The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1904-01-27
A Thrilling Scene.

Among the many hopeful signs indicat-
ing temperance progress, none more eh-
couraging than the interest everywhere
taken in the Twentieth Century pledge
signing crusade inaugurated by the Ma
ton Temperance Society. Since that time
nearly 3,GOO,0 pledges have been sent out
free by the society in response, to appll-
from churches and Sabbath schools of all
denominations and from all temperance
organizations. Now the Epworth League
plans a similar pledge-signing crusade.
Many of the reports that are being re-
ceived by the society are deeply interest
ing. Some of them describe thrilling
scenes as witnessed at public meetings.
Take the following instance:
It was mixed audience that gathered
in the hall; among them was one poor wo-
man who had stolen away from her power.
ty-stricken, ruined home, where she had
left hec babies who, weak with hunger,
rowed cloak to hide her destitution this
sorrowing woman had found place among
the crowd who had gathered to hear from
a stranger how the victims of rum could
be saved and their darkened homes made
light.
With intense interest she listened to the
speaker, who, in the tale he recited, was
describing her own case. He tells of hope;
but no-that never can be hers. If he,
her husband was here, perhaps-and then
a deep, deep sigh bursts from her. lips; but
she listens still, and more intently to the
speakers moving words, until her heart is
full, and looking around to see what effect
the words of the speaker have upon her
neighbors.
What ails the woman? Whom has she
seen among the crowd? Her cheeks are
flushed with burning crimson and her eyes
are bright with living fire. 1t is-it must
be him! She cannot be mistaken in him.
Yes, tits her husband. Far back amongst
the crowd he stands with folded arms, his
gaze intent upon the speakers face; deep
earnestness is stamped On every feature
as lie gaZes on.
See, he dashes tear-drop from his eye.
What has moved? The simple story of q
woman's faith-a wounding patience. The
wife watches him. She sees him dash away
the tear-drop. A gathering mist is in
her own eyes, but she forgets it all; for
gets all but her other self Now the speak
er closes, and there is a stirring among the
crowd. Stepping down from the platform
the speaker takes his place by a table on
which is an open book, and in kindly, per-
suasive tones invites the audience to sign
the pledge.
MAKE way! Ine ngure OF a man advances
down the aisle, Steadily he presses his
way to the table. Behind that figure is
female form-a shadow, a. pale, faded
thiL1. so feeble that she cannot stand. but
leans upon his shoulder with one hand
clasping his arm.
There, I have signed" exclaims the
man, "and now, my wife, come home and
let us pray tonight" Stop but one mo.
ment. What a hand is hers? So thin,
so trembling; yet she grasps as if it were
a rod of iron to inscribe deep words of
mercy on the rock forever.
They pass out together-that penniless
and friendless pair, ttrong in each others
truth, rich in each others love.
Weeks glide away-months-and to-day
tiful home and rosy children.
Such are the scenes which cheer on every
hand the laborers in this pledge-signing
crusade.-The National Advocate.