Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-04-08
Sunday Evening Temperance Meeting.

man, Mr.. j. X. Seayer, thought this an indica
ton Of well sustained interest 10 the caus'
for which these gatherings were established
nearly two years ago.
Mr.. Joseph Poland called upon Rev. DR.. Lore
to address the meeting. Dr. Lord said he
would speak after Mr. Poland.
In reply, Mr.. Poland said DR.. Lord proves
himself stranger here by calling upon me.
might he willing, like some public speakers, "a
talk myself to death, but am not willing 10
talk every body to death. With the permits
sion Of the chairman he said he would read an
extract from a sermon by Rev. DE witt Tai
madgc, Of Brooklyn, upon the women's Move
ment in Ohio. 1t was most unqualified APP
proyal Of the course pursued by the women Of
the West
Dr. Lord said he should speak with less re-
luctance If he could read his speech, as Mr.
Poland had done. lie had not attended one Of
these meetings Of late, but he had noted the
good influence that had gone out from them.
While there seemed at present to be good re-
yisal Of intercs; in the cause of temperance
over the whole country here the fire Of tenn
perance had been kept steadily burning for
nearly two years. A great many addresses
had been made here, many wise and excellent
things said, and a good spirit had gone out
into the community from these weekly gather
ings Men have attempted many measures,
bat have almost always failed but women are
now trying, by prayers and appeals, to move
the hardened hearts Of men. believe in prayer
prayer in the closet, 10 our churches, and in
this meeting, which has always been COM
rntfctHOos ihay sf,~- a -Brdt6f Meeting may be
held on the street, or in saloon, and good
marvellous good, be done. Being at the ST.
Nicholas HOTEL in New York city, week ago,
he met a gentleman from the West, who re-
lated to him an incident Of the movement in
Columbus, Ohio, that he himself witnessed.
About one hundred and twenty women came
to the entrance Of the principal hotel in the
city while be was stopping there. They we're
not young, but middleaged and elderly ladies.
4 crowd Of two or three thousand persons as
sembled in the Streets The women knelt
upon the pavement and offered their prayers,
and sung their Christian songs One woman,
whose face was furrowed with suffering made
a prayer which was wonderful. 1t was the
humble, sincere outpourng ola desolate heart.
1t was the cry Of soul under the altar Of God,
and il touched every heart. and brought tears
70 every eye. But with prayer there must be
action. We have n law strong enough, if it
had been executed, to have put down the traffic
in intoxicating liquors. Whether favor the
law or not, favor its execution. While it
stands upon onr statute books IL should be en-
forced. lie would like to see the women of
this town surge themselves against the ofRcers
until they compelled the execution Of the pro-
hibitory law.
Elder Sherburne, who had offered the open
lug prayer, followed Dr. Lord lie said he was
glad to be here tonight, and to see so large an
audience. The last time he was in that hall,
he had a ballot in his hand, and he did that day
what he thought was his duty, and though be
was sadicned by the defeat Of that day, he was
glad to come again, If not to fight, u speak for
the cause on this glad Easter day. The dis
ciples were sad when their Lord was taken
from them, but there was glorious morning
after that dark night-the resurrection morn
We have come to the resurrection of this good
cause. It has risen--to die no more, lie was
glad the warm heart Of woman is in this work
glad Of the prayer meeting, for it is good
foundation for work. 1t gives strength for this
work Of philanthropy and Christianity. 1t is
our business and duty to remove the rum traf
dc from our community, to make our streets safe
Tor our boys aud youth to pass through. Elder
sherburne also added word Of warning to the
young men against the habit Of using tobacco