The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-02-21
A Remarkable Temperance Revival.



the West, the past autumn, DR.. Dio Lewis
spoke in several places on the subject Of
temperance, inaugurating in each move
ment involving such remarkable results as
to be of public interest and Importance.
In one place, in particular, Washington,
Ohio, town of nearly four thousand in
habitants, the work thus commenced was
surprisingly successful
After the delivery of his earnest and in
structive lecture at the above named place,
entitled "Our Girls" the aforementioned
gentleman volunteered to address the citi-
zens of Washington on the subject Of tenn
perance, stating that he had plan which
had proved successful in other places, and,
if properly carried out, weuld also doubt
less in that. The proposition was heartily
approved by the audience. Accordingly,
promptly at 10 A. NJ. Christmas morning, a
band of earnest, intelligent citizens assem-
bled at the Presbyterian Church, to attend
to what the doctor might have to offer.
The exercises consisted of singing, pray
er and an address from DR.. Lewis. For
one hour argument, illustration, appeal and
demonstration followed in rapid succession
until, at the conclusion of the address, the
entire audience were ready to heartily ap-
prove the plan presented. A committee
was appointed to present to the meeting
the names of ladies present who should act
of iSit tn
places in the village where liquor was sold,
not excepting the drug stores. Forty
names of ladies present were submitted,
and they were unanimously elected for this
work. Nearly as many names also Of
gentlemen were submitted, who, with open
pocket books should stand ready to meet
whatever pecuniary demand might be
made, and were enrolled as such commit
tee. A committee of four ladies was APP
pointed to prepare an appeal to all dealers
in intoxicating liquors in the place. With
an earnest, eloquent exhortatien from DIR.
Lewis not to falter in this enterprise, now
so nobly begun, this remarkable prelimi-
nary meeting adjourned, to meet at p. NJ.
At the evening meeting still more solemn
spirit prevailed. Already it was felt that
mighty presence was with the people
The committee on appeal presented the fol-
lowing, which was unanimously adopted:
APPEAL.
"Knowing, as you do the fearful effects
of intoxicating drinks, we, the women of
Washington, after earnest prayer and de-
liberation have decided to appeal to you
to desist from this ruinous traffic, that our
husbands, brothers, and especially our sons,
be no longer EXPOSED to this terrible temp
tation, and that we may no longer see them
led into those paths which go down to sin,
and bring both soul and body to destruc-
ton. We appeal to the better instincts of
your hearts; in the sname of desolated
homes, blasted hopes, ruined lives and
widowed hearts; for the honor of our COM
munity; for our prosperity; for our happi-
ness; for our good name as town; in the
name of God, who will judge you as well
as ourselves; for the sake of your souls,
which are to be saved or lost We beg, we
implore you, to cleanse yourselves from
this heinous sin, and place yourselves in
the ranks of those who are striving to ele-
vate and ennobIe themselves and their fell
low men; and to this we ask you to pledge
yourselves"
Friday morning at 10 o'clock, large
audience assembled to commence operations
against the enemy. Leaders having been
appointed at II o'clock the women arose to
90. 1t was a thrilling moment. From
would 60 with and give them success
Down the aisle out into the street, and
thence from den to den, they Marched
The drug stores were first visited. The
ladies were variously received, sometimes
kindly, sometimes with locked doors, or
demonstrations of insolence. In either
case they did their duty, with no spirit of
malice or bitterness, but with prayer and
song, with entreaties, and even tears, they
went on their sublime mission: At each
place the order of exercises was as follows:
1. singing; 2. prayer; 3. singing; 4. pray
er; ). appeal; 6. promise to call again.
The first day closed with no special indica-
lions of success. At $50 A. NJ. the ensuing
day the ladies assembled again at the Pres
byterian Church, whence, after an hour
spent in conference and prayer, they start
ed once more on their round of visitation.
Though on this day the work in some re-
spects seemed even harder and less en-
couraging than on the day previous, they
yet kept most nobly 10 it, many of them,
indeed, going without food from early in
the morning till late at night. In the
meantime, all day long in the Pre- sbyterian
Church, the brothers and husbands of the
women were engage in prayer and suppl