The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1878-06-12
The Old MANS Story.

The Old Mans Story.
A tale which has been printed in
phamphlet form and had extensive
circulation both in this country and
in England. describes a thrilling
scene in the commencement OF the
temperance reformation.
1t Is written by one who. when a
boy, was accustomed to seeing liqu-
ors upon his fathers table, and to
taste sugar from the bottom of his
morning glass.
A strange notice had come to the
village of meeting that was to be
held on q certain evening in the
church. Public curiosity was arous-
ed. At the appointed time this fa~
ther and his son, the pastor OF the
church, the neighboring tavern-keep-
er, and many others came together,
to hear what might be said. Two
strangers came in and took their
places at the altar, and the younger,
who had the manner and dress of q
clergyman, stated the object of the
meeting, and offered prayer; after
which he made short address and
asked any enc present, who wished,
to make remarks.
The pastor rose under the gallery,
and attacked the positions of the
speaker-using the arguments which
I have often heard since, and con-
cluding by denouucing those en-
gagged in the new movement as med
dlesome fanatics. who wanted to
break the time honored usages of
good society and injure the business
of respectable men. At the conclu-
sion of his remarks, the tavern.keep-
er and his friends got up a cheer,
and the current of feeling was evil
IDENTIFY against the stranger and the
new plan. s
AS the paster took his seat the old
man arose. his tall form towering in
its symmery, and his chest swelling
as he inhaled his breath through mis-
thin, dilated nostrils. To me, at
this time, there was something awe.
inspiring and grand in the appear
ance of the old man, as he stood with
his eyes upon the audience his teeth
shut hard and silence like death
reigned throughout the church.
He bent his gaze upon the tavern.
keeper. and that peculiar eye linge--
ed and kindled for moment.
For O moment he seemed lost i'm
thought. and then in a low and trem-
ulous tone commenced. There was
depth in that voice, a thrilling pa
thos and sweetness, which riveted
every heart in the house before the
FIRST period had been rounded. ''My
friends he said, "I am a stranger
in your midst. but / trust | may call
you friends. A new star has risen.
and there is hope in the dark night
which has spread a pail of gloom
over our country I" With thrill
ing depth Of voice the speaker lock-
ed his hands together and continued: /:
80, God thou who looked with
compassion on the most erring of
earth's children. thank thee that
brazen serpent has been lifted, upon
which the drunkard can look and be
healed; a beacon has burst out up
on the darkness that surrounded
him. which shall guide back to honor
and heaven, the bruised and weary
wanderer."
It is strange what power there is
in some voices. The speakers voice
was low and measured, but tear
trembIed in every tone and before
I knew why, a tear dropped upon
my hand. followed by others like
raindrops. The old man brushed
one or two from his own eyes and
continued: aa
Men and Christians you have
just heard that I am a vagrant and .
fanatic. am not. As my God
knows my own sad heart. / came
here to do good. Here me. and be
just. ss saa
s"I am an old man. standing at the
end of life's journey. There i
deep serrow in my heart and tears
in my eyes. / jonrneyed overHa dark
and beaconless ocean. and oil life's
hopes have been wrecked. I am
without friends. home or kindred on
earth. and look with longing to the
rest of'the night OF death. Without
friends. kindred or homel IL was
not once so op'assssi sl Isasa S e.s4sssi
.saa4t a ~ asslles -