The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1877-03-22

Il
amid perfect thunder ofapplause.
The lecture had been powerful
one; it was evident that the speakc
had formed deep impression on thu
minds of his hearers, for when tn,
pledge was circulated men and womer
who never drank snatched 1t eagsrl,
and added their names, some parents
even putting pencils into baby fingers
and with devout pride helping ths
little ones to trace their names. Mol
\ We're the faithful alone in earnestness
for loud shout of Bless the Lord y
from Deacon Baguss, who was circu-
lating one of pledges, attracted atten-
ton TO the fact that the document was
being signed by George Doughty,
Squire Temples own book-keeper,
one OF the most promising young men
in Barton except that he occasionally
drank. Then the list of names taken
from the gallery was read, aud 1t was
ascertained that Tom Adams, who
drove tho orick-yard wagon and whose
sprees were mighty in length and
magnitude, had also signed. Half a
dozen men hurried into the gallery to
congratulate Tom Adams, and so ex-
cited that gentleman that he tosk q
pledge anda pencil, went into the
crowd outside the church, and soon
returned with the names Of some of
the heaviest drinkers in town.
The excitement increased. Cool
headed men-men who rarely or never
drank, yet disapproyed Of binding
pledges--gave in their names almost
before they knew ii. Elder. Bobbe-
dowker moved temporary suspension
of the circulation Of the pledges until
the Lord could be devoutly thanked
for this manifestation of His grace
then the good elder assumed that his
motion had been put and carried, and
he immediately made an earnest
prayer. During the progress of the
prayer the, leader of the band--per-
haps irreycrently, but acting under
the general excitement-brought his
men to attention, and the elders
Amen" was drowned in the opening
crash of a triumphal march. Then
the glee club sang Down with Rum"
but were brought to a sudden stop by
the chairman, who excused himself
by making the important announce
ment that their fellow-citizen Mr..
Crupp, who had been large vender
Of intoxicating beverages, had declared
his intention to abandon the business
forever. The four pastors shock hands
enthusiastically with each other while,
in response to deafening cheers, the
heroic Crupp himself was thrust upon
the platform where, with a trembling
voice and pale though determined
face, he reaflirmed his decision. Old
Parson Fish hobblcd to the front OF
the pulpit, Strengthened his bent back
until his mien had at once some of the
lamb and the lion about it, and, rais-
ing his right hand authoritatively,
fftSSfihdeaI fftSSfihd aIhibYh dr. a|HssmgsP rltisH Aafa
which he was devoutly aud uproar-
iously joined by the whole assemblage.
This done, the people, by force Of
habit, waited a moment rs If expect
ing the benediction; then remember
ing ii was not the Sabbath day they
broke into Il general and very enthus-
iastic chat, which ceased only when
the sexton, who was creature of
regular habits, announced from the
pulpit that the oil in the lamps would
last only five minutes longer, and that
he had promised to be at home by ten
O'cLock.
squire Tonlple took the arm Of the
penitent Crupp and appropriated him
in full. There was a great deal tn
Squire Tomple besides ayoirdupois.
and when thoroughly aroused his
enthusiasm was of magnitude con-
sistent with his size. Besides, Squire
Tomple was in the habit Of having
his own way, as became the richest
man in Barton, and he appropriated
Mr.. Crnpp A. matter Of course.
With Mr.. Crupp ON his arm and the
great cause in his heart, he appeared
10 himself so fully the master Of the
situation that the foul fiend Of drunk
enness seemed conquered forever, and
the Squire swung his cane with tri-
umphal violence which seriously
threatened the safely Of the villagers
in front and behind him.
The Squire held his peace while sur
rounded by the homs-going crowd, as
rightly became a great man, but when
Mr.. Crupp lived, he said. with due
condescensien,
"Crupp, you We done the right thing;
you might have done it sooner, but
you can do a great deal Of good yet"
The ex-rumseller quietly replied,
"Yes, if I'm helped at it"
HELPED, of courss you'll be helped,
If you pray for it. You've repented
now address the throne Of grace
and
"Yes, I know" interrupted Mr.
Crupp; II amt entirely unacquaint
ed with the Lord, if l have sold rum
You know His sun shines on the just
and the unjust, and I've had good
share of it. It's help from men that
want, and am afraid that can't get. ;
why, Crupp," demonstrated thu
Squire, "you must have made some
thing out out Of your business, If 1t Z
an Internal one"
II don't mean that" replied Mr.
Crupp, little tartly. You've beer
on your little drunks when you wer
young, of course?''
The Squire almost twitched Mr.
Crupp off the sidewalk, as he ex
claimed, with righteous Indignation,
II never was drunk in my life"
"Oh," said the convert. "Well
some have, and pledges won't quie
an uneasy stomach, no way you cal
fix 'em. Them that never drank ar
| oil RIGHT hut the drinking hOys tina