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Temperance

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International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 26, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 25.

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Temperance.

THE WIFE’S NEW STORY.

The story, ma’am! Why, really now, I haven’t much to say; If you had come a year ago, and then again to-day, No need for any word to tell, for your own eyes could see Just what the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
A year ago I hadn’t flour to make a batch of bread, And many a night these little ones went hungry to their bed. Just peep into the pantry, ma’am, there’s sugar, flour, and tea— That’s what the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
The pail that holds the butter he used to fill with beer; He hasn’t spent a cent for drink for two months and a year. He pays his debts; he’s well and strong, and kind as man can be— That’s what the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
He used to sneak along the streets, feeling so mean and low, And always felt ashamed to meet the folks he used to know; He looks the world now in the face; he steps off bold and free— That’s what the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
Why, at the shop, the other day, when a job of work was done, The boss declared, of all his men John was the steadiest one. “I used to be the worst, my wife,” John told me, and says he, “That’s what the friends of temperance have done for you and me.”
The children were afraid of him; his coming stopped their play; Now, every night, when supper’s done, and the table’s cleared away, The boys will frolic round his chair, the baby climb his knee— That’s what the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
Oh, yes! the sad, sad times are gone, the sorrow and the pain; The children have their father back, and I my John again. Don’t mind my crying, ma’am; indeed, it’s just for joy to see All that the friends of temperance have done for John and me.
And mornings, when he’s gone to work, I kneel right down and say, “Father in Heaven, oh, help dear John to keep his pledge to-day!” And every night, before I sleep, thank God on bended knee For what the friends of temperance have done for John and me. —Sel.