Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1879-04-03
TEMPERANCE COLUMN.
by Ladies of Washington Temper
ance Union-l


ured lust after the great American con-
Iict. perhaps twelve or thirteen years ago.
was then pastor in New York City. One
norning my door-be1 rang loudly and
ONE one wanted to see the minister.
low popular the minister is with people
n trouble, even those who have never
learG him preach! And well it is; for
hus an opportunity is often obtained of
'eaching the soul by administering to the
'Ody.
It was in the middle of the winter, and
he weather was intensely cold. There
stood one of the boys in blue, looking very
it is true, but without doubt
a brave fellow, who had in many hard
fought battle endangered his life to save
his country. 'tMy family are on the aye
nue., just around the corner are freezing
and starving. Please help me-"
There was something indescribably
touching in the appearance of the man
as we'll as his appeal; and my first inn
pulse was to give him trifing sum of
money and let him go. This would GER
tainly be the easiest way to dispose of the
case. But 1 knew it was not the most cor
rect method, especially as the strangers
breath and manner indicated that he had
lately been imbIbing something stronger
than water.
/ charged him with drinking. With an
oath he declared he had not taken any
thing stronger than coffee in more than
week. When he was reproVed for his
profanity, he lifted his cap and said: 81
forgot 1 was addressing clergyman"
I said to him: "When yon are sober
come to me and will talk to you; for I
have great respect for the brave boys
who wear our uniform, and especially
those who in their wounds and scars give
proof of their patriotism.
That afternoon we called on his family,
and found, as he represented, that they
were in extreme destitution. The bed
stead, the very last article of furniture In
their possession, had been cut up for fuel,
and the wife and three young children
were suffering with hunger. OF course.
we did what we could for their immedi-
ate relief.
A few days after the soldier again ap'
peared at my door, and this time he wa'
admitted. He was sober, and gave full
account of himself An Englishman by
birth, he entered the Union army earl!
in the war, and had served the countr!
for a period of four years, until peace wa
declared. He was quite small in stature
but sprightly; and his face indicated in
telligence, and earnestness. He was lame
bullet in his leg having produced run
ming sore, and this annoyed and weaken
ed him. To strengthen him, he had bee
recommended to take intoxieants. Fhes
had weakened him still more. The she
from the decanter had injured him NOR
than those received from the souther
rifles. The poor fellow was an object {
pity. Not much over thirty years ofagC
he was broken down with disease an
drunkenness. His money was all spent
he was out of employment and his famil
crying for bread.
But he was not yet a total wreck. II
was plucky and hopeful, and not onl
willing to listen to good advice, but
follow it. Often afterward did he tell m
my first words to him were most cutting
but he saw there was disposition to hel
: him if he showed willingness to do righ
On his second visit to me he signed tn
: total abstinence pledge, and saw he Wa
determined to keepit. He was taken to til
Sons of Temperance, and a host of frenG
! rallied around him. We furnished hi
with basketful of useful articles, ar
encouraged him to go out and sell
L e. 81 !,
2 the hill of self-respect. He and his fam
}. Iy were led to church and Sabbath Sehoo
: and soon became interested in religion
: matters. At length he and his wife ga
e evidence of change of heart, and unite
II with the church. God smiled upon hir
: An honorable and lucrative positiC
q opened to him, and it was pleasant to 8
|. the once forlorn soldier seated in his hon
;. with everything around him bright al
CHEEKY.
But the war was not quite ended /;
new assault was made. A demon put
his lips glass of wine; he drank it; a
petite was again aroused. Ten thousal
devils were after him, and it seemed as
g. he would go to the dogs, in spite of ;
er that we could do for him. How we'll
remember those daysi Noble men al
women came to the rescue; they nev
left him alone. One took him to his hou
and nursed him as if he vas a sick chill
in Strong coffee, kinds words, earnest pra
AZ ers, and determination not to leave hi
IN were the agencies. When he wanted
h. walk or ride, some one accompanied hiu
y when he expressed a wish to visit t
barber's, some one discovered he too nee
;. ed shave, and went along and paid t
I'd bill. Thus he was encouraged and pl
ry teeted. He gained the victory; the fen
. were driven away appetite again yield
=. =. to reason.
he This incident suggests two very i
If; pOrtant practical lessons-the need
C. %c- divine grace, and persistent human effo
The necessity of divine power to
claim the drunkard is now felt perha
as never before; and it cannot be ov,
he rated.
y, But we would, when this is sought a
- obtained, emphasize the necessity of h
man help. This is essential, because G
demands it. 1t will not relieve us of Il
work. This is our business and we mi
try to do it well. Drinking people a
usually of a nervous organism. TIL
= need not only sympathy and kindne
q but firmness. It is not enough to ha
lodges and division rooms and refor
clubs and blue ribbons. Neither is it 81
ficient to feed and clothe the destitute fal
lily, and provide the reformed man wi
business. Nor is the work complet
when you have reason to believe he
converted and he is in a churchfold. Y
must put yourself close to him and sti
> to him.
We can spare a week to go OH an excr