The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-08-01
GREETINGS TO THE EVANGELIST.
Blue Ribbon Club Members Give Testimony as
to Benefits They Have Enjoyed.

There are probably no warmer welcomes
than that accorded Francis Murphy, last
night. when he called upon the Blue Ribbon
Club. AS he entered the Pennsylva
street club-ro0m he was greeted on every
side with kindly inquiries, and as he passed
up the aisle to the platform he was kept
busy shaking hands to the right and left.
Stephen Gray. the presiding officer, made a
delightful speech welcoming the temper
ance evangelist, and was followed by sew
eral members of the club in brief testi-
monies. Among those who spoke were
James Martin. 9. c. Cleaveland. Samuel
Campbell and Dr.W. B. Fletcher. "Since the
second day of last April" said the Doctor,
when met Mr.. Murphy in the Union Sta
ton and put on this ribbon, havekept the
pledge. and have lived pleasanter and
happier life from that moment. My eyes,
if possible, have been opened wider than
ever to the evil effect of intemperance by
my daily observation. Tonight, within
two squares of this building, know gen.
tleman who is dying from drink-a man of
brilliant intellect, who might have been a
k Leading lawyer, or; or adorned Sn the the
himself to be. He has thrown his life
away through the Intoxicating cup. only
wonder that in the past year did not see
as plainly as now. and have done as l am
now doing. all in my power to stamp out
this evil habit, this greatest of all crimes; q
crime that crawls npon a man In snch an
insidious manner that he does not realize it
until he is q criminal"
Clark Reynolds made brief and touch
ing speech, telling o his reformation, and
II a rf M a1
ton, and for brother Murphy, who had
brought gladness into many a household
John LangdOn, who was called for, said: Il
am young convert, but healthy one. /
with the help of God intend to continue
that way. stop and talk to saloon men
some times and they say. John, YOU
couldn't have done n better thing aud no
body IN his sober senses knows that any
Il wear this blue ribbon" said Capt.
Jack Vert. with more pride than l ever
wore any emblem before. For the last four
years simply existed but to-day / have a
little business and living. / have joined
this league, and it has greatly benefited
me-"
II am very glad" said Mr.. Murphy, as q
murmur of satisfaction went round the
room as he arose to speak, "and am thank
full to come back to Indianapolis and meet
SO MANY of my dear brethren, who have
fought the good fight and are keeping the
faith: who bear such blessed testimony to
sweet joys and happiness, and the wealth
that comes with right living. Correct liv-
ing is a wonderful thing. The thing is. of
course, in keeping the pledge, but do not
fail to help the fallen brother. even seven
ty times seven times. do not want to be
understood as indorsing the breaking of the
pledge, but If a man falls. brothers, nelp
him up again. This is movement to save
men, and the sweet gospel of Jesus Christ
is that We love one another. This work has
been spreading out like a beautiful tree.
have been made gloriOusly glad.
This movement has kept on the
high road of the gospel of Christ, and while
we have nothing to say against other
methods, we will stick to this method. We
do not want to be saved by policeman's
club, but by brothers hand and broth
er's heart. This club should have tent,
headquarters at Acton. at our meeting"
"Fll paint the sign," said Mr.. Cleveland.
And the ladies'" continued Mr.. Murphy,
should present you with silk flag. 1t is
time for the women to do something for
But we must go on with our work. The
fields are ripe for the harvest, and now is
the time to go in, while they are fighting
about high license, and low license, and no
license, and LEGAL option. While they are
fighting we will go in and save the individ-
ual. Let us continue to pray to our Father
in heaven, not TO our Legislature in Indi-
anapOlis."
1t was announced that the temperance
camp-meeting at Acton Park, to be con-
Quoted by Mr.. Murphy and his sons, would
be held from the 18th to the 9th of August.
The committee on arrangements, consisting
of Mr. Murphy, DR.. William b. Fletcher,
Charles Z. Reynolds and j. G. Shaffer, will
meet this afternoon, at 4 o'clock, at the
Office of the last named gentleman.