Chapter VIII (1)

The work in New York, which began in the beautiful village of Fredonia, has extended to every part of that great State. Every city, and almost every hamlet, has been reached by this Temperance Gospel.

Women’s Temperance Unions have been organized in almost every town, and the best and truest women of the State have banded together in God’s name, to overthrow the liquor traffic.

It will be noticed, by reference to the date, that the work at Fredonia commenced several days before it began at Hillsboro’.

I do not know why that town was not made conspicuous as the place where the Crusade commenced, unless it was because no saloons were closed, and the ladies fell back, after a short campaign, upon other plans.

FREDONIA, NEW YORK.

Mrs. L. B. Greene gives the following interesting account of the work:

Dr. Dio Lewis lectured in our village, Saturday evening, December 13th, 1873, in the regular lyceum course, and remaining in the place over the Sabbath, was invited to speak in the Baptist Church, Sunday evening. A union service was held, and the large building packed to overflowing. He chose as his subject--“The duty and responsibility of Christian women in the cause of Temperance.” In illustrating his views upon the subject, he related the proceedings of the women in the village of Clarksville, in this State, forty years ago, when he was a boy--how, aroused by some specially grievous result of the liquor traffic, eighty-four women banded themselves together, and, after conference and prayer, marched to the saloons, where, with more prayers and singing, they appealed to the liquor-dealers to pledge themselves to give up the sale of intoxicating beverages. The object sought was attained, and for thirty-nine years no liquor has been sold there as a beverage.

This plan, he stated, had been partially or wholly successful in other places.

A remarkable interest was manifested throughout the audience, and at the close of the lecture an organization, to consider a similar work in our place, was effected by the election of Dr. Lewis, Chairman; John Hamilton and L. A. Barmore, Secretaries. The Secretaries, together with Dr. E. M. Pettit and Prof. H. R. Sanford, were appointed by the meeting to name fifty or more ladies as a visiting committee for work similar to that performed by the women of Clarksville.

This committee was enlarged to more than two hundred, who met on the following morning, December 15th, 1873, and entered upon their work of visiting all the hotels, drug stores, and saloons. As the result of the first day’s work one druggist gave his assent to the pledge. The other dealers listened respectfully, and we were encouraged to think would yield to our petitions.

Each succeeding day brought intelligence of a like movement--first in Jamestown, near us; then in Hillsboro’, Ohio, followed by place after place. So we were encouraged and strengthened to believe that the Spirit of the Lord was moving in the land, stirring up women who had hitherto rested quietly, or unquietly, in their homes, _submitting_ to what seemed an ineradicable evil, to _rouse_ themselves and take up the cross of the “Temperance Crusade.”

I need not detail the events of the first weeks of our effort, with their alternations of hope and doubtings; suffice it to say, the saloons were not closed _when_, and _as_ we prayed they might be. There was another lesson in store for us, as to our Heavenly Father’s ways of answering prayer.

We ceased our saloon visiting, but had formed a permanent “Woman’s Christian Temperance Union” for continued work in the cause, as circumstances and opportunities should permit.

Our principal efforts have been as follows: An aid society was formed to help the needy of our village, nearly all of whom are the victims of intemperance.

A reading-room in the interests of temperance and morality was established; a large amount of temperance tracts and papers were circulated.

Many petitions to Congress and the State Legislature, in the interests of the cause, have been circulated. Young people and children’s unions, auxiliary to our own, have been formed. Days of fasting and prayer have been observed.

In the spring election of 1874 there was a gain for temperance (a stirring little appeal to the voters had been scattered through the streets).

Before the election of 1875 a committee of ladies was appointed to see each voter, urging principle in the matter, and we were rewarded by a large no license majority. During the years 1875-76 there were no licensed places in the town for the sale of liquor as a beverage, but several club-rooms, in evasion of the law, were formed, where almost any one could obtain drink. These we entered legal prosecution against to no purpose.

During all these years our Union has held its weekly prayer-meetings, and has tried to keep the public alive to the subject, by bringing before them frequently the best talent in the lecture field.

Though there have been occasional instances of conversion and reformation all along, it has seemed as though results had not been commensurate with our efforts. In our last excise election, 1877, the village again voted for license, and when many of us were feeling almost discouraged, groping in the dark, God made his face to shine in the darkness, and we felt that the prayers of so many years were answered.

Following the series of meetings, after the week of prayer in the Baptist Church, came a gospel temperance worker, the Rev. Mr. Bocock. He found the field ripe for the harvest. Hundreds signed the abstinence pledge.

Meetings continued for weeks, in our largest public hall, under other workers, until over 1,500 names were enrolled on the Murphy pledge. Among these were not only intemperate men, but many of our leading citizens, who before had opposed or stood aloof from all work for the cause. We hope to see these faithfully heading the ranks in the temperance reform. Our Union still lives, and, we trust, may continue an influence for good in our midst.

AUBURN, NEW YORK.

A little company of sisters, after consulting their pastors, called a prayer-meeting, Monday, March 9th. On account of a severe storm only six persons were present at the appointed hour, yet out of that small prayer-meeting grew the “Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Auburn.” At its organization we were so fortunate as to secure for our President, Mrs. Mary T. Burt, then a resident of Auburn--now the publisher of _Our Union_, in Brooklyn.

March 13th, we gave a call for a meeting, asking “all women, friendly to the cause of temperance, to be present on that occasion, with a view of devising some method of securing, through our city authorities, the rigid enforcement of existing laws, restricting the sale of intoxicating liquors in this city.” To the above appeal were appended 500 names of the women of Auburn. This meeting was followed by other crowded mass-meetings.

Committees waited upon the mayor and board of excise, begging them to grant fewer licenses.

In June of the same year, one of the board of excise said that the Woman’s Temperance Union of Auburn had been the means of closing, during the year, from forty to fifty saloons. Also, if the organization had not made their petition to the board, they would, undoubtedly, have gone on and licensed all applicants, as former excise boards had done.

Soon after our annual meeting, March 18th, 1875, our Union decided to furnish hot coffee to firemen on duty. A committee was appointed to confer with the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department in reference to the work. A courteous reply was received from that officer, in which he stated it to be his opinion “that the proposed effort would not only advance the cause of temperance, but elevate the standing of the fire department.” The firemen have proved true friends of our organization; and though there have been many obstacles to overcome, we have great reason to feel that much good has been done in this direction. Besides our regular Monday afternoon prayer-meetings, and gospel temperance meetings, we have meetings for the children, and a Band of Hope connected with the Union numbers 230.

MRS. CYRENUS WHEELER, Pres’t.

CHARLOTTE T. L. SMITH, Rec. Sec’y.

PLATTSBURG, NEW YORK.

Fanny D. Hall reports:

The Plattsburg Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was established March 14th, 1874. The attendance was large at first. At present our numbers are small, but the few have been constant workers. The influence emanating from the Union has had, and is having a decided effect upon public opinion, changing the aspects of the temperance cause.

We feel that time _only_ is needed for the community to show the power of prayerful, earnest Christian work. A union prayer-meeting, under the auspices of this society, was formed, in which the churches joined.

Sabbath and Wednesday afternoon prayer-meetings have been regularly maintained by the ladies. In the autumn of 1875 a converted saloon-keeper offered his bar-room one evening in the week, for a prayer-meeting, under the care of the Union, which has been continued to the present time.

Our juvenile association, “The Plattsburg Temperance Guards,” was organized in October, 1874. It has enrolled some 800 boys as members. A meeting of the guards is held every three months in the court-house, in which the exercises are varied by music and speeches, followed by refreshments.

It has been the custom of ladies to attend all the meetings of the excise board. To this we attribute influences most favorable to the work. The saloons have been quietly visited by members of the Union, for individual appeals.

Before the election of excise commissioners, the ladies, with the aid of the ladies of the Good Templars, canvassed the entire town, giving opportunity for earnest Christian temperance work.

A legal committee of the Union has also been able to bring cases of violation of law before our juries, and although much that we could wish has not been accomplished, still good has been done in this field. Our stronghold of hope is _prayer_, but we feel and know the Lord has been with us in all these departments of temperance work.

We have sustained, since 1874, a temperance column in the _Plattsburg Republican_, which has been freely accorded to us.

ALBANY, NEW YORK.

I am indebted to Mrs. Nye for the following facts:

Our first temperance prayer-meeting was held weekly, in 1873, in a private parlor, three present. We soon adjourned to a church prayer-room, but our numbers were small. In August, 1873, a society was organized, known as the “Woman’s Temperance Union of Albany.” Our prayer-meetings were held twice every week.

In January, 1874, we were invited to hold meetings in the City Mission rooms, No. 40 State street, at which time two of our number became responsible for a daily meeting. The faithful few were greatly encouraged by the goodly number that gathered daily, and from among those we most desired to reach. During three months, about two hundred names were enrolled on our pledge. Among these were a large number of conversions, including some from the very lowest depths of intemperance, who to-day are first and foremost in the cause of temperance.

Five or six ladies prayed earnestly that the work might be enlarged, and we be fitted for the work. A door of entrance came, and a place formerly occupied as a machine shop, located in the rear of the theatre, on William street, was secured. There was not one cent in the treasury. The day came when money must be paid; and that morning, after asking at the family altar that God would supply our need, when about to leave the house of a dear sister, a note was placed in our hands, written that morning by one of His chosen ones, a Swedish lady, who had been spending a few days in the city, enclosing the desired amount, saying, “Please accept of my mite, with prayers for your success.” From that time, with the want has also come the supply, even to the furnishing of our rooms with everything to make them both comfortable and attractive.

The first of May we rented the entire building for lodging and eating purposes; and though we had nothing with which to furnish, in one month it had the appearance of a pleasant, comfortable home; and here a large number have been cared for when they most needed help and Christian sympathy. Since the first of May, one hundred have received food and lodging, and have thus been brought under the power of the gospel.

A midday meeting has been opened recently, and is increasing in interest and numbers. This is sustained mostly by reformed men. Many young men who were this time last year spending their time and money in drinking-saloons and drunken brawls, are now “clothed and in their right minds,” and spend nearly every night in our meetings, saying it is the best place they ever knew.

Testimonies like the following are often heard: “I bless God for this mission. I have been tempted beyond what I was able to bear, and had I not come in and stayed all day in this room, I do not know where I should have been to-day. I thank God for putting it into the hearts of these Christian women to open these rooms for a refuge for such as I. And these meetings have been a great blessing to me.”

Another says: “I have been one of the most wicked young men in Albany, and my friends thought I could not be saved. And I thought so too. But through the efforts of this mission, I am a saved man.”

Saloons have not been left unvisited; and those who were once dealing out the accursed draught, thank God, to-day have found a better way. Our room for meetings has been enlarged three times. Recently a glorious temperance revival has prevailed, reaching all classes, which has stirred the community, and encouraged all Christian hearts.

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

Mrs. Allen Butler, President of the State Union, furnishes the following facts:

When reports of the wonderful work for temperance being done at the West reached our city, the inquiry began to be made. If there was not something of the kind needed here. After due deliberation a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed in March, 1874. The city was districted, and canvassed with petitions and pledges. The city authorities, board of excise, ministers, physicians, druggists, grocers, and landlords were visited, petitioned, and entreated, and as many as possible pledged, not to participate in, or countenance the traffic in intoxicating liquors in any way. An immense amount of work was done in a few months, with but little apparent success. The prayer-meetings were continued during the summer, and in the early autumn. Prayer-meetings were established in desolate parts of the city, and food distributed. A suitable building was secured, and a Friendly Inn opened in sight of thirty saloons, to counteract influences. It was opened on the 8th of July, 1875, with pleasant company, attractive music, and sacred song; things so in contrast with the neighborhood, that every passer-by was attracted, and led to inquire what was going on. The opening was auspicious, and for three months the place was thronged to its utmost capacity every evening, to join in the gospel temperance meetings, and hear the wonderful experiences there related. From the first day, new trophies were won.

More recently the reformed men’s movement has swept over our city, and 2,500 have signed the pledge; and 1,300 have united with the Reform Club, and 200 have been added to the Young Men’s Temperance Union, which was already strong.

A cold water army was organized in 1875, and the work is still well sustained.

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.

Mrs. S. J. Vosburgh gives the following account of the work in Rochester:

The Women’s Temperance Crusade in Rochester began about the middle of March, 1874, by the appointment of a committee of four ladies, who were to confer with the pastors of all the city churches and secure their co-operation in the work. This committee did their work so well, and the public mind was so fully prepared for the movement, that in a few days a Woman’s Temperance Union was formed, which soon increased to 500 members, representing nearly every church in the city.

Two very large mass-meetings were held, and many smaller meetings in various places. Temperance sermons were preached in nearly all the churches, and the entire city, with all the region round about, became aroused upon the subject. The liquor-sellers were very uneasy, and a few at this time gave up the business voluntarily. On the first Monday in May there was an enthusiastic morning meeting held at the Central Presbyterian Church, and about 200 ladies went in procession from that place to the court-house, where the excise board were to meet for the granting of licenses.

These morning meetings continued for two weeks or more, the time being given mostly to prayer. The numbers increased, so that the commissioners adjourned to the city hall, as the council chamber, in which they first assembled, was quite too small. At these meetings remonstrances against the granting of licenses were read every morning, and the same were published by the _Daily Press_; causing many to see the evils of the traffic who had hitherto thought but little about it.

The liquor-sellers and manufacturers, with some of their sympathizers, had also formed a Union entitled “The Society for the Protection of Personal and Religious Liberty.” The word religious was, however, soon dropped, as being inappropriate. This society was very active, held frequent meetings, and, it was said, had raised $10,000 to carry on their work.

During the second week of the month of May, after the ladies had marched in procession, as usual, to the court-house, preceded by a few of the pastors and other temperance men, a large number of the liquor-sellers, led by some of the officers of their society, appeared before the Excise Commissioners, with a petition, signed, as they claimed, by 6,000 citizens and voters, asking that licenses for the sale of liquors be granted as usual. It was ascertained, upon examination, that this immense petition was made up largely of forged signatures, among which were not only the names of some of our best temperance men, but some dignitaries from abroad were added to swell the list; among these we remember was the wife of the Mormon prophet, Brigham Young, and some who for many years had been in the spirit world.

When this unlooked-for examination revealed the fraud, the better class of their number seemed a little ashamed, as might have been expected.

Political influence was mightiest on their side, however, and licenses were soon granted just as freely as before, though action had been stayed for weeks.

There is at present a growing public sentiment against the liquor traffic, and the better class of our citizens, especially the Christian men and women, are arraying themselves on the side of temperance. The women, too, are thinking and acting more intelligently and effectively for this cause than in the past.

There are now in our city two large and well-conducted lunch houses, each under the direction of a board of managers, composed of temperance ladies, besides a number of smaller establishments of the same class owned and controlled by individuals.

A Reform Club was organized about a year since, and more recently a Temperance Aid Society of ladies, whose work is especially to further the interest of the Reform Club, and to visit the families of intemperate men.

A Christian Temperance Union, composed of Christian men and women, has also been organized recently, and these are already doing a good work.

These are all the outgrowth of the Crusade.

OSWEGO, NEW YORK.

I have received the following facts from officers of the society:

We organized March, 1874, with about thirty members. Held our meetings in the different churches, one month in each, wishing them to be thorough union, feeling that we must have a united sisterhood to face the dark shadow which seemed to be coming nearer and nearer, throwing its shade either directly or indirectly into almost every home.

About this time we canvassed the city with the pledge, with good results.

Our work was persistent and earnest with the saloon-keepers, city authorities, and wherever God seemed to show an open door.

Committees were appointed to inspect the applications made for license, and it was found that a majority of them were granted illegally, and having found who the men were who signed these applications, and were willing thus to encourage the traffic, our work was then with them, to try, if it were possible, to persuade them never to sign another application. And great was the surprise and shame of many who found that what they had done in secret had been brought to the light, and many promises were given that the like should not be repeated.

We organized a Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting on Water street, led by women, yet calling in the aid of Christian men.

The fact that a few Christian women were meeting twice a week for prayer, had its effect upon the community.

We endeavored to look after the poor suffering ones all around, keeping our eye on the one object--Christ and His work; feeling that it was just that which brought Him down to us, to raise the fallen. Some of the crosses were very heavy, the greatest, perhaps, of all our life-work, February 1st, 1875.

“Four, ladies only, were present at our meeting; very earnest prayers were offered for direction and help, and especially that some influence might be brought to bear upon the hearts of Christian people, to awaken them to duty, with regard to temperance work. We were not wholly discouraged, for we felt that with _God_ on our side, _one_ was a majority.”

Before our next meeting, two reformed men, Frost and McKelvey, had come to our city ready to work; they hardly knew why they came, for no one had asked them, and they had been told not to come, as they could do nothing here. But some of us felt that we knew how it came about, and as the work seemed to take shape, Christian men said, this is the result of the prayers of the faithful few.

On and on went the work, until over two thousand signed the pledge, while our own numbers were greatly increased. A Reform Club was organized, with a reformed lawyer as president.

One of the saloon-keepers put up a long sign, black letters on white cloth, that could be read two blocks off: 20,000 _men wanted to drink_ 20,000 _glasses of lager beer_! It was too much for us to endure, and a committee of two ladies was appointed to visit him; we prepared a paper for him to read, and went in the strength of the Master, gave him the paper, and while he read we prayed, silently, yet earnestly. At first, he seemed quite indignant, closed the paper and passed it back; I did not take it (wished him to keep it). God seemed to _shut_ our mouths. While he talked, the perspiration covered his face and neck, he wiping until his handkerchief was thoroughly drenched. When he had said all he had to say, he dropped into a chair behind him; then our lips were unsealed; he was melted, promised to take down his sign, and leave the business as soon as his lease was out. He is now a member of the Reform Club.

We came from that saloon, saying to ourselves and each other, “O ye of little faith.”

You can imagine the feelings of the heart of his faithful wife, as she rose in the weekly prayer-meeting of her own church, after the happy event in which all rejoiced: said she, “My husband has signed the pledge, and I want you all to pray for him; nay,” said she, “I _demand_ it.” Do you wonder at her earnestness?

May 20th, a committee of our ladies, in connection with a committee of gentlemen, began to cast about for rooms to accommodate this wonderful work. It was soon done. On Washington’s birthday, February 22d, we met in our new reading-room.

We dedicated those rooms not only to temperance, but to Christ and His work, for it is all one.

Our Woman’s Christian Temperance Union now numbers about one hundred and fifty; and our motto is, “More earnest work for the Master.”

One of the first fruits of the reform movement was the conversion of a young man, son of a prominent clergyman of the State, and former pastor of one of the churches of this city. This young man, the child of many prayers and much solicitude, had, in spite of all, led a very intemperate and wayward life, setting at nought his father’s counsels, and treating with scorn his mother’s prayers. His own confession is, that during the temperance work he attended one of the Sunday services, and, for the first time in his life, went with the settled determination to be benefited, the Spirit of God met him, and for days he struggled with the adversary. Finally, at a public meeting, where hundreds were gathered, and among them many of his boon companions, he, in response to a call for short speeches, said, “My friends, the devil has beaten me long enough, and now I am determined to beat him, not only on the whiskey question, but, God helping me, I mean to beat him on sin of all kinds, and from this time forth to live not only a temperate but a Christian life.” This was a great surprise to his many friends, and for the avowal, light soon broke into his soul, and he became a joyful believer. The wires carried the happy news to his parents, the mails carried the particulars; but the old father and mother wanted to see their son, in whom the Lord had wrought this mighty work. He visited them, carrying the temperance spark with him.

At his suggestion a temperance meeting was called. Speakers failed him, but he was not discouraged. With the local help he had, he went on with the work, speaking himself with the eloquence the love of God and the perishing inspired him; and in less than two months from the time he became a converted temperance man, he had organized a reform club of over six hundred members. When he returned home, he left, as its president, a man who had been a confirmed drunkard for over thirty years. Among the members was nearly every drunkard in the town.

Behold how great things the Lord hath done!

HORNELLSVILLE, NEW YORK

Mrs. Ransom Sheldon gives the following account of the work in this town:

Hornellsville, a railroad town on the Erie Railway, with a population of between eight and nine thousand, with its five churches, none of them blessed with a large membership, with but few pronounced and outspoken Christian people, was cursed with eighty-six saloons and places where they sold liquor. Prominent wealthy business men were none of them temperance men. Young men starting in life had few correct examples of living placed before them. Society was gay, and the wine cup flowed freely, when the Woman’s Crusade movement found its way to Hornellsville. By obtaining a few names, a meeting was called. Our business men were so afraid to be identified, that we failed in our first selection of chairman, which was the President of our village. Our clergy, to their honor be it spoken, stood out pronounced temperance men. The women were organized for work, the town canvassed for pledges, and all-day meeting was held, in which the reports were brought in with rejoicing and cheering. Three thousand women, fifteen hundred voters, and four hundred minors signed the pledge as the result of this effort.

The Woman’s Temperance Prayer-Meeting was organized and well sustained; public opinion in favor of temperance was created; and much good was accomplished. Different lecturers were employed, and various means adopted to sustain the interest.

When our efforts seemed not to avail, we had recourse to law, and six hundred dollars in fines was saved to the county by prosecuting violations of law. This plan was followed for one year, a man being hired whose business it was to work up cases, present them at court, and follow them through.

Last winter we were blessed with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and our woman’s meeting felt its influence, and we were moved to pray especially that a man adapted to temperance work might be sent to us. Our railroad men, who went to Salamanca, returned with accounts of the wonderful good John R. Clark was accomplishing In Salamanca, Bradford, and other places. Mr. Clark came to Hornellsville for a four days’ meeting. The ladies secured the Opera House. The weather was most unfavorable. A large audience, however, gathered. When the opportunity was given to sign the pledge, a great rush was immediately made.

The morning prayer-meetings were continued, and many who signed the pledge at night came into the meeting in the morning, and were converted. It was a glorious time. The whole community were never before so stirred. Young men, old men, all classes and conditions felt its influence. Temperance principles were advocated by men who had always advocated and practised intemperance. Some saloons were closed, and the liquor business was much crippled. Temperance lecturers came to the front from among our lawyers and editors, and outside towns were visited and canvassed for pledges. The greatest evidence of good accomplished was manifest in the late strike on the Erie Railroad, when for nearly a week our town was under martial law, and a drunken man was not to be seen, and law and good order prevailed to a degree not before realized.

The temperance work in Hornellsville has accomplished great results in saving our community from many evils, and has blessed many homes. There still remaineth, however, much land to be possessed. One blessed result of this effort has been the saving of Hon. Horace Bemis, an eminent lawyer, who has given his fine talents as a lecturer to the cause, and western New York and northern Pennsylvania have felt his influence as an inspiration.

UTICA, NEW YORK.

Mrs. D. E. Stevens furnishes the following facts:

The Crusade work in the city of Utica, unobtrusively as it has been done, was the origin of our present organization and success in the temperance cause. Mrs. M. M. Northrop, upon whom this fell most heavily, was probably the first to do real Crusade work, a woman known for her good deeds among the poor. She says when the news first reached her of the Ohio Crusade, a strange feeling came over her, that caused her to betake herself to prayer--to very earnest prayer. The subject was so constantly before her mind that she was compelled to speak to all whom she met on the subject of temperance. Finding no sympathy, she felt alone in the work, and could only cry mightily to God for help, who seemed to hold her responsible for this great service in her own city.

After a little, she found a good Christian sister, in whose heart there was a response for this work (Mrs. T---- by name). Together, she and Mrs. T---- visited saloon after saloon, urging the saloon-keepers to leave off the terrible traffic; singing in each place as they went.

In one instance they met, as keeper of a saloon, a woman of ill-fame, upon whom the singing had a powerful effect. She wept and kept hold of Mrs. Northrop’s hands, as though she could not let her go, following her to the door with streaming eyes.

In another, God had preceded them, and the saloon-keeper owned his dislike for the business; and told them of the daughters of church members who came there to drink (it being a little out of the city), and then went near by to a house of ill-fame. They sought them there, but could not find them. This saloon-keeper promised and did give up his business, and became, not long after, a member of a Christian church.

The spirit of indifference that pervaded the hearts of Christians on this subject seemed terrible to Mrs. Northrop; as she walked the streets, the burden grew so heavy upon her she groaned aloud. Meeting a Christian sister one day, a lady of wide influence, the lady accosted her with, “Well, Mrs. Northrop, how does the temperance work go on?” “Poorly, Mrs. B----, very poorly. Were all who profess an interest in temperance _consecrated_ workers, the work would go on, and if some one does not take up this cause and help to carry it forward, I believe this burden will crush me.” Mrs. B---- looked up in her face, apparently astonished. Said she, “Well, perhaps the burden has got to come over on to me.” And it did. Through this woman the door was opened to a grand temperance rally in this city. Ready hearts were found, who met weekly at the cross, until the Spirit of the Lord fell upon them likewise. To us the work seems but just begun, although we have some 2,000 signers to the pledge, and over 500 members to the club who wear the blue ribbon.

We look to God, believing that his power _alone_ can accomplish this work. We are but the willing instruments in his hands, to serve or to sit still at his bidding.

One of our most faithful workers in the Crusade, Mrs. M. A. Patterson, whose age is sixty-two years, is a woman who has suffered greatly from the terrible curse of intemperance. Her husband, once in the habit of drinking, is now a reformed and Christian man. Her two sons, drunkards, one supposed to be hopelessly lost, are both of them now members of our Reform Club, and thus far faithful to their vows.

Suffering so greatly herself, Mrs. Patterson was exercised in an unusual manner, not only for her own sons and husband, but for the sons and husbands of other mothers and wives. “O,” said she, “how I have prayed, and wrestled with God in prayer; night after night I have walked the floor, weeping and praying, watching for the unsteady footsteps of my boys. Yes, and sometimes I have spent whole nights on my knees, till the morning shone in upon me, praying that God would send some one, or raise up some person or persons who would help to do away with this terrible curse. How I have prayed and wrestled for our city! I have gone from saloon to saloon, trying to persuade them to stop selling this accursed stuff. And then again I have shrunk back and thought, I am like Jonah fleeing away from the work God had called me to do, so I went on again, trying to do my best.

“At one time I went to a saloon, where they had drawn in my boys, where they were dealing out death to them, and I found the saloon-keeper’s wife standing behind the bar dealing out liquor, and I said to her: ‘Can you, a mother, deal out death and hell to my boys, and the sons of other mothers? Would you like it to have me deal out poison to _your_ sons? What would you think of _me_, or any _other_ mother, to do that to _yours_? and yet you are doing it to mine.’

“Said the saloon-woman: ‘Do not talk thus to me. Do not talk to me.’

“‘Shall not I, a mother, whose heart is wrung with anguish, speak to you? I tell you _God_ will yet speak to you, in _thunder_ tones, if you do not desist. I have not come to blame, nor to reproach, but to _pray_ you to give up selling this accursed rum.’”

And then, with hands clasped to heaven, she prayed: “How long, O God, how long, shall we mothers pray and weep and lament for our sons? How long shall our hearts be wrung with bitter anguish? How long shall this terrible curse be _forced_ upon us, and we lie powerless before this foe?”

And thus she poured forth her woe in prayer. She was driven from the saloon by the woman behind the bar.

She has been so worn with her griefs, that I had supposed her to be nearly eighty years of age. Her voice sounds like a song of prayer. She would gladly go from saloon to saloon, to-day, on her knees, she says, if in this wise she could do away with this abominable evil that is cursing our city. Her zeal is in nowise slackened by the salvation of her husband and sons, and her “Glory to God in the highest” is like a Te Deum.

ROME, NEW YORK.

I am indebted to Mrs. R. M. Bingham for the following report:

The reports of the wonderful revival of the temperance work in the West, a little more than three years ago, inspired the friends of the cause in this place to hope that something might be done in our city.

About forty ladies responded to the first call for workers.

A daily meeting for prayer and counsel was inaugurated. These meetings have been characterized by earnest and prayerful enthusiasm, prompted by a genuine dependence on God, and faith in His promises. The efforts made to stay the tide of intemperance, or to interpose any obstacle to its progress, revealed the great power of the foe with which we had to cope, and the strength of its intrenchments. It could count among its allies Christian men not a few, and its supporters were to be found in the temples of law and justice. So potent was its influence that all branches of trade and business were more or less bound by its fetters. In our helplessness we cried to God, and our hearts went out in greater love for the guilty as well as the suffering ones.

Frequent mass-meetings were held in the churches and other public places.

The city was canvassed, and over a thousand women gave their names, pledging themselves to do what they could to promote the cause of temperance, and we think the moral power cannot be estimated, of this large number of women, each acting conscientiously in her own family and sphere of influence. A committee of ladies was appointed to ask the gentlemen of the Board of Excise to grant no licenses; and if we did fail to see our hearts’ desire accomplished, we are glad those prayers and tearful appeals stand as our protest against the monster evil.

Much faithful labor has been done in circulating the pledge, and many have been induced to sign it, and have been rescued from a drunkard’s disgrace and a drunkard’s grave.

One only we will mention--Joseph Higgins, the blacksmith: a most wonderful example of the power of God, in removing all appetite for intoxicants, after their use for many years. He is doing much for the salvation of others. We can but exclaim, “What hath God wrought!”

In 1876, the temperance ladies made a centennial offering to the city, of four drinking-fountains, valued at $450.

Children’s meetings have been held, and a large number have signed the pledge.

We see indications of the improvement, and strengthening of the temperance sentiment of the city. We believe the so-called “_respectability_” of liquor-selling has diminished--that fewer persons offer wine on New Year’s day, and other special occasions, than formerly. A number of suffering wives of drunkards have recovered damages from the liquor-seller under the civil damage act. And not the least of the good results of our work is the increase of Christian fellowship in the different churches of our city.

The hearts of the workers have been united, and we have not thought of denominational differences in our work of love. And, although but a small part of what we had hoped has been accomplished, we do not feel discouraged or inclined to cease our efforts in this great work. “In God we trust,” and with Him _for_ us, _who_ can be against us?

NEW YORK CITY.

I am indebted to Mrs. Helen E. Brown, for the following able report of the work in this city:

From the first blast of the trumpet borne to our ears across the Alleghenies, calling the daughters of Zion to the holy war, there were found hearts in New York city thrilling with sympathy, and eager to enter the work. How it was to be done, what shape it would take in the metropolis, could not at first be seen; but devoted Christian women gave themselves to the Lord with a solemn consecration, promising to do whatever he should direct. He would surely make the way plain, and though they could see but one step at a time, that one step they decided to take just as soon as it was made visible. The first thing naturally was to assemble for prayer.

In the month of March, 1874, one of our sisters was on her way to a prayer-meeting, and waited at the corner of the street for a car. The corner store was a liquor-saloon, and as she stood there, she thought of the many, many similar places in the city where the deadly poison was dealt out to her fellow-creatures, and her heart went up in prayer that God would seal up these fountains of iniquity. Just then the proprietor of the store appeared, and seeing the woman’s thoughtful attitude, he said to her, “Are you one of the temperance crusaders?” He had evidently been reading the exciting reports with which the daily papers were filled. The question seemed to her of the Lord, and she instantly replied, “I am.” “Won’t you come in, then? you’re welcome,” said he. The sister, feeling that it was not wise to make the visit alone, replied, “I am on an errand now to another part of the city; when I return, I will call.” She went to the meeting, which was one of a series of holiness meetings then in progress in the Seventeenth Street M. E. Church, Rev. Mr. Boole’s, and there related the circumstance, and begged that some one would give herself to the Lord for this service, and accompany her on this visit. Two ladies volunteered, and they went out, followed by the earnest prayers of the assembly. The Lord went with them. They were greatly blessed in their visit, and there is reason to believe that great good in several ways followed. Thus the work was inaugurated in the city.

A praying band was at once formed in that church, and, simultaneously, in different sections of the city, and saloon work was undertaken in earnest. This was done quietly, the sisters going in twos and threes, always presenting the gospel message, praying and singing whenever permission could be obtained, and leaving tracts, papers and printed invitations to prayer-meetings. Many hundreds of saloons were thus visited, and incidents of the most interesting character occurred. Saloons were shut up, and rum-sellers converted, who stand now in the church of Christ, monuments of his saving power.

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was organized in April. It was brought about by the clerical committee formed by the National Temperance Society to consider the general subject, and was intended to bring together the working element of all the churches. There was not, however, a very prompt response to this call. One and another began to make excuse, and the result was that we had at no time more than thirty active members, and as we began operations at the very close of the working season, our numbers were soon greatly reduced. A daily prayer-meeting was sustained, however, through the entire season, and was always as a well in the valley of Baca. The Lord never failed to refresh our souls, and our love for one another, our faith in God, and our devotion to the cause steadily increased.

At the first a committee was appointed to visit the clergymen of the city, and ascertain to what extent we might expect their co-operation. Here unexpected disappointment met us. We found every denomination more or less apathetic, the ministry indifferent or faithless, and in the membership a deplorable lack of principle. It was a sad revelation, but it taught us this lesson, that temperance work was needed in the church as well as out of it. How should it be done? To the Lord we went in our trouble.

A series of Sunday evening meetings was commenced in the churches, wherever admission could be obtained. There were some noble champions of the cause, who were always ready to open their doors, and to aid us to their utmost ability. They encouraged and counselled. It was thought best from the first that the women should plead their own cause, and with the Lord’s help they were enabled to do it. Though unaccustomed to service of this kind, it was undertaken in obedience to the Divine call, and the effort was greatly blessed.

Another committee was appointed to visit the Excise Board. This interview gave us a still clearer insight into the vastness of the work upon which we had entered. We were advised to a double course of duty: on the one side to exert ourselves to create a public opinion in favor of temperance; and on the other, to take immediate measures to prosecute the liquor-dealers for violation of the license and Sabbath laws. But, after prayerful consideration, we decided to waive the legal work and go forward on the gospel principles of “love, persuasion and prayer.” We hoped much from our public meetings, believing that our Christian brothers would be aroused to participate in the work, and to do that which was beyond our reach. But our surest hope was in the power of prayer. “Ask, believe, receive,” was our motto. Like the stripling David of old, we went forth in the name of the Lord of hosts to meet the giant.

When the city churches were closed for the summer, and the congregations were dispersed, we asked the Lord what he would have us do; and the way was opened in a remarkable manner, for work among inebriates. This was prosecuted with untiring ardor, by the few workers left behind in the city. The prisons, hospitals, and charitable institutions of the city, which were mainly filled with the victims of the cup, were visited, and the gospel of God’s free grace presented. Industrial and mission schools too were instructed often, and thoroughly in the truths of temperance and salvation. Much faithful effort was put forth, and with good results. Souls were saved; but, perhaps, better than all the workers were themselves enriched with an experience which proved invaluable in their after labors.

During the summer of 1874, our first gospel temperance meeting was established, in one of the most desperately wicked localities of the city; and from its beginning, we had the most wonderful manifestations of God’s power to save. We were surrounded by dance-houses of the worst description, and wedged in between two of the vilest dens of the city. We followed prayer with work; and public meetings were held, statedly, on Sunday evening, with weekly visitations in this godless section of the city. It was with fear and trembling, but with earnest prayer and simple trust, we entered these wretched bucket-shops, where men and women were crowded together in every stage of beastly intoxication.

On one occasion, three of us went together to a corner shop of the most notorious character. About twenty women were huddled together in one corner; vile, disfigured, clad in filthy rags, and presenting an appearance to melt the hardest heart. To think that woman could fall so low--so low! Could such as these be saved? But they were silent and respectful, with the exception of one brawler, who was soon shamed by the bar-tender’s reproachful thrust: “If the like of these ladies come to see yez, ye can, at least, hear what they have to say to yez.” “There’s worse than we here,” they said; after a few words had been spoken to one and another, and opening a door they pointed the way into a small, dark, inner room, the air stifling and fetid with liquor. One poor drunken wretch stood in the centre of this apartment, and on the floor and settees around it were twelve others, sleeping the heavy sleep of a drunkard. We were almost overcome by the appalling sight; but in a moment, as if it were the rally of our faith, we raised the beautiful hymn

“God loved the world of sinners lost
And ruined by the fall;
Salvation full at highest cost,
He offers free to all.
Oh, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love,
The love of God to me;
It brought my Saviour from above,
To die on Calvary.”

We had not sung two lines before every head, one after another, had come up with a wondering expression; then the big tears began to fall, and by the time we had finished the strain, the sobs and groans were pitiful to hear. Then we prayed for that uttermost salvation of Jesus, that His mighty love might rescue some of these poor fallen ones from the jaws of hell. As we went outside they followed us with staggering steps, and one poor marred, wretched woman drew near, and asked, with trembling lips, “Won’t you sing ‘Whiter than snow?’” Those words, seemingly so incongruous in that dark place, never seemed so precious, as we sang them with our hearts resting on the promise, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”

Several girls followed us that day to homes of safety, which we were able to provide for them in institutions and refuges in the city. One of them, at least, was saved. We heard her afterwards give her simple, triumphant testimony to the power of Jesus, to which she added: “Oh, how I wish I had a voice to reach from here to Water street, that I might tell every poor girl there that Jesus can save her, too, and wash her whiter than snow in His precious blood.”

In the fall the campaign opened vigorously. Gospel meetings in the churches and in the slums, in the city and the towns outside, were diligently held. Interest seemed rising, and efforts were put forth in various parts of the city to put down the traffic and lift up the drunkard by the power of the gospel. The daily prayer-meeting was still sustained, and at our first annual meeting we had only to recount the mercies of the Lord.

The second summer was a marked one in the history of our work in Water street. The vile rum-shop on one side of the Mission House had been closed in answer to prayer, and so effectually that the owner of the property could never re-let it. He determined to pull down the old building, and replace it with a substantial warehouse. In the meantime, the chapel was rendered untenantable, but the meetings must not be relinquished. They sought and obtained permission to hold them, for the time being, in the dance-house on the other side; and there for four months held the fort in Jesus’ name, and by His grace, with courage and success.

In one of the meetings a young woman of modest appearance, and neatly attired, rose and said: “I have come here to-night to ask the privilege of signing your temperance pledge, and to tell you how much good you have done me. I was living not far from here, in one of the worst houses, and the first night you opened I was passing by, and came in, as I had many a time before, for a drink. I found the bar closed, and this dance-hall lighted for a meeting. The singing sounded so sweet I slipped in and sat down on a back seat. The words you spoke made me cry. When you asked those who wanted to be saved to stand up for prayer, I longed to get up, but I couldn’t. But I made up my mind then that I would lead a better life, and that I never, never would go back to that wicked home again. But I had no place to go to, and what could I do? I walked the streets for hours, and at last asked a policeman to send me to the station-house, and he did. There, in my cell, I kneeled down and cried to the Lord, and gave Him my heart. The next day I went out to find a place for honest labor, and the Lord sent me to a good Christian woman, and I am living with her now. I mean, with God’s help, to serve Him all the rest of my days.”

On that same memorable first evening a young man staggered into the rum-shop for a drink, was persuaded to enter the meeting, where he took a draught of the water of life and was saved. His father and brother, both addicted to intemperance, subsequently came to the meetings, and were converted. All three are now standing on the rock Christ, and are laboring earnestly in a temperance revival in another city. Incidents like these, showing the wonders of God’s mighty love, could be greatly multiplied.