The Brookhaven leader., 1886-02-25
TEMPERANCE
a GLASS OF WINE


mers ago, an incident occurred which
impressed me so deeply that write it
out for the benefit of the readers of the
Ctristian at Work.
1t was July, hot and dusty; but "a
yet there had not come that intense
heat and drouth that parches the earth
and causes the verdant forest and
meadow to grow brown and sere.
We took the day boat TO Albany, and
all day long breathed the delicious air
and feasted our eyes on the ever-vary-
ing landscape. A large proportion OF
the passengers were ladies, many OF
whom were seeking rest and quietudu
in the country. There were tired
school-teachers who had but yesterday
locked the doors of their classroom,
for the long vacation, TO whom this
free gladstone day was a foretaste OF
Heaven. A party of young girl artists,
too, were there, with eager eyes and
deft, rapid fingers. There is something
peculiarly pleasant about travelling BY
water. aside from the scenery or any
external matter. There seems to be an
atmosphere of friendliness and good.
fellowship that we are not wont to ex.
perience when iourneying by rail. No
matter what our station in life, OF
where our home, for the time being
we are on the same level, and are IA:
mlliar acquaintances.
IL so CHANGED that one of our number
took up a morning paper and read
aloud an account of a vigorous Tenn
perance movement in one of the interi-
or States. Comments and some dis
cussion followed. One after another
joined in the conversation until in th at
part of the boat it became general.
All the ladies professed Temperance
principles, but held quite diverse opin-
ions as to the best methods of advanc-
ing the cause. Some believed in total
abstinence and would include tobacco
in the pledge. Others would draw the
line between distilled and fermented
liquors, claiming that wine and beer
were not only harmless but healthful
in their effect. The latter class made
frequent illusions to DR.. Howard Cros-
by and his reformatory work.
During the discussion, which grew
warmer and warmer, lady, whom we
had noticed as apparently alone and
unacquainted, drew near and listened
with eager attention. She was little
past middle life, tall and of dignified
appearance. Her dark eyes and snow
white hair presented as marked con-
trast as did her pale face and mourning
garments.
g don't see as wine can be bad"
said one of the young artists, 1--WE al
ways have wine at dinner, and papa
and brother Bill often take glass to-
gether in the evening. I'm sure they
would scorn the idea of being classed
with those who use stronger drinks.
They are splendid men, both of them. ("
And she tossed her head with proud
little air.
The lady in black bent forward, her
thin, white fingers working convulsive-
ly. and her dark eyes glowing with in
tensity of feeling. Then, as if she
could no longer keep silence, she ex-
claimed:
Ladies, I am stranger to you all,
but l must speak," Assurances of
welcome followed and she began:
"Thirty years ago l was an only
daughter in as beautiful and happy
home as any of you can have. But in
that home their lurked an enemy, un-
seen and unsupported, that was des-
tined to make wreck of JOY and peace
and love.
"My father was a lavish provider,
and enjoyed high living. Wines of
various brands were never absent from
the sideboard, and both wine and
brandy were used freely in the culinary
In that atmosphere re-
ceived my earliest impressions; and
grew up to think no more of drinking
wine than tea or coffee. At eighteen /
began to receive attention from the
young man who afterward became my
husband. One day he was dining with
US, and, as l had before noticed, did
not taste his wine. In playful way /
accused him of being ungallant, and
almost commanded him to drink it,
In quiet and respectful manner, he
replied:
60 Do not urge me, please But a
willful spirit possessed me, and in
sisted, declaring that / should be seri-
ously offended If he refused. He raised
The glass to his lips and drained it to
5he bottom"
The speaker paused, evidently strug-
Cling to control her emotions, but soon
During the six weeks that elapsed
that time and our marriage he
frank wine in my presence many times,
md noted with pleasure that he who
vas so usually quiet became gay and
witty. But on our wedding day he
frank too much. Even l, who knew
1othing of Temperance principles, be-
gan to see my mistake in urging upon
him that first glass. can not tell you
If that day (she shivered) save that
when saw him becoming intoxicated
md sought to demonstrate, he bluntly
You have yourself to thank.
''Ah! it was too true.
Before a year had passed wine no
onger satisfied his craving and he re-
Iorted to brandy. My eyes were now
ully opened, but it was too late. In
lis sober moments ] tried to reason
With him and induce him to let it alone.
ae would only reply: i can't. Ellinor,
wish | could; but from the moment l
asted the first drop / was lost man.
Hou will have to bear it.
He never once argued that he was
vi right and walking in a safe path; he
eemed to realize his condition and was
ad even to despair. At times he gave
ne the bitterest reproaches and curses,
,at I felt that deserved them all.
eWhen our first baby came, Ihoped
hat it might prove q tie to hold at
lome the father, for he seldom spent
IN evening in the house; but it seemed
IS though no earthly power could keep
,ffa Iarood fr hova him Of hama