The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1888-09-29
TEMPERANCE READING.
DEACON Rs MISTAKE

VI AAIC 44N CAt Wy llIuoCll anu ldullly1 Dub
when a man is singled out by
his fellow-citizens to represent them
in the lawmaking bodies of the
country, as well as a leader In the
church and in society, his doings and
/ sayings, all his omissions and commits
sions, are noted and commented upon.
Deacon R was man of more than
ordinary ability. Genial and kind in
his intercourse with his neighbors;
broad in his views, liberal with his
means and of boundless hospitality.
His cOnstancy as a friend was amarked
trait in his character, while his kind
ness to the sick and poor called down
many blessing upon his head. But
| to his Christian brethren there was
blemish that sadly married the life of
this, otherwise, good man. On the
| great question that has become such an
important factor in the social and po-
litical equations that are taxing the
wisdom of the wise to solve, his inhu-
ence was plainly on the side of those
who maintain that the abuse of strong
drink should not be urged against its
use; and holding such views he did not
scruple to set wine and ale upon his
table, to use it himself, and allow the
same freedom to his children.
1t was in the winter of IS when
the great Temperance revival swept
over our land, that the village of
b had its stagnant life stirred to
the depths by a wave of reform that
came to it in the mighty upheaval.
/ Large and enthusiastic meetings were
held in the churches, pledges were cir
1 culated, and much earnest work was
done by the friends of the cause. 1t
was a matter of surprise that Deacon
RS youngest daughter was a constant
attendant at these meetings, and sur
prise deepened into wonder when she
openly allied herself with the Temper
ance people, by signing the pledge and
throwing all the ardor of her young life
into the cause.
The morning following this bold step
when Mamie came down to breakfast,
her pleasant good morning received a
very chilly response from her father,
and as soon as the blessing was asked,
he said to her: 81 am very sorry in
deed that a child of mine should find it
necessary to join in with a lot of IA
natics, who, because they are too weak
to control their appetites, bind them
selves by solemn pledge neither to
touch, taste nor handle, but since you
have confessed your weakness we will
try not to throw temptation in your
way, and will therefore drink our wine
after you retire from the table"
Nannie's face crimsoned at this bit
ing sarcasm, but she replied very quiz
city: ''You know, papa, never drink
any thing but water, but | wanted to
lend my little mite of influence against
this dreadful curse. | fear it will yet
bring us sorrow, for, oh, papa-Char-
| lie--do you think Charlie was quite
/ temperate when he was home last,
papan
| Come, come, daughter, it is rather
! presumptuOus in you to criticise your
| brother who is older than you, and en-
/ tirelY competent to take care Of him
/ self. Let us hear no more of this. "
| Then in a more kindly tone: "You
I are at liberty to do as you like about
this teetotalism, but remember the
same liberty must be accorded to the
other members of the family. As to
Charlie, young men will SOW their
wild oats, but you will see that your
brother will make man to be proud
of; so don't bother your little head
about reforming those who are older
and wiser than yourself"
/ A few months later an event of con-
! siderable importance to Deacon Rs
family furnished an occasion on which
the deacon's theory as to moderate
drinking received a most damaging
blow. The thirty-third anniversary of
/ his marriage came in the holidays,
and it pleased the deacon to celebrate
the event by giving party such as
had never before gathered in b.
Invitations were issued for several
hundred guests, and when the evening
arrived, the well-illed rooms of their
| spacious residence suggested that few
had failed to avail themselves of this
opportunity to congratulate the wor-
thy couple who were now beginning to
travel the down grade that leads so
rapidly to old age. Seated in con-
spicuous place in one of the brilliantly
lighted parlors surrounded by their
friends and neighbors, their faces
beaming with serene enjoyment and
Z the content arising from conscious in
tegrity duly appreciated, while their
beautiful and accomplished daughters
received and entertained the guests,
the scene was one to gladden. the heart
of any one.
Both Mary and Mamie R. possessed
in q large degree the rare tact
OF making each particular guest feel
that he, or she, was especially welcome,
and of harmonizing any discordant
elements that might be brought to-
| gether in so promiscuous company as
one meets at a large party in a small
place. Their entertainments were al
! WAYS voted q success: and iuduinU