Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1874-04-16

ever be considered sober.
| TWAS at this time that one Monday
evening, when more than halfseas
over, from some sudden impulse, ex-
cited perhaps by recollection of for
mer days, he entered place of wor-
ship during divine service. The lee
ture that evening THE last Of series
on the Christians armor) was not
one that would have been deemed
the most likely to arrest the atten-
ton of man intoxicated; yet it did,
and so effectual was it, that from that
very night Joseph reformed his hab-
its and became new man. 1t was a
hard struggle, for long-estabiished
habits are not easily overcome.
Publicans do not readily relinquish
their prey; long arrears of debt hang
heavily around workingman; the
necessaries and comforts of domestic
life, when consumed by intemper-
ance, are not to be regained but by
much toll and self-denial.
But Joseph had received into his
heart new power-a power which
the Spirit of God alone can commu-
nicate-andrit enabled him at once to
triumph over all his difficulties.
He at once abandoned the cup and
the beer-shop, he was convinced that
in no other way could he conquer his
besetting sin. For a time various
traps were laid to ensnare him into
his former practices, but his purpose
remained firm and mistaken. His
debts were heavy, but that did not
deter him from graphing with them
by an honest endeavor to discharge
the whole.
AS they kept diminishing, his
house, and the appearance of himself
and family exhibited gradual trans
formation, which showed, in the
most unmistakable manner the ben
eficial effects of pious industry, So
briefly, and economy.
The case of Joseph was well-known
to the minister who had been the in
strument of his conversion; and
often was he encouraged and strength
ened by his counsel and favorable
| notice.
1t was after the lapse of twelve
months from the time Of his reform
alton that Joseph presented an earn
est request to the minister referred
| TO, that he would accompany him to
his dwelling. 81 want you to see,"
he said, "what religion has done for
| me-"
AS may be supposed, the request
was cheerfully acceded to. On enter
ing his dwelling, which was one of
the more respectable class OF cottages,
it presented an aspect in all respects
the reverse Of the poor, dilapidated,
and wretched place he formerly oc-
cupied. "Now,p said Joseph, "let
me first show you the house place.
Just look round; see how natty and
comfortable it isl" And, certainly
it did credit to the Judgment and
cleanliness of his wife; it was evident
she had been an earnest co-operator
that she understood her own inter
terests, and knew how to make home
comfortable. "Then, here is our par
lor." This was well furnished and
carpeted.
"You must go, too, up stairs"
Here were two bedrooms, harmonic
ing i'm neatness and comfort with the
rooms below.
"In another month or so i shall be
out Of debt, and owe no man any
thing but love-"
"My wife Is now happy woman,
and Pm as happy as the day is long.
You may be sure it's been hard tug
to accomplish all you have seen; but
1 never was so strong to labor as
now; I've found cut that a man can
work harder and longer with water
than with beer or porter, and enjoy
much better health and spirits.
"Ihen the times have been good;
I've had plenty of work and fair
wages, aud, as I've worked hard al
most day and night, I've been en-
bled, by Gods blessing, to effect it
ALL"
Here is case which says to every
drunkard, despair not"' However
low he may be sunk in vice, degre-
dation, and misery, it shows him
that there is a remedy within hisI
reach. Try, man, try! What anoth-
or has accomplished, SO may you.
You may yet arise and be man.
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