Connecticut western news., 1901-10-17
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 WASHINGTON, Oct. 13.-In this dis course Dr. Talmage describes some of the scenes to be witnessed late at night In the great cities and warns the un- wary of many perils; text, Isaiah xxi, Il, "Watchman, what of the nightp
 When night came down on Babylon, Nineveh and Jerusalem, they needed careful watching, otherwise the incen- diary's torch might have been thrust into the very heart of the metropolitan splendor, or enemies, marching from the hills, might have forced the gates. All night long, On top of the wall and in front of the gates, might be heard the measured step of the watchman on save as some passerby raised the ques- ton, "Watchman, what of the night"
 It Is to me a deeply suggestive and solemn thing to see man standing as at the gate of m arsenal in Charles ton the question once smote me, "Who comes thereY' followed by the sharp command, "Advance and give the coun- tersign." Every moral teacher stands oh picket or patrols the wall as watch man. His work is to sound the alarm, and whether 1t be in the first watch, in the second watch, in the third watch or in the fourth watch to be vigilant until the daybreak filings its morning glories" of blooming cloud across the trellis of the sky.
 The ancients divided their night into four parts-the first watch from 6 to 9, the second from Q to 12, the third from 12 to and the fourth from to 6. l speak now of the city in the third watch, or from 12 to 3 o'clock.
 never weary of looking upon the life of the city in the first watch. That is the hour when the stores are closing The laboring men. having quilted the scaffolding and the shop, are on their way home. It rejoices me to give them my seat in the city car. They have stood and hammered away all day. Their feet are weary. They are ex- hausted with the tug of work. They are mostly cheerful. With appetites sharpened on the swift turner's wheel and the carpenters whetstone they seek the evening meal. The clerks, too, have broken away from the counter and with brain weary of the long line of figures and the whims of those who go a-shopping seek the face of mother or wife and child. The streets are fbrop 0oI with uouno p,on cottfpu ont from the great centers of bargain mak- ing. Let idlers clear the street and give right of way to the besweated ar tisans and merchants! They have earn ed their bread and are now on their way home to get 1t. The lights in full jet hang over 10000 evening repasts- the parents at either end of the table, the children between. Thank God "who setteth the solitary in familiesr
 Evening In the City.
 A few hours later and all the places of amusement, good and bad. are in full tide. Lovers of art. catalogue in hand, stroll through the galleries and discuss the pictures. The ballroom is resplen- dent with the rich apparel of those who on either side of the white, glis- tening boards await the signal from the orchestra. Concert halls are lifted into enchantment with the warble of one songstress or swept out on a sea of tumultuous feeling by the blast of brazen instruments. Drawing rooms are filled with all gracefulness of ap- parel, with all sweetness of sound, with all splendor of manner. Mirrors are catching up and multiplying the scene until 1t seems as if in infinite corridors there were garlanded troops advancing and retreating. The outdoor air rings with laughter and with the moving to and fro of thousands on the great promenades. The dashing span, adrip with the foam of the long coun- try ride, rushes past as you halt at the curbstOne. Mirth, revelry, beauty, fash ion, magnifcence, mingle in the great metropolitan picture until the thinking man goes home to think more seriously nestly. A beautiful and overwhelming thing Is the city in the first and second watches of the night.
 But the clock strikes 12, and the third watch has begun. The thunder of the city has rolled out of the air. The slightest sounds cut the night with such distinctness as to attract your at- tention. The tinkling of the bell of the street car in the distance and the bay ing of the dog. The stamp of horse in the next street. The slamming of a saloon door. The hiccough of the drunkard. The shrieks of the steam vuyhf gestive, my friends, the third watch of the night!
 There are honest men passing up and down the street. Here Is city mis- sionary, who has been carrying a scut- tie of coal to that poor family in that dark place. Here Is an undertaken ge- Ing up the steps of a building from which there comes a bitter cry, which indicates that the destroying angel has smitten the firstborn. Here Is a min ister of religion who has been giving the sacrament to a dying Christian. Here Is a physician passing along in great haste. Nearly all the lights have gone out in the dwellings, for it is the third watch of the night.
 Third Watch of the Night.
 Oh, the third watch of the night! What stupendous thought-a whole city at rest! Weary arm preparing for tomorrow's toil Hot brain being cool ed off. Rigid muscles relaxed. Excit- ed nerves soothed. The white hair of he octogenarian in thin drifts across the pillow, fresh fall of flakes on snow already fallen. Childhood, with It's dimpled hands thrown out on the pill low and with every breath taking in a new store of fun and frolic. Third watch of the night! Gods slumberless eye will look. Let one great wave of refreshing slumber roll over the heart of the great town, submerging care and anxiety and worriment and pain. Let the city sleep.
 But, my friends, be not deceived. xt.xx