At my house, too, I used to keep a bottle of gin, which was
in constant requisition. Indeed, go where I would, stimulant I must
and did have. Such a slave was I to the bottle that I resorted to it
continually, and in vain was every effort which I occasionally made to
conquer the debasing habit. I had become a father; but God in his
mercy removed my little one at so early an age that I did not feel the
loss as much as if it had lived longer, to engage my affections.
A circumstance now transpired which attracted my attention, and led me
to consider my situation, and whither I was hurrying. A lecture was
advertised to be delivered by the first reformed drunkard, Mr. I. J.
Johnson, who visited Newburyport, and I was invited by some friends,
who seemed to feel an interest, to attend and hear what he had to say.
I determined after some consideration to go and hear what was to be
said on the subject. The meeting was held in the Rev. Mr. Campbell's
church, which was pretty well crowded. I went to the door, but would
go no farther; but in the ten minutes I stood there, I heard him in
graphic and forcible terms depict the misery of the drunkard and the
awful consequences of his conduct, both as they affected himself and
those connected with him.
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