The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1868-04-25

! d7 EssGy delirere9 20 the Good T|mpldrs ~
Hickman, on The night of April l4th, 1858
By HELES II. SIMPSON.
Brothers AND SISTERS We have
once more been permitted by kind Provi-
dence to meet together around "our
common altar" and now, before we sep
arate from each other, some of US per-
haps forever, let us look into our hearts
and ask ourselves if we have in any way
violated our obligation?
Did we, sisters, in taking upon our
selves the pledgeNo abstain from intoxi-
eating beveragesN loose sight of other
points in that obligation pertaining more
particularly to us'
Did we join the Good Templars fear,
ing that our downward, staggering, reel
ing course, would cause us to fill drunk
ards grave? Was that VOW administer
ed to US with the faintcst idea that we
would ever go into whiskey-shop and
order even so small thing as a lemon
ade, favored to suit the taste? What,
then, induced us to enlist under this
glorious banner? Was it what is called
woman besetting sin-curiosity that
hateful trait of character that I can re-
oOncile as belonging to no being but
that Of withered-up. iong-nosed, sharp
chinned, pigeon-eyed, gray haired old
vixen. No, these should not be the rea-
sons. We were taught that our infu-
ence was needed here Do We indeed
then know our duty? If so, do we prac-
tice it? Do we realize that one great
duty is to be present in the Lodge room
when it is possible? ? Do We feel that it
is our duty to show to the sneering
world that we countcnance the institu-
ton, to show to our brethren that we ap-
preciate one place of social resort, where
the disgusting fumes of whisky do not
offend the olfactory nerves. l, for one,
feel pround and grateful to know that
there is one plaeeR safety where men
are known to be~their natural senses :;
that there is one institution which binds
us together in brotherly love, where we
know that the cause we are engaged In
is a glorious cause that there is honor
to be gained in it that it is righteous
cause, for 10 brings us to the very door
of religion. We know that we can never
be christians, can never win that precious
diadem, that star gemmed crown of in-
mortal glory, until we are sober and
temperate men and women. Temper
ance is the stepping stone to christianity,
and what is more beautiful to behold for
a cultivated mind than the christians
happy home l love that hearth where
night brings her loved ones from their
daily tasks, where virtue spreads her
spotless wing, and the foul serpents of
vice and intemperance never appear.
There the father sits in joy, aud the
cheerful mother smiles, while, perhaps,
her laughter loving cherub boy, beguiles
the eye with his sportive tricks. What
a contrast between this mothers home
and the mother, who, once the petted
belle of fashion, now sits pale and tremb-
ling beside her dying child, awaiting
the return of him who swore to love and
protect her-but Instead, comes, bloated
with whisky, staggering into the pres
ence of the once beautiful girl, whose
form, and tear stained cheeks.
and hollow eyes, stoeps over that inno-
cent babe-the pledge of trusting love
and gazes upon it, where that beautiful
bud of maternal love, SO pure, first open
ed, betokens the want and suffering
brought in by that demon-intemper-
ancs Who can gaze on the sad picture
without emotion, as upon its little mouth,
half open with soft quivering lip, she
gently lays her checks, but no warm
breath is felt? She receives no answer
ing kiss. Where is her protector now ?
Tnsensible he sits there, soaked through |
with the delicious poison Look again
INTO the homeNf the temperate and
man. Mbiting scandal CRATES
IN the ear, or scalds the tongue. But
lind words aud encouragement to the
srring are spoken. One more duty which |
ve should observe as christians and
;ood Templars is Charity toward our
,rsthren shd neighhprs. We canscsrcs-