Rev. Christmas Evans and the Polished Arrow.
THE Rev. Christmas Evans, the distinguished preacher in Wales, met with much trouble in his temperance efforts from his brother ministers, who were not willing to make the entire sacrifice. One in particular, Mr. W——, of A——, was obstinately opposed. Mr. Evans prepared to meet him. He "polished an arrow," and put it in his quiver. On one occasion he was appointed to preach, and as usual there were gatherings from far and near to hear him. Mr. W——, of A——, was there also; but, as in anticipation of an attack, he at first said he should not be present while Mr. Evans preached—yet such was the fascination that he could not stay away. By-and-by he crept up into the gallery, where the preacher's eye—for he had but one—which had long been searching for him, at length discovered him. All went on as usual until the time came when the arrow might be drawn, which was done slyly and unperceived. "I had a strange dream the other night," said the preacher, "I dreamed that I was in Pandemonium, the council-chamber of Hades. How I got there I knew not, but there I was. I had not been there long before there came a thundering rap at the gate. 'Beelzebub, Beelzebub, you must come to earth directly.' 'Why, what's the matter now?' 'They are sending out missionaries to preach to the heathen.' 'Are they? Bad news this! I'll be there presently.' 'Beelzebub came, and hastened to the place of embarkation, where he saw the missionaries, their wives, and a few boxes of Bibles and tracts, but, on turning round, he saw rows of casks, piled up, and labled, 'gin,' 'rum,' 'brandy,' etc. 'That will do,' said he; 'no fear yet. Those casks will do more harm than the boxes can do good.' So saying he stretched his wings for hell again. After a time came another loud call: 'Beelzebub, they are forming Bible societies.' 'Are they? Then I must go.' He went and found two ladies going from house to house, distributing the Word of God. 'This won't do,' thought he; 'but I will watch the result.' The ladies visited an aged female, who received a Bible with much reverence and many thanks. Satan loitered about, and when the ladies were gone saw the old woman come to the door, and look round to assure herself that she was unobserved. She then put on her bonnet, and with a small parcel under her apron, hastened to the next public house, where she pawned her new Bible for a bottle of gin. 'That will do,' said Beelzebub; 'no fear yet;' and back again he flew to his own place. Again came a loud knock and hasty summons; 'They are forming temperance societies.' 'Temperance societies! What's that? I'll come and see.' He came and saw, and flew back muttering: 'This won't do much harm to me or my people. They are forbidding the use of ardent spirits, but they have left my poor people all the ale and porter, and the rich all the wines; no fear yet.' Again came a loud rap, and a more and more urgent call: 'Beelzebub you must come now, or all is lost. They are forming teetotal societies.' 'Teetotal! What in the name of all my imps is that?' 'To drink no intoxicating liquors whatever. The sole beverage is water.' 'Indeed; that is bad news! I must see after this.' And he did; but he went back again to satisfy the anxious inquiries of his legions, who were all qui vive about the matter. 'Oh!' said he, 'don't be alarmed. True, it is an awkward affair, but it won't spread much yet, for all the parsons are against it, and Mr. W——, of A—— (sending up an eagle glance of his eye at him), is at the head of them.'" "But I won't be at the head of them any longer," cried out Mr. W——, and, walking calmly down to the table-pew, signed the pledge.