A TEMPERANCE STORY by Mrs. J. K. Barney

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 23, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 12.

A TEMPERANCE STORY.

By Mrs. J. K. Barney

YEARS ago, needing new pledge cards, I took my Bible to find something that would be helpful to those who felt just as you do. Choosing a verse, I ordered my cards. On Saturday evening I was led to a gospel temperance meeting. The hall was upstairs and the windows open. The music came floating down to us on the street, and a hush seemed to have come upon everything around us, as the words, "Home, home, sweet home," rang out clear and distinct. Standing under the window, his face upturned, was a man with unmistakable signs, upon clothes, face, and form, of a drunkard.

I watched him, and as the melody ceased, his face went down into his hands and he groaned aloud. I put my hand on his arm and asked, "What is it, my friend?" He answered, "'Tis them words, ma'am, them words, 'Home, sweet home.' I had a home once, but I lost it, and everything else through drink."

I invited him to go to the meeting. He thanked me and said his clothes were not fit; but I finally conquered, by urging that it was a long flight of stairs and he could help me up. During the hour my thoughts went to him, and my words were for him. At the close I read over the pledge and asked him to sign it.

"O lady, I wish I could, but it's no use; I'd break it, right off, and I should not like to break your pledge."

"Listen," I replied; "here are some words just for you: 'I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.'"

"Where did you get that? Lady, would you mind reading it again?"

I opened my Bible to Isa. 41:13. He read and reread the verses, then said anxiously: "You see how my hand trembles, lady; do you suppose I could write my name if God held my hand?"

"Oh! yes, I am sure you could."

"Do you s'pose I'd ever take another glass of liquor if God held my hand?"

"Never, unless you took your hand out of the Lord's. He never lets go of anyone."

A new hope came into his eyes and a manliness to his face, as, straightening himself up, and holding out his right hand, he exclaimed: "I've tried a good many times alone; now, here goes for God and me, and we will see what we can do."

His name went down upon the pledge, and we knelt, asking God's help and strength. That was years ago, and he has kept his pledge. My friend, will you sign it to-day, and ask God to hold your right hand? May the Lord bless and keep you.—Mrs. J. K. Barney, in the Gospel Letter.