The Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse Part 42

Why grant a license to each Groggery When it is evident men only run To those low places for iniquity, Till they become as vile as wicked men can be?

x.x.xIX.

Our Pastor's friend was one among the number That first came forward openly to stand On "total Abstinence," nor did he slumber, But to the work lent willing heart and hand.

GOODWORTH knew this, and having at command A little leisure held a meeting there.

He spoke with warmth in language bold yet bland, Using such arguments as made men stare Who went for sake of fun, but got some better fare.

XL.

With ready tact he showed the means insidious Used oft by those who sold the drunkard drink.

To lure him on by stimulants oblivious, Till he lost self-command, and ceased to think.

Then showed him tottering on the fearful brink Of the wide-opening grave and drunkard's h.e.l.l, And truthfully described how link by link Of sacred ties were severed, as the spell Grew daily stronger, and a sot confirmed he fell.

XLI.

And now he drew as with a master's hand, A vivid picture of sad family woes; The broken-hearted wife oft forced to stand Betwixt her children and their father's blows-- He mad with rum, thus trampling Nature's laws; Or gave a life-like sketch where parents vie In drunken riot, every day the cause Of strife and discord, the poor home a sty Where filth and rags surround them, till like beasts they die.

XLII.

And then he gave with most consummate skill A true description of Sobriety, Where man and wife walk up and down Life's hill In sweet conjugal peace and piety; Their love increasing as more years they see, Their children growing up like olive plants To love and cherish much their memory, And if need be in Age supply their wants, Then meet with that reward which G.o.d to such still grants.

XLIII.

While he was speaking there was some excitement, And at the meeting's close a number came To sign the Pledge, expressing much delightment.

Yet some were there who slunk away in shame, Muttering that they were not a whit to blame For the poor drunkard's fate, although they had Used every means to keep alive the flame Which burned their vitals and made them quite mad.

That these escape due punishment is far too bad.

XLIV.

I here would try to speak my mind in brief Upon the Temperance movement ere I pa.s.s To other scenes, either of joy or grief, In which our Pastor figures--for alas, "Man's best laid schemes are only like to gra.s.s Which springs up for a season and then dies."

Just so this question 'mongst the world's great ma.s.s Sometimes seems gaining ground, but the Foe plies His sly ensnaring waits and all reform defies.

XLV.

Now why is this? Can any tell me why?

Some feel quite sure all we now want's a law To stop the G.o.dless traffic. These rely Perhaps too much on man to strike the blow Which is to bring the fell Destroyer low.

Others are sure that it is useless quite To curb the monster. These ne'er felt the glow Of pure Philanthropy move them aright Or they would rise and aim to crush this demon's might.

XLVI.

Try this scheme, friends: Let all true Christians stand Fast in one body, and use fervent prayer And self-denial, that the Lord's right hand May be stretched out to break each chain and snare Which binds mankind. Then let it be our care To act consistently in all we do.

Of resting on an arm of flesh beware!

For in this case our plans will all fall through; We shall be put to shame and feel deep anguish too.

XLVII.

May we no opportunity neglect Of spreading wide the Gospel's joyful sound For those who never do indeed expect That G.o.d's rich blessing will their steps surround.

Thrice happy shall we be if we are found Engaged still thus when Jesus calls us hence.

Rise, Christians, then, and let your zeal abound!

The Savior calls! In earnest now commence This G.o.dlike work, and let his name be our defence.

XLVIII.

I now resume my simple narrative, To tell how GOODWORTHS reached their home again.

More striking views of them I yet must give, If I may strike my harp and use my pen.

To me who rank not 'mongst well learned men 'Twill prove a task of no small magnitude; Yet after hard bench-labor, now and then It gives relief from much solicitude To sit in my arm chair and form my verses rude.

XLIX.

Once more our friends are gliding o'er the road, While their clear bells most lively music make.

The sleighing good, and past each log abode They swiftly fly and soon a side-line take To gain an Indian village near the Lake.

Here they intend to spend a little time The poor Red Men from sin and death to wake By speaking to them of those Truths sublime, Which can renew the souls of men sunk low in crime.

L.

The Indian Chiefs received them with much pleasure; They saw in GOODWORTH what did suit them well.

Of outward charms he had an ample measure, And his fine voice was like a deep-toned bell.

These all combined cast as it were a spell Over those haughty rangers of the wood, And made them ponder what he had to tell.

It was a sight to see those natives rude List to G.o.d's Gospel-message in a serious mood.

LI.

They listened, and the Holy Ghost with power Sent home the word to some of savage heart.

These since have seen great cause to bless the hour In which our Pastor visited that part.

A few, deep-skilled in blackest "heathen art"

Were full of rage and would have done him harm, But lacked the power, which but increased their smart.

Meanwhile the others with fresh feelings warm, Pressed hospitable rites and quelled the fierce alarm.

LII.

With these he had some very earnest talk Of that obedience which the Lord requires From his Disciples, to ensure a walk Such as may tend to curb our vain desires And nurture that which to all good aspires.

He deemed it proper not to press at first The rite Baptismal; and while one admires His views on this, another seems to thirst For full initiation lest he die accursed.

LIII.

This from an Indian did excite surprise; But soon 'twas known this man had heard before A hint of it from some one he thought wise-- One truly skilled in strong Sectarian lore.

To try to set him right Goodworth forbore, At least at that time, as too well he knew Men oft in controversy feel more sore On things of which they have but partial view; That they will argue most for what to them is _new_.

LIV.

Upon the morrow ere they took their leave, It was arranged--G.o.d willing--to return Within a week or two those to receive Into strict Fellowship who wished to learn G.o.d's will, which all in Scripture may discern, That in Church standing they a light might be To their poor friends whose state required concern.

This settled, GOODWORTHS then most cheerfully Resumed their journey home to join their family.

LV.

The first few miles in safety soon they pa.s.sed, And reach the edge of a most dismal swamp Stretched out before them in dimensions vast; A huge receptacle of gloom and damp.

There savage wolves and beasts of such a stamp Might lodge secure and plan most daring deeds.

Gloomy the prospect, though the solar Lamp Was full two hours from setting, and the steeds Restive become and faster fly as instinct leads.