The work in New York, which began in the beautiful village of Fredonia,
has extended to every part of that great State. Every city, and almost
every hamlet, has been reached by this Temperance Gospel.
Women’s Temperance Unions have been organized in almost every town, and
the best and truest women of the State have banded together in God’s
name, to overthrow the liquor traffic.
It will be noticed, by reference to the date, that the work at Fredonia
commenced several days before it began at Hillsboro’.
I do not know why that town was not made conspicuous as the place where
the Crusade commenced, unless it was because no saloons were closed,
and the ladies fell back, after a short campaign, upon other plans.
FREDONIA, NEW YORK.
Mrs. L. B. Greene gives the following interesting account of the work:
Dr. Dio Lewis lectured in our village, Saturday evening, December
13th, 1873, in the regular lyceum course, and remaining in the place
over the Sabbath, was invited to speak in the Baptist Church, Sunday
evening. A union service was held, and the large building packed to
overflowing. He chose as his subject--“The duty and responsibility
of Christian women in the cause of Temperance.” In illustrating his
views upon the subject, he related the proceedings of the women in the
village of Clarksville, in this State, forty years ago, when he was
a boy--how, aroused by some specially grievous result of the liquor
traffic, eighty-four women banded themselves together, and, after
conference and prayer, marched to the saloons, where, with more prayers
and singing, they appealed to the liquor-dealers to pledge themselves
to give up the sale of intoxicating beverages. The object sought was
attained, and for thirty-nine years no liquor has been sold there as a
beverage.
This plan, he stated, had been partially or wholly successful in other
places.
A remarkable interest was manifested throughout the audience, and at
the close of the lecture an organization, to consider a similar work in
our place, was effected by the election of Dr. Lewis, Chairman; John
Hamilton and L. A. Barmore, Secretaries. The Secretaries, together with
Dr. E. M. Pettit and Prof. H. R. Sanford, were appointed by the meeting
to name fifty or more ladies as a visiting committee for work similar
to that performed by the women of Clarksville.
This committee was enlarged to more than two hundred, who met on the
following morning, December 15th, 1873, and entered upon their work of
visiting all the hotels, drug stores, and saloons. As the result of
the first day’s work one druggist gave his assent to the pledge. The
other dealers listened respectfully, and we were encouraged to think
would yield to our petitions.
Each succeeding day brought intelligence of a like movement--first in
Jamestown, near us; then in Hillsboro’, Ohio, followed by place after
place. So we were encouraged and strengthened to believe that the
Spirit of the Lord was moving in the land, stirring up women who had
hitherto rested quietly, or unquietly, in their homes, _submitting_ to
what seemed an ineradicable evil, to _rouse_ themselves and take up the
cross of the “Temperance Crusade.”
I need not detail the events of the first weeks of our effort, with
their alternations of hope and doubtings; suffice it to say, the
saloons were not closed _when_, and _as_ we prayed they might be. There
was another lesson in store for us, as to our Heavenly Father’s ways of
answering prayer.
We ceased our saloon visiting, but had formed a permanent “Woman’s
Christian Temperance Union” for continued work in the cause, as
circumstances and opportunities should permit.
Our principal efforts have been as follows: An aid society was formed
to help the needy of our village, nearly all of whom are the victims of
intemperance.
A reading-room in the interests of temperance and morality was
established; a large amount of temperance tracts and papers were
circulated.
Many petitions to Congress and the State Legislature, in the interests
of the cause, have been circulated. Young people and children’s
unions, auxiliary to our own, have been formed. Days of fasting and
prayer have been observed.
In the spring election of 1874 there was a gain for temperance (a
stirring little appeal to the voters had been scattered through the
streets).
Before the election of 1875 a committee of ladies was appointed to see
each voter, urging principle in the matter, and we were rewarded by
a large no license majority. During the years 1875-76 there were no
licensed places in the town for the sale of liquor as a beverage, but
several club-rooms, in evasion of the law, were formed, where almost
any one could obtain drink. These we entered legal prosecution against
to no purpose.
During all these years our Union has held its weekly prayer-meetings,
and has tried to keep the public alive to the subject, by bringing
before them frequently the best talent in the lecture field.
Though there have been occasional instances of conversion and
reformation all along, it has seemed as though results had not been
commensurate with our efforts. In our last excise election, 1877, the
village again voted for license, and when many of us were feeling
almost discouraged, groping in the dark, God made his face to shine
in the darkness, and we felt that the prayers of so many years were
answered.
Following the series of meetings, after the week of prayer in the
Baptist Church, came a gospel temperance worker, the Rev. Mr. Bocock.
He found the field ripe for the harvest. Hundreds signed the abstinence
pledge.
Meetings continued for weeks, in our largest public hall, under other
workers, until over 1,500 names were enrolled on the Murphy pledge.
Among these were not only intemperate men, but many of our leading
citizens, who before had opposed or stood aloof from all work for
the cause. We hope to see these faithfully heading the ranks in the
temperance reform. Our Union still lives, and, we trust, may continue
an influence for good in our midst.
AUBURN, NEW YORK.
A little company of sisters, after consulting their pastors, called
a prayer-meeting, Monday, March 9th. On account of a severe storm
only six persons were present at the appointed hour, yet out of that
small prayer-meeting grew the “Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of
Auburn.” At its organization we were so fortunate as to secure for
our President, Mrs. Mary T. Burt, then a resident of Auburn--now the
publisher of _Our Union_, in Brooklyn.
March 13th, we gave a call for a meeting, asking “all women, friendly
to the cause of temperance, to be present on that occasion, with a view
of devising some method of securing, through our city authorities,
the rigid enforcement of existing laws, restricting the sale of
intoxicating liquors in this city.” To the above appeal were appended
500 names of the women of Auburn. This meeting was followed by other
crowded mass-meetings.
Committees waited upon the mayor and board of excise, begging them to
grant fewer licenses.
In June of the same year, one of the board of excise said that the
Woman’s Temperance Union of Auburn had been the means of closing,
during the year, from forty to fifty saloons. Also, if the organization
had not made their petition to the board, they would, undoubtedly, have
gone on and licensed all applicants, as former excise boards had done.
Soon after our annual meeting, March 18th, 1875, our Union decided to
furnish hot coffee to firemen on duty. A committee was appointed to
confer with the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department in reference to
the work. A courteous reply was received from that officer, in which he
stated it to be his opinion “that the proposed effort would not only
advance the cause of temperance, but elevate the standing of the fire
department.” The firemen have proved true friends of our organization;
and though there have been many obstacles to overcome, we have great
reason to feel that much good has been done in this direction. Besides
our regular Monday afternoon prayer-meetings, and gospel temperance
meetings, we have meetings for the children, and a Band of Hope
connected with the Union numbers 230.
MRS. CYRENUS WHEELER, Pres’t.
CHARLOTTE T. L. SMITH, Rec. Sec’y.
PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK.
Fanny D. Hall reports:
The Plattsburg Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was established March
14th, 1874. The attendance was large at first. At present our numbers
are small, but the few have been constant workers. The influence
emanating from the Union has had, and is having a decided effect upon
public opinion, changing the aspects of the temperance cause.
We feel that time _only_ is needed for the community to show the power
of prayerful, earnest Christian work. A union prayer-meeting, under the
auspices of this society, was formed, in which the churches joined.
Sabbath and Wednesday afternoon prayer-meetings have been regularly
maintained by the ladies. In the autumn of 1875 a converted
saloon-keeper offered his bar-room one evening in the week, for a
prayer-meeting, under the care of the Union, which has been continued
to the present time.
Our juvenile association, “The Plattsburg Temperance Guards,” was
organized in October, 1874. It has enrolled some 800 boys as members.
A meeting of the guards is held every three months in the court-house,
in which the exercises are varied by music and speeches, followed by
refreshments.
It has been the custom of ladies to attend all the meetings of the
excise board. To this we attribute influences most favorable to the
work. The saloons have been quietly visited by members of the Union,
for individual appeals.
Before the election of excise commissioners, the ladies, with the aid
of the ladies of the Good Templars, canvassed the entire town, giving
opportunity for earnest Christian temperance work.
A legal committee of the Union has also been able to bring cases of
violation of law before our juries, and although much that we could
wish has not been accomplished, still good has been done in this field.
Our stronghold of hope is _prayer_, but we feel and know the Lord has
been with us in all these departments of temperance work.
We have sustained, since 1874, a temperance column in the _Plattsburg
Republican_, which has been freely accorded to us.
ALBANY, NEW YORK.
I am indebted to Mrs. Nye for the following facts:
Our first temperance prayer-meeting was held weekly, in 1873, in
a private parlor, three present. We soon adjourned to a church
prayer-room, but our numbers were small. In August, 1873, a society
was organized, known as the “Woman’s Temperance Union of Albany.” Our
prayer-meetings were held twice every week.
In January, 1874, we were invited to hold meetings in the City
Mission rooms, No. 40 State street, at which time two of our number
became responsible for a daily meeting. The faithful few were greatly
encouraged by the goodly number that gathered daily, and from among
those we most desired to reach. During three months, about two
hundred names were enrolled on our pledge. Among these were a large
number of conversions, including some from the very lowest depths
of intemperance, who to-day are first and foremost in the cause of
temperance.
Five or six ladies prayed earnestly that the work might be enlarged,
and we be fitted for the work. A door of entrance came, and a place
formerly occupied as a machine shop, located in the rear of the
theatre, on William street, was secured. There was not one cent in the
treasury. The day came when money must be paid; and that morning, after
asking at the family altar that God would supply our need, when about
to leave the house of a dear sister, a note was placed in our hands,
written that morning by one of His chosen ones, a Swedish lady, who had
been spending a few days in the city, enclosing the desired amount,
saying, “Please accept of my mite, with prayers for your success.”
From that time, with the want has also come the supply, even to the
furnishing of our rooms with everything to make them both comfortable
and attractive.
The first of May we rented the entire building for lodging and eating
purposes; and though we had nothing with which to furnish, in one month
it had the appearance of a pleasant, comfortable home; and here a large
number have been cared for when they most needed help and Christian
sympathy. Since the first of May, one hundred have received food and
lodging, and have thus been brought under the power of the gospel.
A midday meeting has been opened recently, and is increasing in
interest and numbers. This is sustained mostly by reformed men. Many
young men who were this time last year spending their time and money
in drinking-saloons and drunken brawls, are now “clothed and in their
right minds,” and spend nearly every night in our meetings, saying it
is the best place they ever knew.
Testimonies like the following are often heard: “I bless God for this
mission. I have been tempted beyond what I was able to bear, and had
I not come in and stayed all day in this room, I do not know where I
should have been to-day. I thank God for putting it into the hearts of
these Christian women to open these rooms for a refuge for such as I.
And these meetings have been a great blessing to me.”
Another says: “I have been one of the most wicked young men in Albany,
and my friends thought I could not be saved. And I thought so too. But
through the efforts of this mission, I am a saved man.”
Saloons have not been left unvisited; and those who were once dealing
out the accursed draught, thank God, to-day have found a better way.
Our room for meetings has been enlarged three times. Recently a
glorious temperance revival has prevailed, reaching all classes, which
has stirred the community, and encouraged all Christian hearts.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.
Mrs. Allen Butler, President of the State Union, furnishes the
following facts:
When reports of the wonderful work for temperance being done at
the West reached our city, the inquiry began to be made. If there
was not something of the kind needed here. After due deliberation
a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed in March, 1874. The city was
districted, and canvassed with petitions and pledges. The city
authorities, board of excise, ministers, physicians, druggists,
grocers, and landlords were visited, petitioned, and entreated, and
as many as possible pledged, not to participate in, or countenance
the traffic in intoxicating liquors in any way. An immense amount of
work was done in a few months, with but little apparent success. The
prayer-meetings were continued during the summer, and in the early
autumn. Prayer-meetings were established in desolate parts of the city,
and food distributed. A suitable building was secured, and a Friendly
Inn opened in sight of thirty saloons, to counteract influences. It
was opened on the 8th of July, 1875, with pleasant company, attractive
music, and sacred song; things so in contrast with the neighborhood,
that every passer-by was attracted, and led to inquire what was going
on. The opening was auspicious, and for three months the place was
thronged to its utmost capacity every evening, to join in the gospel
temperance meetings, and hear the wonderful experiences there related.
From the first day, new trophies were won.
More recently the reformed men’s movement has swept over our city, and
2,500 have signed the pledge; and 1,300 have united with the Reform
Club, and 200 have been added to the Young Men’s Temperance Union,
which was already strong.
A cold water army was organized in 1875, and the work is still well
sustained.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.
Mrs. S. J. Vosburgh gives the following account of the work in
Rochester:
The Women’s Temperance Crusade in Rochester began about the middle of
March, 1874, by the appointment of a committee of four ladies, who were
to confer with the pastors of all the city churches and secure their
co-operation in the work. This committee did their work so well, and
the public mind was so fully prepared for the movement, that in a few
days a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed, which soon increased to 500
members, representing nearly every church in the city.
Two very large mass-meetings were held, and many smaller meetings in
various places. Temperance sermons were preached in nearly all the
churches, and the entire city, with all the region round about, became
aroused upon the subject. The liquor-sellers were very uneasy, and a
few at this time gave up the business voluntarily. On the first Monday
in May there was an enthusiastic morning meeting held at the Central
Presbyterian Church, and about 200 ladies went in procession from that
place to the court-house, where the excise board were to meet for the
granting of licenses.
These morning meetings continued for two weeks or more, the time
being given mostly to prayer. The numbers increased, so that the
commissioners adjourned to the city hall, as the council chamber, in
which they first assembled, was quite too small. At these meetings
remonstrances against the granting of licenses were read every
morning, and the same were published by the _Daily Press_; causing many
to see the evils of the traffic who had hitherto thought but little
about it.
The liquor-sellers and manufacturers, with some of their sympathizers,
had also formed a Union entitled “The Society for the Protection of
Personal and Religious Liberty.” The word religious was, however, soon
dropped, as being inappropriate. This society was very active, held
frequent meetings, and, it was said, had raised $10,000 to carry on
their work.
During the second week of the month of May, after the ladies had
marched in procession, as usual, to the court-house, preceded by
a few of the pastors and other temperance men, a large number of
the liquor-sellers, led by some of the officers of their society,
appeared before the Excise Commissioners, with a petition, signed,
as they claimed, by 6,000 citizens and voters, asking that licenses
for the sale of liquors be granted as usual. It was ascertained, upon
examination, that this immense petition was made up largely of forged
signatures, among which were not only the names of some of our best
temperance men, but some dignitaries from abroad were added to swell
the list; among these we remember was the wife of the Mormon prophet,
Brigham Young, and some who for many years had been in the spirit world.
When this unlooked-for examination revealed the fraud, the better class
of their number seemed a little ashamed, as might have been expected.
Political influence was mightiest on their side, however, and licenses
were soon granted just as freely as before, though action had been
stayed for weeks.
There is at present a growing public sentiment against the liquor
traffic, and the better class of our citizens, especially the Christian
men and women, are arraying themselves on the side of temperance. The
women, too, are thinking and acting more intelligently and effectively
for this cause than in the past.
There are now in our city two large and well-conducted lunch houses,
each under the direction of a board of managers, composed of temperance
ladies, besides a number of smaller establishments of the same class
owned and controlled by individuals.
A Reform Club was organized about a year since, and more recently
a Temperance Aid Society of ladies, whose work is especially to
further the interest of the Reform Club, and to visit the families of
intemperate men.
A Christian Temperance Union, composed of Christian men and women, has
also been organized recently, and these are already doing a good work.
These are all the outgrowth of the Crusade.
OSWEGO, NEW YORK.
I have received the following facts from officers of the society:
We organized March, 1874, with about thirty members. Held our meetings
in the different churches, one month in each, wishing them to be
thorough union, feeling that we must have a united sisterhood to face
the dark shadow which seemed to be coming nearer and nearer, throwing
its shade either directly or indirectly into almost every home.
About this time we canvassed the city with the pledge, with good
results.
Our work was persistent and earnest with the saloon-keepers, city
authorities, and wherever God seemed to show an open door.
Committees were appointed to inspect the applications made for license,
and it was found that a majority of them were granted illegally, and
having found who the men were who signed these applications, and were
willing thus to encourage the traffic, our work was then with them,
to try, if it were possible, to persuade them never to sign another
application. And great was the surprise and shame of many who found
that what they had done in secret had been brought to the light, and
many promises were given that the like should not be repeated.
We organized a Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting on Water street, led
by women, yet calling in the aid of Christian men.
The fact that a few Christian women were meeting twice a week for
prayer, had its effect upon the community.
We endeavored to look after the poor suffering ones all around, keeping
our eye on the one object--Christ and His work; feeling that it was
just that which brought Him down to us, to raise the fallen. Some
of the crosses were very heavy, the greatest, perhaps, of all our
life-work, February 1st, 1875.
“Four, ladies only, were present at our meeting; very earnest prayers
were offered for direction and help, and especially that some influence
might be brought to bear upon the hearts of Christian people, to awaken
them to duty, with regard to temperance work. We were not wholly
discouraged, for we felt that with _God_ on our side, _one_ was a
majority.”
Before our next meeting, two reformed men, Frost and McKelvey, had
come to our city ready to work; they hardly knew why they came, for no
one had asked them, and they had been told not to come, as they could
do nothing here. But some of us felt that we knew how it came about,
and as the work seemed to take shape, Christian men said, this is the
result of the prayers of the faithful few.
On and on went the work, until over two thousand signed the pledge,
while our own numbers were greatly increased. A Reform Club was
organized, with a reformed lawyer as president.
One of the saloon-keepers put up a long sign, black letters on white
cloth, that could be read two blocks off: 20,000 _men wanted to drink_
20,000 _glasses of lager beer_! It was too much for us to endure, and a
committee of two ladies was appointed to visit him; we prepared a paper
for him to read, and went in the strength of the Master, gave him the
paper, and while he read we prayed, silently, yet earnestly. At first,
he seemed quite indignant, closed the paper and passed it back; I did
not take it (wished him to keep it). God seemed to _shut_ our mouths.
While he talked, the perspiration covered his face and neck, he wiping
until his handkerchief was thoroughly drenched. When he had said all
he had to say, he dropped into a chair behind him; then our lips were
unsealed; he was melted, promised to take down his sign, and leave the
business as soon as his lease was out. He is now a member of the Reform
Club.
We came from that saloon, saying to ourselves and each other, “O ye of
little faith.”
You can imagine the feelings of the heart of his faithful wife, as she
rose in the weekly prayer-meeting of her own church, after the happy
event in which all rejoiced: said she, “My husband has signed the
pledge, and I want you all to pray for him; nay,” said she, “I _demand_
it.” Do you wonder at her earnestness?
May 20th, a committee of our ladies, in connection with a committee of
gentlemen, began to cast about for rooms to accommodate this wonderful
work. It was soon done. On Washington’s birthday, February 22d, we met
in our new reading-room.
We dedicated those rooms not only to temperance, but to Christ and His
work, for it is all one.
Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union now numbers about one hundred
and fifty; and our motto is, “More earnest work for the Master.”
One of the first fruits of the reform movement was the conversion of
a young man, son of a prominent clergyman of the State, and former
pastor of one of the churches of this city. This young man, the child
of many prayers and much solicitude, had, in spite of all, led a very
intemperate and wayward life, setting at nought his father’s counsels,
and treating with scorn his mother’s prayers. His own confession
is, that during the temperance work he attended one of the Sunday
services, and, for the first time in his life, went with the settled
determination to be benefited, the Spirit of God met him, and for days
he struggled with the adversary. Finally, at a public meeting, where
hundreds were gathered, and among them many of his boon companions,
he, in response to a call for short speeches, said, “My friends, the
devil has beaten me long enough, and now I am determined to beat him,
not only on the whiskey question, but, God helping me, I mean to beat
him on sin of all kinds, and from this time forth to live not only
a temperate but a Christian life.” This was a great surprise to his
many friends, and for the avowal, light soon broke into his soul, and
he became a joyful believer. The wires carried the happy news to his
parents, the mails carried the particulars; but the old father and
mother wanted to see their son, in whom the Lord had wrought this
mighty work. He visited them, carrying the temperance spark with him.
At his suggestion a temperance meeting was called. Speakers failed
him, but he was not discouraged. With the local help he had, he went
on with the work, speaking himself with the eloquence the love of God
and the perishing inspired him; and in less than two months from the
time he became a converted temperance man, he had organized a reform
club of over six hundred members. When he returned home, he left, as
its president, a man who had been a confirmed drunkard for over thirty
years. Among the members was nearly every drunkard in the town.
Behold how great things the Lord hath done!
HORNELLSVILLE, NEW YORK
Mrs. Ransom Sheldon gives the following account of the work in this
town:
Hornellsville, a railroad town on the Erie Railway, with a population
of between eight and nine thousand, with its five churches, none of
them blessed with a large membership, with but few pronounced and
outspoken Christian people, was cursed with eighty-six saloons and
places where they sold liquor. Prominent wealthy business men were none
of them temperance men. Young men starting in life had few correct
examples of living placed before them. Society was gay, and the wine
cup flowed freely, when the Woman’s Crusade movement found its way
to Hornellsville. By obtaining a few names, a meeting was called.
Our business men were so afraid to be identified, that we failed
in our first selection of chairman, which was the President of our
village. Our clergy, to their honor be it spoken, stood out pronounced
temperance men. The women were organized for work, the town canvassed
for pledges, and all-day meeting was held, in which the reports were
brought in with rejoicing and cheering. Three thousand women, fifteen
hundred voters, and four hundred minors signed the pledge as the result
of this effort.
The Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting was organized and well sustained;
public opinion in favor of temperance was created; and much good was
accomplished. Different lecturers were employed, and various means
adopted to sustain the interest.
When our efforts seemed not to avail, we had recourse to law, and
six hundred dollars in fines was saved to the county by prosecuting
violations of law. This plan was followed for one year, a man being
hired whose business it was to work up cases, present them at court,
and follow them through.
Last winter we were blessed with a special outpouring of the Holy
Spirit, and our woman’s meeting felt its influence, and we were moved
to pray especially that a man adapted to temperance work might be sent
to us. Our railroad men, who went to Salamanca, returned with accounts
of the wonderful good John R. Clark was accomplishing In Salamanca,
Bradford, and other places. Mr. Clark came to Hornellsville for a four
days’ meeting. The ladies secured the Opera House. The weather was most
unfavorable. A large audience, however, gathered. When the opportunity
was given to sign the pledge, a great rush was immediately made.
The morning prayer-meetings were continued, and many who signed
the pledge at night came into the meeting in the morning, and were
converted. It was a glorious time. The whole community were never
before so stirred. Young men, old men, all classes and conditions felt
its influence. Temperance principles were advocated by men who had
always advocated and practised intemperance. Some saloons were closed,
and the liquor business was much crippled. Temperance lecturers came
to the front from among our lawyers and editors, and outside towns
were visited and canvassed for pledges. The greatest evidence of good
accomplished was manifest in the late strike on the Erie Railroad,
when for nearly a week our town was under martial law, and a drunken
man was not to be seen, and law and good order prevailed to a degree
not before realized.
The temperance work in Hornellsville has accomplished great results in
saving our community from many evils, and has blessed many homes. There
still remaineth, however, much land to be possessed. One blessed result
of this effort has been the saving of Hon. Horace Bemis, an eminent
lawyer, who has given his fine talents as a lecturer to the cause, and
western New York and northern Pennsylvania have felt his influence as
an inspiration.
UTICA, NEW YORK.
Mrs. D. E. Stevens furnishes the following facts:
The Crusade work in the city of Utica, unobtrusively as it has been
done, was the origin of our present organization and success in the
temperance cause. Mrs. M. M. Northrop, upon whom this fell most
heavily, was probably the first to do real Crusade work, a woman known
for her good deeds among the poor. She says when the news first reached
her of the Ohio Crusade, a strange feeling came over her, that caused
her to betake herself to prayer--to very earnest prayer. The subject
was so constantly before her mind that she was compelled to speak to
all whom she met on the subject of temperance. Finding no sympathy, she
felt alone in the work, and could only cry mightily to God for help,
who seemed to hold her responsible for this great service in her own
city.
After a little, she found a good Christian sister, in whose heart there
was a response for this work (Mrs. T---- by name). Together, she and
Mrs. T---- visited saloon after saloon, urging the saloon-keepers to
leave off the terrible traffic; singing in each place as they went.
In one instance they met, as keeper of a saloon, a woman of ill-fame,
upon whom the singing had a powerful effect. She wept and kept hold of
Mrs. Northrop’s hands, as though she could not let her go, following
her to the door with streaming eyes.
In another, God had preceded them, and the saloon-keeper owned his
dislike for the business; and told them of the daughters of church
members who came there to drink (it being a little out of the city),
and then went near by to a house of ill-fame. They sought them there,
but could not find them. This saloon-keeper promised and did give up
his business, and became, not long after, a member of a Christian
church.
The spirit of indifference that pervaded the hearts of Christians
on this subject seemed terrible to Mrs. Northrop; as she walked the
streets, the burden grew so heavy upon her she groaned aloud. Meeting a
Christian sister one day, a lady of wide influence, the lady accosted
her with, “Well, Mrs. Northrop, how does the temperance work go on?”
“Poorly, Mrs. B----, very poorly. Were all who profess an interest
in temperance _consecrated_ workers, the work would go on, and if
some one does not take up this cause and help to carry it forward, I
believe this burden will crush me.” Mrs. B---- looked up in her face,
apparently astonished. Said she, “Well, perhaps the burden has got to
come over on to me.” And it did. Through this woman the door was opened
to a grand temperance rally in this city. Ready hearts were found, who
met weekly at the cross, until the Spirit of the Lord fell upon them
likewise. To us the work seems but just begun, although we have some
2,000 signers to the pledge, and over 500 members to the club who wear
the blue ribbon.
We look to God, believing that his power _alone_ can accomplish this
work. We are but the willing instruments in his hands, to serve or to
sit still at his bidding.
One of our most faithful workers in the Crusade, Mrs. M. A. Patterson,
whose age is sixty-two years, is a woman who has suffered greatly from
the terrible curse of intemperance. Her husband, once in the habit of
drinking, is now a reformed and Christian man. Her two sons, drunkards,
one supposed to be hopelessly lost, are both of them now members of our
Reform Club, and thus far faithful to their vows.
Suffering so greatly herself, Mrs. Patterson was exercised in an
unusual manner, not only for her own sons and husband, but for the
sons and husbands of other mothers and wives. “O,” said she, “how I
have prayed, and wrestled with God in prayer; night after night I
have walked the floor, weeping and praying, watching for the unsteady
footsteps of my boys. Yes, and sometimes I have spent whole nights on
my knees, till the morning shone in upon me, praying that God would
send some one, or raise up some person or persons who would help to
do away with this terrible curse. How I have prayed and wrestled for
our city! I have gone from saloon to saloon, trying to persuade them to
stop selling this accursed stuff. And then again I have shrunk back and
thought, I am like Jonah fleeing away from the work God had called me
to do, so I went on again, trying to do my best.
“At one time I went to a saloon, where they had drawn in my boys, where
they were dealing out death to them, and I found the saloon-keeper’s
wife standing behind the bar dealing out liquor, and I said to her:
‘Can you, a mother, deal out death and hell to my boys, and the sons of
other mothers? Would you like it to have me deal out poison to _your_
sons? What would you think of _me_, or any _other_ mother, to do that
to _yours_? and yet you are doing it to mine.’
“Said the saloon-woman: ‘Do not talk thus to me. Do not talk to me.’
“‘Shall not I, a mother, whose heart is wrung with anguish, speak to
you? I tell you _God_ will yet speak to you, in _thunder_ tones, if you
do not desist. I have not come to blame, nor to reproach, but to _pray_
you to give up selling this accursed rum.’”
And then, with hands clasped to heaven, she prayed: “How long, O God,
how long, shall we mothers pray and weep and lament for our sons? How
long shall our hearts be wrung with bitter anguish? How long shall this
terrible curse be _forced_ upon us, and we lie powerless before this
foe?”
And thus she poured forth her woe in prayer. She was driven from the
saloon by the woman behind the bar.
She has been so worn with her griefs, that I had supposed her to be
nearly eighty years of age. Her voice sounds like a song of prayer. She
would gladly go from saloon to saloon, to-day, on her knees, she says,
if in this wise she could do away with this abominable evil that is
cursing our city. Her zeal is in nowise slackened by the salvation of
her husband and sons, and her “Glory to God in the highest” is like a
Te Deum.
ROME, NEW YORK.
I am indebted to Mrs. R. M. Bingham for the following report:
The reports of the wonderful revival of the temperance work in the
West, a little more than three years ago, inspired the friends of the
cause in this place to hope that something might be done in our city.
About forty ladies responded to the first call for workers.
A daily meeting for prayer and counsel was inaugurated. These meetings
have been characterized by earnest and prayerful enthusiasm, prompted
by a genuine dependence on God, and faith in His promises. The efforts
made to stay the tide of intemperance, or to interpose any obstacle to
its progress, revealed the great power of the foe with which we had to
cope, and the strength of its intrenchments. It could count among its
allies Christian men not a few, and its supporters were to be found in
the temples of law and justice. So potent was its influence that all
branches of trade and business were more or less bound by its fetters.
In our helplessness we cried to God, and our hearts went out in
greater love for the guilty as well as the suffering ones.
Frequent mass-meetings were held in the churches and other public
places.
The city was canvassed, and over a thousand women gave their names,
pledging themselves to do what they could to promote the cause of
temperance, and we think the moral power cannot be estimated, of this
large number of women, each acting conscientiously in her own family
and sphere of influence. A committee of ladies was appointed to ask the
gentlemen of the Board of Excise to grant no licenses; and if we did
fail to see our hearts’ desire accomplished, we are glad those prayers
and tearful appeals stand as our protest against the monster evil.
Much faithful labor has been done in circulating the pledge, and many
have been induced to sign it, and have been rescued from a drunkard’s
disgrace and a drunkard’s grave.
One only we will mention--Joseph Higgins, the blacksmith: a most
wonderful example of the power of God, in removing all appetite for
intoxicants, after their use for many years. He is doing much for the
salvation of others. We can but exclaim, “What hath God wrought!”
In 1876, the temperance ladies made a centennial offering to the city,
of four drinking-fountains, valued at $450.
Children’s meetings have been held, and a large number have signed the
pledge.
We see indications of the improvement, and strengthening of
the temperance sentiment of the city. We believe the so-called
“_respectability_” of liquor-selling has diminished--that fewer
persons offer wine on New Year’s day, and other special occasions,
than formerly. A number of suffering wives of drunkards have recovered
damages from the liquor-seller under the civil damage act. And not the
least of the good results of our work is the increase of Christian
fellowship in the different churches of our city.
The hearts of the workers have been united, and we have not thought of
denominational differences in our work of love. And, although but a
small part of what we had hoped has been accomplished, we do not feel
discouraged or inclined to cease our efforts in this great work. “In
God we trust,” and with Him _for_ us, _who_ can be against us?
NEW YORK CITY.
I am indebted to Mrs. Helen E. Brown, for the following able report of
the work in this city:
From the first blast of the trumpet borne to our ears across the
Alleghenies, calling the daughters of Zion to the holy war, there were
found hearts in New York city thrilling with sympathy, and eager to
enter the work. How it was to be done, what shape it would take in the
metropolis, could not at first be seen; but devoted Christian women
gave themselves to the Lord with a solemn consecration, promising to
do whatever he should direct. He would surely make the way plain,
and though they could see but one step at a time, that one step they
decided to take just as soon as it was made visible. The first thing
naturally was to assemble for prayer.
In the month of March, 1874, one of our sisters was on her way to a
prayer-meeting, and waited at the corner of the street for a car.
The corner store was a liquor-saloon, and as she stood there, she
thought of the many, many similar places in the city where the deadly
poison was dealt out to her fellow-creatures, and her heart went up
in prayer that God would seal up these fountains of iniquity. Just
then the proprietor of the store appeared, and seeing the woman’s
thoughtful attitude, he said to her, “Are you one of the temperance
crusaders?” He had evidently been reading the exciting reports with
which the daily papers were filled. The question seemed to her of the
Lord, and she instantly replied, “I am.” “Won’t you come in, then?
you’re welcome,” said he. The sister, feeling that it was not wise to
make the visit alone, replied, “I am on an errand now to another part
of the city; when I return, I will call.” She went to the meeting,
which was one of a series of holiness meetings then in progress in the
Seventeenth Street M. E. Church, Rev. Mr. Boole’s, and there related
the circumstance, and begged that some one would give herself to the
Lord for this service, and accompany her on this visit. Two ladies
volunteered, and they went out, followed by the earnest prayers of the
assembly. The Lord went with them. They were greatly blessed in their
visit, and there is reason to believe that great good in several ways
followed. Thus the work was inaugurated in the city.
A praying band was at once formed in that church, and, simultaneously,
in different sections of the city, and saloon work was undertaken in
earnest. This was done quietly, the sisters going in twos and threes,
always presenting the gospel message, praying and singing whenever
permission could be obtained, and leaving tracts, papers and printed
invitations to prayer-meetings. Many hundreds of saloons were thus
visited, and incidents of the most interesting character occurred.
Saloons were shut up, and rum-sellers converted, who stand now in the
church of Christ, monuments of his saving power.
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in April. It
was brought about by the clerical committee formed by the National
Temperance Society to consider the general subject, and was intended to
bring together the working element of all the churches. There was not,
however, a very prompt response to this call. One and another began
to make excuse, and the result was that we had at no time more than
thirty active members, and as we began operations at the very close
of the working season, our numbers were soon greatly reduced. A daily
prayer-meeting was sustained, however, through the entire season, and
was always as a well in the valley of Baca. The Lord never failed to
refresh our souls, and our love for one another, our faith in God, and
our devotion to the cause steadily increased.
At the first a committee was appointed to visit the clergymen of the
city, and ascertain to what extent we might expect their co-operation.
Here unexpected disappointment met us. We found every denomination
more or less apathetic, the ministry indifferent or faithless, and in
the membership a deplorable lack of principle. It was a sad revelation,
but it taught us this lesson, that temperance work was needed in the
church as well as out of it. How should it be done? To the Lord we went
in our trouble.
A series of Sunday evening meetings was commenced in the churches,
wherever admission could be obtained. There were some noble champions
of the cause, who were always ready to open their doors, and to aid us
to their utmost ability. They encouraged and counselled. It was thought
best from the first that the women should plead their own cause, and
with the Lord’s help they were enabled to do it. Though unaccustomed
to service of this kind, it was undertaken in obedience to the Divine
call, and the effort was greatly blessed.
Another committee was appointed to visit the Excise Board. This
interview gave us a still clearer insight into the vastness of the
work upon which we had entered. We were advised to a double course of
duty: on the one side to exert ourselves to create a public opinion in
favor of temperance; and on the other, to take immediate measures to
prosecute the liquor-dealers for violation of the license and Sabbath
laws. But, after prayerful consideration, we decided to waive the legal
work and go forward on the gospel principles of “love, persuasion and
prayer.” We hoped much from our public meetings, believing that our
Christian brothers would be aroused to participate in the work, and
to do that which was beyond our reach. But our surest hope was in the
power of prayer. “Ask, believe, receive,” was our motto. Like the
stripling David of old, we went forth in the name of the Lord of hosts
to meet the giant.
When the city churches were closed for the summer, and the
congregations were dispersed, we asked the Lord what he would have
us do; and the way was opened in a remarkable manner, for work
among inebriates. This was prosecuted with untiring ardor, by the
few workers left behind in the city. The prisons, hospitals, and
charitable institutions of the city, which were mainly filled with the
victims of the cup, were visited, and the gospel of God’s free grace
presented. Industrial and mission schools too were instructed often,
and thoroughly in the truths of temperance and salvation. Much faithful
effort was put forth, and with good results. Souls were saved; but,
perhaps, better than all the workers were themselves enriched with an
experience which proved invaluable in their after labors.
During the summer of 1874, our first gospel temperance meeting was
established, in one of the most desperately wicked localities of the
city; and from its beginning, we had the most wonderful manifestations
of God’s power to save. We were surrounded by dance-houses of the worst
description, and wedged in between two of the vilest dens of the city.
We followed prayer with work; and public meetings were held, statedly,
on Sunday evening, with weekly visitations in this godless section of
the city. It was with fear and trembling, but with earnest prayer and
simple trust, we entered these wretched bucket-shops, where men and
women were crowded together in every stage of beastly intoxication.
On one occasion, three of us went together to a corner shop of the
most notorious character. About twenty women were huddled together in
one corner; vile, disfigured, clad in filthy rags, and presenting an
appearance to melt the hardest heart. To think that woman could fall
so low--so low! Could such as these be saved? But they were silent and
respectful, with the exception of one brawler, who was soon shamed
by the bar-tender’s reproachful thrust: “If the like of these ladies
come to see yez, ye can, at least, hear what they have to say to yez.”
“There’s worse than we here,” they said; after a few words had been
spoken to one and another, and opening a door they pointed the way into
a small, dark, inner room, the air stifling and fetid with liquor. One
poor drunken wretch stood in the centre of this apartment, and on the
floor and settees around it were twelve others, sleeping the heavy
sleep of a drunkard. We were almost overcome by the appalling sight;
but in a moment, as if it were the rally of our faith, we raised the
beautiful hymn
“God loved the world of sinners lost
And ruined by the fall;
Salvation full at highest cost,
He offers free to all.
Oh, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love,
The love of God to me;
It brought my Saviour from above,
To die on Calvary.”
We had not sung two lines before every head, one after another, had
come up with a wondering expression; then the big tears began to fall,
and by the time we had finished the strain, the sobs and groans were
pitiful to hear. Then we prayed for that uttermost salvation of Jesus,
that His mighty love might rescue some of these poor fallen ones from
the jaws of hell. As we went outside they followed us with staggering
steps, and one poor marred, wretched woman drew near, and asked, with
trembling lips, “Won’t you sing ‘Whiter than snow?’” Those words,
seemingly so incongruous in that dark place, never seemed so precious,
as we sang them with our hearts resting on the promise, “Though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”
Several girls followed us that day to homes of safety, which we were
able to provide for them in institutions and refuges in the city. One
of them, at least, was saved. We heard her afterwards give her simple,
triumphant testimony to the power of Jesus, to which she added: “Oh,
how I wish I had a voice to reach from here to Water street, that I
might tell every poor girl there that Jesus can save her, too, and wash
her whiter than snow in His precious blood.”
In the fall the campaign opened vigorously. Gospel meetings in the
churches and in the slums, in the city and the towns outside, were
diligently held. Interest seemed rising, and efforts were put forth
in various parts of the city to put down the traffic and lift up the
drunkard by the power of the gospel. The daily prayer-meeting was still
sustained, and at our first annual meeting we had only to recount the
mercies of the Lord.
The second summer was a marked one in the history of our work in Water
street. The vile rum-shop on one side of the Mission House had been
closed in answer to prayer, and so effectually that the owner of the
property could never re-let it. He determined to pull down the old
building, and replace it with a substantial warehouse. In the meantime,
the chapel was rendered untenantable, but the meetings must not be
relinquished. They sought and obtained permission to hold them, for the
time being, in the dance-house on the other side; and there for four
months held the fort in Jesus’ name, and by His grace, with courage and
success.
In one of the meetings a young woman of modest appearance, and neatly
attired, rose and said: “I have come here to-night to ask the privilege
of signing your temperance pledge, and to tell you how much good you
have done me. I was living not far from here, in one of the worst
houses, and the first night you opened I was passing by, and came in,
as I had many a time before, for a drink. I found the bar closed, and
this dance-hall lighted for a meeting. The singing sounded so sweet
I slipped in and sat down on a back seat. The words you spoke made
me cry. When you asked those who wanted to be saved to stand up for
prayer, I longed to get up, but I couldn’t. But I made up my mind then
that I would lead a better life, and that I never, never would go back
to that wicked home again. But I had no place to go to, and what could
I do? I walked the streets for hours, and at last asked a policeman to
send me to the station-house, and he did. There, in my cell, I kneeled
down and cried to the Lord, and gave Him my heart. The next day I went
out to find a place for honest labor, and the Lord sent me to a good
Christian woman, and I am living with her now. I mean, with God’s help,
to serve Him all the rest of my days.”
On that same memorable first evening a young man staggered into the
rum-shop for a drink, was persuaded to enter the meeting, where he took
a draught of the water of life and was saved. His father and brother,
both addicted to intemperance, subsequently came to the meetings, and
were converted. All three are now standing on the rock Christ, and are
laboring earnestly in a temperance revival in another city. Incidents
like these, showing the wonders of God’s mighty love, could be greatly
multiplied.
The next year’s labor of the Union presented some new features. It was
during this year that the hippodrome was opened for the evangelistic
work of Moody and Sankey in New York. Prior to their coming we had
sent forward a request that one day in each week might be devoted to
temperance. The request was favorably considered, and Friday was set
apart as temperance day. The members of the Union were diligent in
their co-operation in this gospel work, some of them devoting their
entire time to it. They worked in the inquiry rooms, visited from house
to house, and did their part to sustain the woman’s meetings, which
were thronged and of thrilling power.
During this year also very successful outside labor was accomplished,
members of the Union going out to other towns, and holding a series of
private and public meetings, through one or two days; organizing the
work and stimulating their sisters. These occasions were attended with
a rich blessing from on high.
The juvenile work also occupied the attention of some of our most
earnest workers. This has been well begun, especially among the class
of children gathered into the industrial and mission schools of the
city. Our hope is in the children, and, as far as we have gone, we find
there is no more effectual method of reaching the homes of the drinking
classes than through the little ones.
In the fall of 1875 a coffee-house was projected, and engrossed the
Union during the following year. It did not, however, prove a success
as a business enterprise. It drained our financial resources, failed to
reach the class for whom it was designed, consumed in secular interests
the time and energies of the workers, and thus unavoidably diverted
them, in a great measure, from the spiritual work to which they had
been devoted. The struggle was continued through a period of fifteen
months, and then was given up.
The gospel meetings held at the coffee-house, however, accomplished
much good. Many souls were hopefully reclaimed from the depths of
intemperance, by the grace of God, some of whom have labored publicly
and diligently in the service of God.
As we look around from our present standpoint, we are assured that
the Lord has set his seal of approval upon the labors and influence of
the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. We see the increased attention
given to this subject, the rising of public sentiment, the efforts,
though spasmodic and almost farcical, to put down the traffic, the
more positive espousal of the cause by ministers and churches, the
establishment of gospel temperance meetings on every hand, in the
openness of the people to the truth, and the increased demand for
Christian temperance laborers. All this we recognize as answer to
prayer, and a pleasant foretaste of what the Lord is ready to do for us.
“It is useless for the women to do anything here: New York is a walled
city,” said a liquor-dealer to one of our visitors, in the early
days of the Crusade. And, indeed, we have proved it so; its walls
are thick and high, and to all human force impregnable. First in the
intrenchments are the drunkards, men and women, standing shoulder to
shoulder, not very erect and firm, it is true, but, supported and
filled in by the moderate drinkers next behind them, every one is a
brick well laid. Then come the domestic and social users and offerers
of beer and wine, next the traffickers, then the property-holders with
their wealth and greed, and last, but not least, since they afford
strength, finish, and adornment to the defences, stands the Church
in its cold indifference. What a strong wall is this! No wonder our
opponents feel secure behind it; no wonder human sight discerns no way
to overthrow it.
But the Lord of hosts is with us; the Lord strong and mighty, and,
even in New York, we are not disheartened. The multitude on the side
of wrong is immense, but chased by the army of God’s resurrected ones,
must and will flee. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but
spiritual, and, for that very reason, will be invincible.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.
I am indebted to Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, President of the Brooklyn Union,
for the following facts:
In the month of January, 1874, Mrs. Caroline E. Ladd, who was chosen to
lead a Union Bible Class, which met weekly in the Friends’ Church, was
so strongly convinced that the time had now come for the inauguration
of a woman’s temperance prayer movement in this city, that she said
she could not consent again to conduct the exercises of the class
unless a half-hour should be spent in prayer to God for the success
of the temperance cause, now given by Divine commission to Christian
women. Her wishes were acceded to, and as far as is known, this was the
beginning of the Prayer movement in this city.
About this time an invitation was given in the Bible class, by Mrs.
Mary A. Wilder, to an afternoon prayer-meeting. Most of the members
accepted. There came a bestowal of power in answer to prayer in
larger measure than they had ever realized. At times the Spirit’s
manifestations seemed almost to break their hearts, and found vent in
tears; again they were exultant with the glad tidings of deliverance.
Miss Hamilton was deeply impressed with this passage of Scripture; “Ye
shall not need to fight.”
On the 30th of January, an all-day prayer-meeting was held in the
“church on the heights,” by the ladies’ union prayer-meeting, which was
brought into existence by a mother in Israel, Mrs. S. A. Merrill, who
became one of the most faithful supporters of the work, and who was
beloved by all who knew her. The meeting was one of spiritual power.
The chrism of the Spirit fell upon many, who afterwards became workers.
The voice said: “Cry,” and souls replied: “What shall I cry?” It was
like children stretching out their hands for a blessing, not knowing
what they wanted.
During the month of February, 1874, renewed activities began in an
old temperance society, of which a number of the ladies were members.
In one of these meetings, held March 13th, as time was being consumed
in passing resolutions, etc., Mrs. Ladd arose and expressed the wish
of most of the ladies present, to organize a union for the purpose of
prayer. Nearly all the ladies retired to an upper room. A glorious
prayer-meeting followed. The presence of the Spirit was manifested.
The two hours spent together proved to be a pentecostal season, and
faith claimed the promise, when Miss Hamilton voluntarily read from 2
Chron. xx. 15, 16, 17: “Be not afraid, or dismayed by reason of this
great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.... Ye need not
to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the
salvation of the Lord with you. Fear not, nor be dismayed; to-morrow go
ye out against them, for the Lord will be with you.”
The next day Mrs. Mary C. Johnson and Mrs. Conkling called upon the
officers of the Y. M. C. A., who placed their handsome rooms at the
disposal of the ladies, and they have held their daily meetings there,
through all these months and years. On Monday, March 16th, 1874, the
first meeting of the Christian Temperance Union was held; hundreds
of earnest men and women attended, and Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, who was
chosen the leader, presented the seven “Fear Nots” of Isaiah, 41, 43,
44, which became the watchword of the society.
From this little beginning, smaller, indeed, than a mustard seed,
has sprung a goodly tree, under whose shadow many weary and tempted
ones have found rest. At the daily meetings requests for prayer were
presented; some of them coming by letter long distances; and as the
work has gone on, this prayer-circle has extended to the uttermost
parts of the world. Requests coming even from Australia, where the
influence of this meeting has been felt, and led to the formation of
two temperance prayer-meetings.
Perhaps the most touching request for prayer received was from a
mother, beseeching prayer for nine sons, all intemperate.
During the first week of the meeting, the following remarkable message,
telegraphed to the New York Chamber of Commerce, was read by a
gentleman present:
“CINCINNATI, 12.25 P. M.
“Provisions stronger--unchanged. The women Crusaders are singing and
praying so loudly and earnestly in the saloon next to the Chamber of
Commerce, that business is quite demoralized at this hour.”
This despatch created great enthusiasm. In response to a call for
workers, large numbers volunteered to go forth to the druggists,
licensed grocers, and saloon-keepers. A prominent saloon-keeper sent
an invitation for the ladies to visit him, and hold a Sabbath evening
prayer-meeting at his saloon. The invitation was accepted, and twelve
ladies were appointed to attend the meeting. Promptly at seven o’clock
the ladies were at Mr. Myers’ saloon. Fully three thousand men gathered
into the saloon, and about the doors, and in the street, to see and
hear the ladies, whose zeal and courage had prompted them to such
singular service in the cause of temperance. The gathering was composed
almost exclusively of young men. Mrs. Chace, who had a singularly rich
and attractive voice, sung,
“There is a gate that stands ajar.”
Prayers and hymns followed, and the Word was read to an
attentive audience; and yet there were those in that motley throng
who came to jest. A spirit of solemnity pervaded the meeting; numbers
signed the pledge; and God graciously set his seal of approval upon
the effort. Thirteen conversions resulted, and the liquor-dealer in a
few days voluntarily placed the keys of his saloon in the hands of the
ladies, and it was afterwards opened as a temperance restaurant.
Sabbath evening saloon meetings followed, and from this time the call
of God to the Union to visit the saloons, was gladly acknowledged; and
it has indeed been the one secret of the deeply spiritual character of
the work, and of the harvest of souls which has resulted.
During the first month, the number of young men attending the three
o’clock meeting became so large that Mrs. F. E. Thomas and Miss
Annie J. Ludlow were led to invite them to a meeting for personal
conversation and prayer. This led to a second daily prayer-meeting,
from five to six o’clock, which is still continued. The room was filled
nightly with the same changing class, from the jails and saloons, the
gutter and the homes of wealth, all bitten by this serpent of sin,
intemperance; and not a few have been led to look at the crucified One
and live.
During the year 1875, 1,325 arose for prayers. Among the number of
thrilling histories, but one can be given: A man under the influence
of liquor found his way into the room, and slept until evening on one
of the settees. At the opening of the meeting, he left the room, but
reappeared at the close, and in a voice husky with emotion, said, “I
have not gone; something has held me. I have been behind the door, and
have heard all that has been said. Oh, if there is any hope, pray for
me.” A few gathered around him in prayer. His sad story was this: The
son and grandson of a clergyman, a graduate of a theological seminary,
he had given up his studies because of failing health, entered
business, taken the first social glass, which in time resulted in his
becoming a helpless victim, and a living sorrow to his wife and four
little ones. The pledge was offered, and with trembling hand he signed
it for three months only, and left us. At the expiration of that time
the pledge was returned, and on it these words, “By God’s help I have
kept this pledge, and now renew it for all eternity. I have also found
Christ as my Saviour.”
The jails were visited; meetings held on shipboard, in private houses,
Naval Chapel, Naval Hospital, the Inebriate Asylum, the Penitentiary,
and Sabbath meetings at Fort Hamilton. Miss Beatty also held a meeting
at her residence, and Mrs. Chace, for young men; and the wife of a city
alderman was led by a remarkable providence into a blessed work among a
reckless class of young men.
The President of the Union, accompanied by a lady of each of the
denominations, visited and addressed the New York East Conference,
Ministerial Union, and the Baptist Union of Ministers. She also,
accompanied by Mrs. Alderman Richardson, visited the Roman Catholic
Bishop Laughlin, who gave them respectful hearing, and made special
inquiries as to the number of children they found in the saloons. They
were cordially received by all, and earnest, favorable responses given.
When the Brooklyn Union was organized, only a few churches could
be found, whose doors were open to Christian women who came in the
interests of gospel temperance, but now the majority of Protestant
churches are open to them. The temperance sentiment among church-going
people has been greatly increased, and as an outgrowth of the Union, a
Temperance Brotherhood has been formed, which has done a glorious work
on the legal line. A flourishing juvenile society has been organized,
and well sustained. A restaurant and friendly inn was opened in the
first saloon that surrendered, and has formed an important part of the
work.
For the means to carry forward their great work, they have looked to
Him in whose hands is the silver and the gold, and during these years
they have received and expended $7,739.24.
The receipts and disbursements of the temperance restaurants one year
was $13,021.69, and 5,000 free meals and lodgings given.
A Reform Club has been organized, and those who remained in Brooklyn
gathered into churches, but many of the men, especially the sailors and
officers of vessels, have gone to other lands. Most encouraging letters
have been received from the Pacific coast, from Yokohama, Japan, and
other distant points.
The untiring and successful labors in the legal work of Captain Oliver
Cotter, a converted saloon-keeper, who gave up his business, and has
been laboring for the Master, has resulted in great good. He was one
of their first trophies, and has greatly helped on the work. When the
Union was organized, March, 1874, there were 3,110 saloons in this
city, and their doors were open on the Sabbath day, bidding defiance
to the Sunday closing law as well as to the sacred day. An official
statement, published after three months of prayer and labor, showed
that 180 of these had been closed--twenty-one being closed through
their direct influence in three weeks. At the expiration of three
years, _one-half of the saloons were closed_, and there was no open
selling on the Sabbath day. The arrests for drunkenness in 1875 were
6,810 less than during the year 1874.
It is a matter of special thanksgiving to God that every saloon,
without exception, in which the ladies held saloon prayer-meetings,
is closed, and the buildings devoted to other purposes. Many
property-holders now refuse to rent their buildings for such uses. A
liquor-dealer recently said: “The trade will never revive until these
crazy women cease their persecutions.”
The work cannot be put into numerical figures. An army of voices
has joined in the great song of redemption; broken homes have been
restored; the morning of joy has come to many a night-weeping mother;
women have had their dead raised; and the laborers themselves have seen
higher and deeper into the wonders of a wonder-working God. Friends
are numerous; pastors and churches are now allies; public sentiment
gaining; saloons and institutions open for work; the enemy trembling;
and above all, the hand of God is visible in the battle.
The death-angel has come to one of our most gifted and earnest
workers, Mrs. Hannah E. Chace. One who sat beside her in her last
hours writes, “she hoped till the very last that she might be allowed
to work again for the Master. Her soul was filled with love: ‘I love
you all--_everybody_;’ she said. After a season of prayer, in which we
had earnestly plead with God to prolong her life, she looked earnestly
into my face, saying: ‘What does He say?’ I answered, ‘Forever with the
Lord.’ With a sweet smile she responded: ‘Thy will be done.’ In giving
directions for her funeral, she asked that ‘Forever with the Lord’
might be sung.”
The officers and earnest workers of this Union were: Mrs. Mary C.
Johnson; Mrs. Caroline E. Ladd; Mrs. Mary E. Hartt; Miss Albina
Hamilton; Mrs. J. Bowman; Mrs. S. A. Merrill; Mrs. L. D. Oakley;
Mrs. R. L. Wycoff; Mrs. E. Squires; Mrs. H. B. Spellman; Mrs. K. E.
Cleveland; Mrs. Bayless; Mrs. E. L. Conklin; Mrs. Wilder; Mrs. Watson;
Mrs. Field; Mrs. Thomas; Miss Ludlow; Mrs. Duncklee; Mrs. Allen; Mrs.
Blakely; Mrs. Annie S. Hawkes (author of “I need Thee every hour”);
Miss Lizzie Green; Mrs. Marinor; Mrs. Harmon; Mrs. Stout; Mrs. Philip
Phillips; Mrs. Holman; Mrs. Crocker; Mrs. Tremaine; Mrs. Reynolds; Mrs.
Goodrich; Mrs. Richardson; Mrs. Thorn; Mrs. Acker; Mrs. Dr. Bond; Mrs.
Swanson; Mrs. Bartlett; Mrs. Alford; Mrs. Griffing; Mrs. Higley; Mrs.
Tate; Mrs. Hemmenway; Mrs. Hutchins; Mrs. Ressique; Mrs. Dickinson;
Mrs. Trask; Mrs. Langford Palmer; Mrs. Tilney; Miss M. E. Winslow; Miss
Meacham; Miss Meserole; Miss Greenwood; Miss Slack; Mrs. Eyer; Mrs. C.
F. Ketchum; Mrs. H. B. Jackson; Mrs. T. W. Ladd.
In the year 1876, Mrs. Mary C. Johnson, the efficient and talented
President of the Brooklyn Union, visited Great Britain and Ireland,
and spent six months in successful work in drawing-room and public
meetings. Her efforts to help forward the cause of gospel temperance
were richly blest. She addressed during her absence 121 audiences, and
conducted forty-one prayer-meetings. Her work was chiefly among the
upper classes, and her drawing-room and lawn meetings were attended
largely by the nobility. Mrs. Johnson, who is a cultured Christian
lady, was received everywhere with great attention, and the American
women have reason to be proud of her record abroad, and the National
Union that one of her officers so ably represented her in the higher
circles of Great Britain.
By special request of the writer of these pages, Captain Oliver Cotter
has written out the following history of his conversion, and his legal
work:
CAPTAIN OLIVER COTTER’S CONVERSION AND WORK.
On Thursday afternoon, April 12th, 1874, Mrs. A. Wilder and Mrs.
Richardson, of the Ladies’ Union, first called on me, and found me
in my saloon, behind the bar. The barkeeper and several gentlemen
were present. I was in the act of drinking liquor with the gentlemen
present. These two agents of Christ inquired for the proprietor. I
responded. They said: “My _brother_, we have called on you to inquire
and to talk to you about your soul’s salvation, and about this
business _you are in_.”
I immediately quit my company, and invited them into the reading-room
attached to the saloon, and entered into conversation relative to
my business. It was then a _novel_ and rare thing to hear and see
two such fine, respectable, highly-cultured ladies, strangers then
to me, take such a deep interest in me, and particularly in my
soul’s salvation, that word my _brother_ still coming from their
lips every time they addressed me. For over an hour they remained in
that reading-room, and before leaving both of them knelt in prayer.
I felt then, for the first time, that I was a sinner, and needed
God’s forgiveness, and that I was in a bad business, and that for
seven years I had been making drunkards by law, and was blind to
the sin and iniquity I was every day heaping on my soul: for I was
running _five different saloons_, four in Brooklyn, and one in New
York; was the Secretary of King’s County (Brooklyn) Liquor-Dealers’
Society--2,500 strong, with $10,000 in our treasury, to work for the
devil. Was chairman of the executive committee, and stood high among
my friends in the trade. For six years I worked faithfully for Satan,
as the secretary. On Friday, the 13th, two other ladies called on
me, same saloon, 358 Fulton street, Brooklyn, and again pleaded with
me by exhortation and in prayer. Same, on 14th, Saturday. It was
then I broke down, and gave my consent for a saloon prayer-meeting,
next evening, Sunday, April 15th, 1874, which commenced in the
reading-room of the saloon, seven and a half P. M., and ended at
eleven o’clock, nine of my customers and myself being present. Ten
Christian women marched in, two by two, as the disciples of old
went out, and commenced the services with the hymn, “Nearer, my
God, to Thee.” We all signed the pledge, relying on God to help us
keep it. The whole of us were soundly converted, and all of us are
to-day living evidence of God’s goodness. Not one of us has fallen,
but have grown in grace. So you see that each Christian woman had
a trophy: ten came, and ten were converted, the liquor-dealer and
his customers. All are working for the Master. It was a powerful
meeting; the Holy Spirit was there in great power. The saloon was
closed, never again to be opened. Not sold out; no, no. That would
be compromising with God. I never could do that. I destroyed all the
liquors I had, and counted my redemption good pay for the loss of the
filthy stuff. And I now thank God for a Union of Christian women in
Brooklyn, through whose instrumentality I was saved and cleansed in
the blood of the Lamb--clothed, and in my right mind.
Persecutions then awaited me from all sides--friends and foes. The
devil commenced; the society, of which I was an honored officer
for six years, commenced; the wholesale and retail liquor-dealers
commenced; my house, that cost me $9,000, I lost; large amounts were
offered, my house to be given me back, if I would resume the business
again, but I would not give in; my brother turned against me, and
said I ought to go to the poor-house. My time won’t here permit me
to go into detail of what I suffered. God’s grace was sufficient to
keep me through it all. I put my hand to the plough--He kept me from
looking back. Glory be to His holy name!
Being left almost penniless, and not willing to take anything from
any one, only what I could earn by the sweat of my brow, I set out
for New York city, relying on God and trusting Him. I found an humble
situation in a mercantile house. When asked for my reference I told
the merchant (who I found afterwards was a Christian man) that he
must take me just as I was, gave my history, etc.; he took me by the
hand and engaged me. I was six months in his employ, when I was
called through him and others who are now with me, all members of
the same church (Dr. Budington’s), into the legal work, the history
of which would fill several volumes. At this time I cannot go into a
full detail of the work which God has done through me, in Brooklyn
and elsewhere. Suffice it for me to say, when I commenced the work
here, in 1874, we had 3,110 saloons, now we have less than 1,500,
still getting less; the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union has helped
also.
I have been in the States of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia; also in over 150
cities, and villages, and towns in New York, Connecticut, and New
Jersey; and have inaugurated the legal work and addressed meetings,
besides a large amount of correspondence--all this in the past three
years.
I was President of a Reform Club for two years; have organized Reform
Clubs on the gospel plan in other places, all of which has been for
the honor and glory of God. I never had a day’s sickness; never was
better in my life, spiritually and temporally. The Lord provides and
gives me more than I ask for. My faith is in my Redeemer; His grace
has kept me. I rely not on man, but on God’s precious promises. I
believe them all; I trust God for everything. The legal work and the
gospel work go together. God has blessed me abundantly in the work;
and I know he has called me into this kind of work. I would have been
murdered long since if the work had been of myself; therefore, I
know it is His work. How sweet the knowledge I have derived from the
many hair-breadth escapes I have had from the cursed liquor traffic,
and the enemy of Christ and His work, who oftentimes assailed me.
Divine Providence protected me; therefore, I always go out in His
name, and for Him, and Him only, so that He should get all the honor
and glory.
BINGHAMPTON, NEW YORK.
I gather the following facts from the report of Mrs. H. Morris,
Secretary:
Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in the spring
of 1874. The first meetings for prayer and consultation were fully
attended, and with it praise went up to God for His blessing on the
Temperance Crusade. We felt that God was present by His Spirit,
inditing our prayers and efforts. Our inquiry was, “Lord, what wilt
Thou have us to do?”
A special day of fasting and prayer was observed. Our sisters met
together in one place; and every hour had its separate leader through
the day. A large number present pledged themselves before God to a
life-work in the temperance cause. This spirit has animated our Union
ever since.
The first year of our work the drug stores, saloons, and other places
were visited, and urgent appeals were made, to induce the occupants to
desist from selling intoxicating liquors as a beverage. The druggists
uniformly denied that they sold the article except for mechanical and
medicinal purposes, and were all ready to sign the pledge.
A committee from our Union have visited the Board of Excise several
times, and presented a petition from 1,300 of our citizens to grant no
licenses. All the inducements that could be presented to them in the
most solemn manner, drawn from three worlds, seemed to have but little
weight upon them.
Our Union has met for prayer many times, feeling that no earthly arm
could save us, and that God’s strength must be extended. He alone could
save. And in answer to our prayers, Mr. Robinson came, held meetings,
and labored personally, with great success. Some five thousand
pledges were taken, and the good work has been going on ever since.
Mass-meetings have been held two and three times a week.
At the request of some of the reformed men, a religious evening meeting
has been kept up by our Union. They feel and know that Jesus can
alone save them from everlasting ruin, and they are trying to lead
Christian lives, and are doing all they can to bring their associates
to temperance and to Christ. So that this work is a religious one--a
gospel revival. Souls, that were fast sinking into the drunkard’s
grave, are now redeemed, and a new song put into their mouths, even
praise to their Redeemer. Towns all around us are participating In this
great movement, and are sending to Binghampton for speakers.
A juvenile temperance society, a young men’s temperance union, and
a young ladies’ blue ribbon society are among the outgrowths of the
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. The blessed Lord has indeed heard
our prayers. We need more faith, more earnest workers, and more of the
blessing of God, for the warfare against intemperance in this place.
But we rejoice and bless God that He has so wonderfully visited us in
mercy and love, and that He has shown to those who profess not His name
that this is His work, and He is mighty to save.
POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK.
We glean the following facts from a report sent by Maria A. Wiley;
In response to the invitation given through the daily papers, a large
audience assembled at Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening, April 7th,
1874. Mrs. Deyo, of Dutchess county, addressed the meeting, stating the
object of the movement, which was to help the rum-seller out of his
evil business. There were ministers and representatives from all the
denominations present, and favorable to the movement, and the Lord was
evidently with us in this beginning of our action.
A letter was read from Messrs. Brown & Doty, druggists, stating
they were willing to pledge themselves to sell no liquor except on
physicians’ prescriptions, and for medicinal purposes.
An invitation was given to the women present, who were willing to begin
this movement, to signify it by rising. Seventy-five arose; and notice
was given that a woman’s prayer-meeting would be held in the chapel
of the Congregational Church at three o’clock, on the following day.
Sixty-five women were present at the meeting next day. The meeting was
one of deep solemnity and heart-searching. We consecrated ourselves
to the work in response to a question proposed by our leader, “Are we
_ready_ for anything?”
Another large meeting was held in the evening. The Lord poured out his
Spirit. Large mass-meetings continued to be held in the churches each
evening. Encouraging reports were made. Committees were appointed to
visit property-holders, drug stores, groceries, and hotels, asking them
not to rent their property as saloons, or sell intoxicating drinks. A
petition to the Board of Excise was also circulated, that the license
be hereafter withheld from the one hundred saloons, that were such
a curse to the city. Notice was sent us of the voluntary surrender
of some of the liquor-dealers. The first from George M. Frazier, 61
Main street, wherein he states, in a letter which was read at one of
our public meetings, that in five years he had been ruined by selling
rum, and intended to discontinue the business. He also inserted the
following notice in the daily papers:
“_Anticipating the Ladies’ Crusade_, the undersigned surrenders
without a call. Hereafter the Mansion House, 61 Main street, will be
conducted on the temperance plan. We offer first-class accommodations
to both custom and transient boarders. Meals furnished at any time.
“G. M. FRAZIER.”
An impressive incident occurred about this time. William St. John,
proprietor of the Exchange Hotel, sent in a letter, which was read at
our fifth mass-meeting, April 11th, wherein he announced he had given
up selling liquor, and would never, _never_ enter the business again;
that he believed it to be wrong, and was doing much evil. He was taken
sick soon after, and died the 17th of April.
The Catholic priest sent us a letter of encouragement, saying his heart
and prayers were with the movement; he was willing to be present at a
meeting, on neutral grounds.
The committee of fifty ladies, who had been canvassing the city with
petitions to be presented to the Board of Excise, completed their work
by April 29th. The total number of signatures of citizens and real
estate owners was 3,966; of property-holders alone, 867. A large number
of signers to the total abstinence pledge was obtained at the same
time; 149 signed it in the White House shoe factory.
Some who had rented their buildings for liquor-selling agreed not to
rent them for that purpose again. Appeals to mayor and common council
were presented by a committee of ladies, asking for the enforcement of
the laws prohibiting the sale of liquors on Sunday, and to minors. But
this was discouraging work, for we found the Excise Board had no regard
for our petitions, for they granted 130 licenses in June, that year.
Some had delayed applying for license until they knew the result of the
appeals to the Excise Board, and the limits of the power of that body.
Statements had been made to the Excise Board and common council of the
violation of the excise law; but they were in some instances evaded,
and in others treated with an indifference which left the impression
that the laws would not be enforced; but we had pledged ourselves for
life to the work, and no one felt inclined to give it up.
We visited the poor drunkards’ families, and from there we went to the
saloons that had the legal right to make them such.
In most places the ladies were treated respectfully. They went in
companies of two or three, and generally called on the family first, or
on the proprietor at his home,--in some cases, only one called,--and
by gentle, friendly remonstrances, many promises were made of
reformation. Some promised to leave the business if other occupation
could be furnished them. We were rewarded for a time by seeing some
saloons closed on Sundays. A few voluntarily abandoned the business,
and others were persuaded, and now, after three years, have not broken
their promise. But very few had the moral principle to abandon a
business which was sanctioned and encouraged by the law, and our only
alternative was to work on diligently in the line of moral suasion,
trusting in the Lord.
Forty-three saloons were visited during the summer and fall, but all in
a quiet way. The temperance pledge was circulated in Sunday-schools,
factories, and on Bible and tract districts, and hundreds of names
obtained.
Several ministers, one of them the Roman Catholic priest, and other
gentlemen of influence, met with the executive board again on May 9th,
to give counsel as to the most effective measures to carry out our
purpose.
The petitions had been presented by a committee of twelve ladies,
on May 4th, 5th, and 6th. They were politely received, but no
encouragement given of their aid in the temperance work.
Two Friendly Inns were established. Some of the most forlorn and ragged
boys who were cared for, and for whom we found employment, walk our
streets to-day well clothed, and industrious members of society.
Seven Sunday-school temperance societies were organized in the spring
and summer of 1875, auxiliary to the Woman’s Temperance Society. A
juvenile temperance union was organized, November, 1876; number of
children on roll-book, 160, though we have had as many as 200 at one
meeting. On the 30th of August we treated the children to a picnic. We
went to a beautiful grove, just south of the city, and spent the day
very pleasantly, many of the parents of the little ones accompanying
them.
GENEVA, NEW YORK.
The Society reports the following:
The Geneva Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized April
22d, 1874, with twenty-six members. Of the original number twenty
remain; present number, fifty-two. Became auxiliary to the State Union,
September 30th, 1875.
Our work for the three years has not been Western Crusade work, but
trying to create public opinion in favor of temperance; using our
influence against license and for prohibition, distributing temperance
tracts and papers, holding mass-meetings, and inviting temperance
lecturers, as our means allowed; sustaining without fail one weekly
prayer-meeting, and for a time two--both still continue; occasionally
distributing temperance literature in saloons and hotels; laboring
with individuals and families of drunkards. All this time working and
praying with no apparent success, “hoping against hope,” but with never
failing faith in our faithful God, believing firmly that He would yet
answer our prayers, and make our work apparent. At last the answer
came. The reform movement with us was the culmination of all these
years of work and prayers.
As God caused the “Western Crusade” to be the great lever to “open
the door which no man can shut,” and thereby inaugurating the great
temperance movement not only all over our own land, but throughout
Christendom, so I believe this reform work is but another door opened
to still greater work, setting forever at rest the question, Can
drunkards be reformed? and also, Will temperance principles finally
triumph? involving in it, as it does, the same glorious principles of
the gospel and temperance combined.
About six months since a Reform Club was organized, numbering now about
200, many of whom have come from the lowest depths. A few have been
converted, but we are looking and laboring for the salvation of them
all. Over 2,000 have signed the pledge during that time, many of them
youths and children.
We have two beautiful club-rooms, furnished nicely; have quite a
library already, and papers and innocent games. These are a continued
resort for many who would otherwise visit saloons. Already the damage
to saloons is estimated to be a hundred dollars per night. One
saloon-keeper remarked, “he did not know whether it was the blue ribbon
or hard times, but something affected his business.”
Our work is now almost exclusively through this channel, assisting
families, and contributing in many ways to their welfare. We gave them
and their families a dinner on the 4th of July, a scene which had never
been witnessed in this place before. Truly it was a dinner on the
gospel plan: over six hundred men, women and children were fed, and
many more than twelve baskets full sent out the next day.
So we are working and praying, and hoping to see the day when there
will be no liquor sold in our beautiful village.
PEEKSKILL, NEW YORK.
A. M. Stewart furnishes the following facts:
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Peekskill was organized on
the 19th of January, 1875, with about fifteen members.
Although the attendance has never been large, the prayer-meetings have
been characterized by great earnestness and fervor of spirit.
It has been utterly impossible to arouse the villagers to a sense of
their danger, though we had three wholesale liquor establishments in
the place, and forty or fifty saloons where the young men congregated,
and spent night after night in drinking, gambling, etc.
There has been considerable quiet saloon visiting by wives and mothers,
who have had the sting of the serpent in their own families, but no
organized systematic crusading in that direction.
Public sentiment is becoming more awake to the importance of saving the
boys and young men of the community from the grasp of the destroyer.
We have made complaints against several saloons, by watching the
persons who visited them, and sending their names to the district
attorney of the county, who was, of course, obliged to subpœna them as
witnesses against the places, and bring them “before a jury for trial.”
Some would swear falsely, of course, but there is honor even among
thieves and drunkards, and some would testify to the truth. In that way
we have brought the village into a great commotion, and have succeeded,
we hope, in arousing fathers and mothers to watch their boys. Great
consternation was manifested by parents when they found that their
sons were in the habit of frequenting the low places, and joining the
drunken revelries, so we feel that good has been done by this effort.
Quite recently, by the help of a noble woman, who is driven to severe
measures by home sorrow, another of these dark dens has been complained
of, and the proprietor brought to justice; she appearing to testify
in the court-room, after he had sworn falsely. This place is closed.
Others are being watched, and the dealers will be brought to justice
before long.
We have now about fifty or sixty members of our organization, but
only few that have time or inclination for outside work; but when
we remember how feeble we were in the beginning, and how coldly
Christians, generally, have looked upon our efforts, we feel like
thanking God and taking courage.
Mrs. Allen Butler, President of the State Union, gives the following
summary of work accomplished in these three years:
Nearly all the cities and large towns, and very many of the smaller
ones, have active Woman’s Temperance Unions. Three counties, Herkimer,
Ontario, and Onondaga, are thoroughly organized, having a Woman’s
Temperance Union in nearly, if not all, the villages and hamlets.
Many of the towns are being swept thoroughly by the tidal wave that
is rolling over the land. Some of the villages are driving the entire
traffic, with its attendant evils--licentiousness and crime--from
their midst. Some of the dealers are taking the pledge, and giving
their stock of liquors to be consumed by the midnight fire kindled for
the purpose; while the ringing of bells, and shouts of praise to God,
attest the joy of the people.
Petitions have been circulated, and thousands of signatures obtained
and sent to Congress and the State Legislature, imploring their
interposition in behalf of our suffering people.
New Unions are being formed, Friendly Inns established, and Juvenile
Societies organized. Reform Clubs and Bands of Christian Brotherhood
have been formed in some places, and are doing a good work in securing
the enforcement of the laws against selling intoxicating liquors
without license, and at such times, and to such persons, as are
forbidden. Many places have been closed entirely, especially in the
cities of New York and Brooklyn, where both men and women have labored
untiringly since the commencement of the Crusade, with wonderful
results; more regular saloon visiting having been done there than in
any other part of the State; yet some of this has been done in most of
the cities, and in many of the villages. There are towns in our State
that have had “no license” for years. One has had none for thirty
years, another for seventeen years.
Different bodies have been visited with very encouraging results,
especially medical societies, some of which have pledged themselves as
a whole not to use alcoholic liquors in their practice at all, having
found substitutes that are safe and entirely sufficient.
The press and the pulpit are giving their aid as never before. The
children of the Sabbath and public schools are being reached; and,
altogether, the work is most successful and promising.
VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND RHODE ISLAND.