Burlington Free Press

From the Rahway Advocate and Register
Buying a Convert.
A TEMPERANCE STORY
In one of the villages on the west side of the
Hudson, lived, and, for ought I know, lives
now, a personage familiarly known to every-
body in that vicinity by the name of Mose:
indeed, I may say it was not until I had often
met with him in my rambles, that I seemed to
be aware that he had an additional cognomen.
Now, Mose was what some called a "high
boy;" the auntys around there were unani-
mous in the sentiment that he was "a queer
critter." It was very clear that he had no fixed
rules of living, and, although he had a little
family which he ought to have taken some in-
terest in, he managed to have his time pretty
much at his own command. A glance at the
entire man was enough to show that he was no
slouch at the bottle." In truth, he was fairly
entitled to honorary membership in the Tip-
pler's Society. He had evidently attained the
Scarlet degree in that ancient order, and wore
his blushing honors at all times with becoming
dignity.
The first time I ever saw this worthy was
while I was strolling with a friend along a sol-
itary lane just about night fall. He was sitting comfortably elevated on a rail fence. As
we came near he sung out, or rather croaked,
"Hullo there, you, what are you after down
this way—want to steal my cherries?" We
assured him we had no design upon his fruit,
and after a few respectful words on our part
he remarked with a husky chuckle, "Well, go
ahead, boys, only let things alone."
On enquiry we soon found that we had en-
joyed the honor of an interview with "old
Mose:" but remarked Aunt Hannah, "the
critter wont hurt nobody, only when he's crazy
drunk he's rather ugly to get along with; oth-
erways I wouldn't want a cleverer critter."
We learned that Mose, though invariably
"tight," would occasionally go in for an extra
blow out, and at such times, being a broad,
muscular man, would prove himself, when
interfered with, a somewhat troublesome cus-
tomer.
At this time there was very little heard in
that section about temperance. After the
day's work, the tavern was a favorite lounging
place, and this was so much a matter of course
that nobody seemed to care about it. To be
sure, when instances of the undue enforcement
of family discipline occurred, there was a stir
amongst the folks, and the Squire would des-
pense to Uncle Reuben or Uncle Peter a
friendly word of caution and advice, and used
to wind up with the expression of his opinion
that "they had better let liquor alone altogeth-
er, if they didn't know how to use it."
Well, things were in this way when some
half dozen of the leading men in the place
conceived the idea of starting a temperance
movement, and accordingly invited some friends
of the cause to address the meetings. Their
labors were attended at first, apparently with
little or no good. At the very first tap of the
drum, our friend Mose was on his feet. He
looked upon the proceeding as an unwarranta-
ble invasion of the prescriptive privileges of
the drinking community, and was determined
to resist it.
Accordingly, at the first gathering he was
on hand, and listened with exemplary attention.
The arguments adduced failed, however, to
carry conviction to his mind, and at the close
of the meeting he took the liberty to give his
own peculiar views upon the subject. His re-
marks in detail it is not worth while to give.-
It is sufficient to say that they were, as may be
readily supposed, decidedly in opposition to the
new movement; and he wound up by express-
ing it as his opinion that them sanctified look-
ing black coats had better go home, if they
had any home, and mind their business, if they
had any business, and not come there meddling
with things that did not concern them.
Mose was the lion among the bruisers that
night and consequently reeled homewards most
gloriously fuddled.
From what has been said, it may be thought
that Mose was an unmitigated, stupid sot.—
Not so; with all his roughness he possessed a
kind heart, and no one was more ready to do
all he could for a neighbor in difficulty or dis-
tress than himself.
He was a man that could think, too, altho
his long and constant indulgence in the accurs-
ed poison had given him an appearance of stolidity, and it was a common saying that any one
that should take old Mose for a fool, would find
himself mightily deceived.
It so happened that the next afternoon, while
Mose was 'doing chores' around his garden,
one of the visitors, accompanied by Squire
Smith, passed along, and the trio were at once
engaged in a good-natured chat.
"I suppose, Squire,' said Mose, 'you calcula-
ted to catch this covey with your cold water
and tea leaves; but it wa'nt no go, was it?'
'Oh,' replied the Squire, laughingly, 'it was
not you, friend Moses, in particular; we want
to stop people from drinking this miserable rum,
for we know it's killing them. It is very true
we should like to have your help; and I guess
we'll get it yet.'
'Not as you knows on, Squire; ain't to be
had—you will have to try somewhere else.'
'Now, my good neighbor, do not be offended
if I ask if it is possible that you are such a
slave to the rum bottle that you cannot let it
alone?'
Mose with all his faults had a good share of
self-esteem, and was ever quick to resent any
imputation against his manliness
'Look here, Squire,' he exclaimed, 'I am no
more a slave than yourself. I think it more
than likely you can take a good horn yourself
behind the door. I do it above board—no
sneaking about me. I'll do as I please; I'll
drink when I want to, and let it alone when I
don't.'
'Neighbor Blauvelt,' rejoined the Squire
solemnly, 'for the last five years not a drop of
any intoxicating drink has passed these lips.-
I am a free man, and, by the help of God, I
mean to remain such. And allow me to say
that nothing could rejoice me more than for
you and I to stand side by side on this plat-
form. We want your assistance, and we want
your influence.'
Moses was evidently touched. Passing his
hand thoughtfully over his swarthy brow, he
said:
'Well Squire, I'll tell you: you are rich-
full and plenty—nothing to bother you. Here
I am plagued to death sometimes how to get
along. When I have paid my rent and groce-
ry bill, I haven't a dollar left. It's just from
hand to mouth with me. A fellow must have
a little comfort, you know; and when I get a
thinking about things, it seems as if a little drop
does me good.'
'None at all, friend Blauvelt, none at all.-
On the contrary, the very effect of liquor is to
unfit a man for everything. I have no doubt if
you would give it up entirely, you would find
after paying necessary expenses, that you had
a pocket full of money besides.
'Oh well,' replied Moses. 'I'll think of it; but
I rather think you'll find it pretty tough work
to make a cold water man out of me.'
In spite of himself, Moses Blauvelt could not
help turning the conversation over in his mind.
The manner of both gentlemen had been so
friendly and respectful that it had been appeal-
ed to. He could not bear the insinuation that
he was a slave to a destructive habit. He did
not like to think so himself, and it mortified
him for others to think so. 'However,' said he
to himself, 'it is no business of theirs. I shall,
therefore, do as I please.'
Moses was occupying his usual quarters on
the rail fence next morning when he again per-
ceived the Squire approaching. His first im-
pulse was to avoid him by going across the lot
to the woods. His better nature, however, sug-
gested the meanness of such a course, and he
resolved to stand his ground.
'Friend Blauvelt,' said the Squire, 'I come
to get you to sign the pledge—here it is; and
I want you to make a speech at our meeting
next Monday,
'Ha! ha! ha! Well Squire, you're a team,
that's a fact. Sign pledges, make speeches;
hoh! hoh! hoh! All right—I rather think I'll
do it—over the left. Sorry I can't oblige you.'
'I thought,' said the Squire, 'I would make
you a proposition, and you can do as you choose
in reference to it. You were telling me yes-
terday that you found a tight work to pay the
landlord and storekeeper. Now I will tell you
what I will do. I will make a bargain with
you that if you will not drink any liquor for
three months, I will be responsible for your ex-
penses. At the end of that time, if you have
not got twenty-five dollars over and above, come
to me and I will make it good.
'Well, Squire,' replied Moses, 'I must say
you are very kind; but really I don't like this
idea of tying myself up.'
To shorten our story: after a long conference,
the proposition of the Squire was acceded to,
'just by way of joke,' as Moses observed. And
now about the pledge.
'Our bargain is for only three months, Squire.
and then I can back out, honor bright, if I like.
You will have to alter the pledge accordingly;
so we will step in and get a pen and ink'
Huldah met her husband with a pleasant
smile, and wiped a chair for the Squire.
'Wife,' said Moses, 'I am going to sign the
temperance pledge—what do you think?'
Tears gushed into the wife's eyes, and look-
ing first at the one and then at the other, she
dropped upon her knees, exclaiming, 'Thank
God, we will be happy yet. May the Lord
give you grace to keep your resolution.'
'Oh, it's only for three months. You see the
Squire here rather bantered me, and I thought
I would take him up just for the fun of it:' and
he stated the proposal which Squire Smith had
made.
But to pass on. The pledge for three months
was signed, and faithfully adhered to. The
task was a most severe one, and opinions were
divided among the neighbors about the proba-
bility of the new convert holding on. Bar-room
excitement and speculation were rife. The
fact of Moses Blauvelt signing the pledge was
the all engrossing topic of the country for many
miles round.
Every day the Squire called to speak a kind
word of encouragement to his protege; and at
after the first unpleasant and somewhat painful
sensations incident upon the new condition in
to which he had entered, our friend exhibited
an unwonted cheerfulness, and declared that
his spirits were more buoyant, his appetite far
better, his rest sweeter, and that he had in fact
just begun to live.
Monday came round, and the Squire called
as usual. He thought and said that a few days
of rational living had wrought a wonderful
change, not only in the man himself but on all
around him. He had formerly noticed that the
fences and barn were a good deal out of re-
pair; now they were fast presenting a comfort-
able appearance. The corn, potatoes, and the
crops generally seemed to be coming on well.
So much thought he for letting strong drink
alone.
'Ah, Moses,' remarked the Squire playfully,
'that speech; we shall want it to night. You
will have to talk a little.'
'Now, Squire, that's putting it on rather thick.
I never made a speech of ten minutes in my
life. Besides I am only a three months recruit,
you know, so it can't amount to much.'
'Never mind,' replied the Squire, 'something
you must say if it is only in justice to yourself;
some of your friends will no doubt be there,
and they will feel a curiosity to know what has
induced you to take this step.
'Well, I suppose I can tell them about the
bargain—and I can say, likewise, that so far, I
feel all the better for it!'
'That will be sufficient. I have no fear but
what your good sense will direct you aright.'
This was a great night—one that has never
yet been forgotten. Anticipating a very large
attendance, the little meeting house, capable
of seating three hundred, was procured in the
place of the Academy, and crowded it was to
overflowing. The Squire presided, and after
some pertinent remarks, prayer was offered by
the pastor. Then came a song by several
young ladies from a neighboring town, whose
services had been obtained. Never did the
sweet air of "Sparkling and Bright," fall more
ravishingly upon the ears of a spell bound au-
dience. All was novel, wonderful, delightful.
In the altar sat Mr. Blauvelt, for such we now
call him, in his right mind, although something
dashed, from the consciousness of being the
observed of all observers. A short address
from a stranger followed; and then Squire
Smith stated that neighbor Blauvelt would say
a few words to the meeting.
He arose calmly and looking around for a
moment remarked "I am a new man. I serv-
ed king Alcohol faithfully for twenty odd years,
and now I have got only a three months fur-
lough, but I mean to take this chance to desert
the army." He then went on to relate the hap-
py effects which had resulted from his adoption
of the principle of entire abstinence. Those
who listened to that warm, unstudied, outgushing of the full soul in a cause which Heaven
and humanity combine to invest with loftiest,
holiest interest, still have to remember the
sensation with which the wondering auditory
hung upon his words. Those words were like
the gentle whispers of angelic voices coming
over the dark and troubled waves of mortal
error and destructive vice, and speaking not
only pardon for the past, but shedding the
light of hope, serene and confiding, over the
dim vista of untrodden life. Yes: the man
spoke out there—it was not books—not philos-
ophy—but man, in the nobleness of his regen-
eration: and presenting by the side of theoret-
ical truth a practical illustration of the dignity
and happiness to which it is the province of
man in the might of firm, unswerving resolu-
tion to attain.
That night was an era in the history of a
people who, though simple and untaught, could
appreciate and cherish the admonitions of plain
and practical experience. Very few left the
sacred enclosure without recording their vows
of allegiance to the temperance pledge. So
decided, at this day, is the change, not so much
in population as in character, that a visitor, af-
ter the lapse of a few years, would scarcely
recognize, in that quiet and orderly hamlet, the
very spot where the demon of intemperance
formerly held unmolested sway.
We might almost as well omit any further
allusion to the bargain between the Squire and
Moses Blauvelt: but will simply state that, at
the expiration of his furlough, he enlisted for
life, nor had he any occasion to call upon the
Squire for the fulfillment of his part of the con-
tract. An altered life brought with it altered
circumstances and prospects, and plenty
abounded where want seemed to have taken
up her dwelling place.
P. T. M.