p. 33 | A TELLING LECTURE

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 20, 1881

A TELLING LECTURE.

WE are indebted to Dr. Cuyler for the following touching story: A friend gave me, lately, the experience of a skillful professional man in about the following words: "My early practice," said the doctor, "was successful, and I soon attained an enviable position. I married a lovely girl; two children were born to us, and my domestic happiness was complete. But I was invited often to social parties where wine was freely circulated, and I soon became a slave to its power. Before I was aware of it, I was a drunkard. My noble wife never forsook me, never taunted me with a bitter word, never ceased to pray for my reformation. We became wretchedly poor, so that my family were pinched for daily bread. One beautiful Sabbath my wife went to church, and left me on the lounge sleeping off my previous night's debauch. I was roused by hearing something fall heavily on the floor. I opened my eyes, and saw my little boy of six years tumbling on the carpet His older brother said to him 'Now get up and fall again. That's the way papa does. Let's play we are drunk.' I watched the child as he personated my beastly movements in a way that would have done credit to an actor. I arose and left the house, groaning in agony and remorse. I walked off miles into the country—thinking over the abominable sin and example I was setting before my children. I solemnly resolved that with God's help I would quit my cups, and I did. No lecture I ever heard from Mr. Gough moved my soul like the spectacle of my own sweet boys 'playing drunk, as papa does.'"—Telescope.