Frozen to Death by J. E.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 26, 1866

Frozen to Death.

By J. E.

A CREW of sailors had just reached port, and all except one went to the drinking houses, which always are found near the wharves. Here they spent their money and fired their brains with that abominable stuff which Robert Hall called "Liquid fire! and Distilled damnation!"

On returning to the ship they found a ship-mate sober, and jeered him for not drinking; they then threatened to tie him up and whip him if he did not drink. Next day they found him ashore, and after abusing and threatening him, which he bore with wondrous patience, and Christian fortitude, they asked him the reason why he would not drink.

He spoke as follows: 'My first recollections of my father are that he was a drunkard. He often abused my poor mother and nearly broke her heart, when under the influence of liquor.

'One cold winter's day, when the snow was deep on the ground, as I was running home, I kicked against something in the snow—I stopped and found it was a man. On uncovering the face, I saw to my horror, that it was my own father. I ran home with all speed, crying bitterly, told my poor mother—the neighbors were soon aroused, and he was brought home. When the excitement was over a little, my dear mother and I stood by the side of my father, and she said, 'Now John, my dear son, you see what drink has done—your poor father has died a drunkard; now I want you to promise me that you will never drink strong drink as long as you live.' I promised I never would. I've kept that promise up to this day. Now, comrades, that is the reason why I never have drunk strong drink, and by the help of God I never will.'

Deeply touched, even to tears, by this sad history, one of the sailors exclaimed, 'John, draw up a pledge and I'll sign it;' another said 'so will I'—and all six of them signed the pledge to totally abstain from the use of all intoxicating liquors.

On reaching the ship, the captain asked what the matter was, that all had come aboard so soon. They showed him the pledge, stated the story, when he said, 'I'll sign it too.' He called up the mate and he signed.

Religious meetings were held on board this ship, and all were converted to God. So much for one man's faithfulness. Stand up for the right. Dare to be true to your convictions of duty. If God be for us, who can be against us.—J. E., in Christian Press.