Denton and Haughton Examiner, etc. — 1882-03-11 (Denton, Greater Manchester, England)

BAND OF HOPE MEETING.  On Saturday evening last, a public tea party and meeting was held in connection with the Independent Methodist Band of Hope, in the preaching room of that denomination, Stockport-road, Haughton. At .the after meeting Mr. James Howarth, of Ashton presided ; and he was supported by Messrs. T. Rowbotham, Newton; I'. J. Adshead, Stockport; and J. T. Braithwaite, Denton. After the usual opening ceremonies, the Chairman, iu a stirring address, urged upon his hearers the importance of making vigorous efforts to promote the cause of religion and the progress of temperance. SOLige and recitations having been givee by Mr. M. E. , Cowcill, Reuben Ego, S. J. James, H. Armstrong, and E. Tura.r.—Mr. I. Rowbotham then addressed the moo log in a forcible speech; advising his audi-ooe to be "Independent" of the Pope, the pried', nod the devil, and of every other trinity of evils toasting in society. They all had some Mamma!, and he hoped they had backbone enough to stand up for their rights, and use their influence in withstanding the temptations and evils of the drink traffic.— (Applause.) The Choir then gave a glee in very nice style; and an amusing dialogue was given by ten Baud of Hope boys. Songs and recitations were given by W. Dyson, M. Leather, and S. Turner. Mr. Adshead next gave an interesting account of the origin of the Blue Ribbon At my, and of their visit to, and work in Stockport during the last fortnight He said that a wonderful work had been done by Mr. Booth and his fellow-labourere, in all parts of :he country, in the couvereion of sinners, and the reformation of numbers of drunkards. (Applause.) Other songs were then given by J. Mistimed and F. Armstrong, a recitation by E. Blakeman, and a solo by E. Turner.. Mr. Braithweite,on being called upon,said that he felt sure that every sensible person present could not help enjoying the varied programme before them. Music bath charms to soothe the rugged soul, David's harp of solemn sound soothed the troubled soul of Saul; and as John Wealry said, " There was no earthly reason why the devil should have all the good music and lively lanes to himself."—(Laughter.) He was glad to hear Mr. Rowhothain's remark about backbone,' for some men sadly lacked a noble stiffness in the back. He had in his pocket a piece of poetry to the point :  "When you see a fellow mortal, Without fixed or fearless view., Hanging on the skirts of others, Walking in their coot-off shoes, With object and uncovered bead, Ready to retract or waver Willing to be driven or led, Walk yourself wito firmer bearing, • Throw your moral shoulders back, Show your spine nee nerve and marrow— Just the thing which he must lack, A stronger word Was never heard. In sense and tone, Tnan this backbone," —(Applause.) If they must do any good, they must not be soft and flabby, like jelly-ash, but be • strong in nerve and backbone, in order to fight against the evils around them. He referred to the • Fruits of the liquor traffic,' as exhibited in the supplement of the Alliance News, published on the 21st ox January, with reference to the ghastly horrors of drink during the last week of the old year and the first week of this new year. Cuttings of cases found in the newspapers, published during that fortnight in the United Kingdom, were seat in. which showed that in fourteen dap, 14 homicides, matislaughhars, murders, 15 suicides, and 115 premature, sudden, or violent deaths had occurred through drink, besides 74 amanita on the police; 70 oases of rowdyism and violent assault.; 10 cases of cruelty to children, and 6 cases of public peril through drunken drivers, Sco. In all 407 persona were dealt with, namely, 321 men, 82 women, and 4 children, as a sample only of the wide-spread ravages of that deplorable intemper. auce, which was drowning people in destruction and perdition. The Speaker read several telling quotatiods; and said it was the duty of every (.3:angina and true patriot to do ad that lay in his power to "take away the stone," that hindered the spread of the Gospel and oounteritoted the efforts of ministers and Sunday school teachers. lie showed from the testimony of doctors, taut alcohol gave neither nourishment, strength, not warmth to the body; but impeded vital growth. He urged them to cultivate earnestness, spirituality, and tender regard for the unconverted; and to remember that "The gospel of Carist is tun power of God unto Salvation to everytme trait balieveth." —( applause.) Other dialogues and recitations were given by the young people, and bliud Jarvis Hague recited his poetry, and gave the meeting some valuable experience on total abstinence. . .  very preamble meeting was brought to a close with the customary votes of thanks to the Chairman and the speakers; and toe awn. once separated, apparently well pleased with their evening's entertainment. Toe Secretary read an excellent report, giving a summary of tho work done by the Society, but our spans will not permit of ita insertion.