The Caledonian

DOCT. ROBINSON'S REPORT.

BARNET, March 10, 1842.

Mr. Chadwick,-Dear Sir,-Having been engaged in this State and in this County for the last month, I deem it a duty and a privilege to report the success of our efforts in the Temperance Reform.

In Peacham, where I first lectured, little was required to make that town a total abstinence one altogether. In Danville the success has been signal. They have formed a large society and several of their most intemperate men have reformed.

I next visited Cabot where there was much prejudice against our cause. I learn, however, that they have aroused and are doing much at the present time. Walden is a hard place, and whether they are doing any thing there I cannot say. They should make a great effort in Walden.

I next Lectured in Hardwick. In that place I found a society, in its infancy however, but prospering well. A large number signed our pledge.

One of the most interesting circumstances occurred in that place I have ever witnessed. There was a demonstration of affection that can no longer leave a doubt that kindness and sympathy will reform the most hardened and wretched: The circumstances were simply these: There is in that place a family that once were flattered with the visions of happiness in future years, while prospered in each generous office in which they then engaged. The confiding wife as she looked upon her little group of prattling cherubs, then was blessed. Fortune smiled on him who was her youthful hope. But Intemperance, that dark insinuating foe to man, marked for its victim that happy man, and slow but sure his purpose has effected. For years he drank for fashion, then for 'health,' then for 'liberty,' and last of all because he was a 'drunkard.' His wife and little ones were now neglected, yes, abused, (for Rum will change a father's love to hatred,)-his property was squandered, his once unsullied name was now a black reproach; in short he was a wretched man. His wife, heart-broken by an accumulation of misfortunes, was overwhelmed with despair, and as she gazed upon her lovely babes and there beheld the cause of her woes, her heart was filled with sorrow. How oft indeed, must that wretched mother have contrasted that dread reality of wretched disappointment, with her once happy condition. But to the sequel.- The abuses of that husband became so enormous that they could be brooked with safety no longer, and about one year since she resorted to law and their matrimonial bonds were rendered void. He was then left to realize his lost and almost hopeless situation; but urged by appetite, by misery and want, he drank to the dregs the bitter cup that makes the man a beast. Every effort had proved abortive, every persuasion was unheeded, and even the most sanguine had doubted the possibility of his reform. However, he attended the meeting in the afternoon, and was attentive. In the evening he again came out, and although under the influence of liquor, still he was orderly and attentive. After the exercises were closed I was introduced to this unfortunate man, and was endeavoring to prevail upon him to abandon his course of intemperance and sign the Pledge. But all efforts appeared abortive until his little daughter, inspired by hope, came to the rescue, and we have reason to believe that the spirit that actuated this lovely child will protect her father and enable him to surmount every obstacle in his great reform. That little child was the favorite of the parent and when he was incensed against all others, she could by her kindly influence subdue his ruffled passions.- She had on the above mentioned night procured a Pledge and had resolved to make an effort. While I was engaged in persuading and pleading with him she embraced the opportunity to present her childlike, but efficient petition. She came like some fairy being and in all the innocence and loveliness of one commissioned from a purer sphere, she stood before that ruined man. That look I never can forget. While the pearly tear stole down her rosy cheek, that sparkling eye so piteously gazing upon a ruined 'Father,' she gently raised the Pledge and all was silent as the halls of death. For a moment the drunkard gazed intently upon his lovely child, but the callous heart was adamant no longer. With trembling hand he seized the Pledge, while all were breathless, waiting the issue, he wrote the name of Enoch Smith, while the tears of contrition and deep-felt sorrow but too well told the misery of the Drunkard.

I shall conclude my report next week if you think this worthy an insertion.

I am, dear sir,

Yours truly,

D. G. ROBINSON.