends. For an
hour the people Of the place continued to
como in till there was fair houscfhll. All
werc curiously watching the door, anl up.
parcn,ly wondering what would appear
next. The parson stole in and took his
sea, behind a pillar in the gallery, ns 1t
doubtful Of the propriety Of being in the
church at oil.
Two men finally came in and went for.
ward to tho altar aud took their seats. All
eyes were fixed upon them, and general
stiffness prevailed throughout the church.
The men were unlike In appearance, one
being short, ,hick.set in his build, and the
other tall and well formed. The younger
had the manner and dress Of clergyman.
full round face, and quiet, good.nntured
look rs he leisurely looked around his au.
dience.
But my childish in,ercs, was all in the
old man. His broad, deep chest, and un.
usual height looked gian,.like, as he strobe
up the aisle. His hair was white, his brow
deeply SCARED with furrows, and around
his handsome mouth, were lines OF calm
and touching sadness. His eyes were black
and restless, and kindled as the tavern.
keeper uttered low jest. His lips were
compressed and crimson flush went and
came over his pale cheek. One arm was
of near the elbow, and there was . wide
scar just above his right eye.
The younger finally arose and stated the
object Of tho meeting, and asked if there
was clergyman present to say a prayer.
Our pastor kept his seat. and the speaker
himself made short address at the con.
clusion calling upon any ono to make re.
marks The pastor arose under the gale.
ry, and attacked the position Of the speak.
or. using the Arguments often have hearl
since and concluded by denouncing those
engaged in the movement as n'eidlesome
fanatics. who wished to break up the time
honorcd ussses Of good society, and injurc
the bushes Of respectable men. At the
conclusion Of his remarks the iavcm-kecp-
er and his friends got up q cheer, and the
current Of feeling was evidently agains, the
strangers and their plan.
While The pastor was speaking tho old
man leaned forward and fixed his dark eyes
upon him, % Il to catch every word.