Smith, a man from
Sharon, who the W. C. T. U. had been talking of handling for selling
liquor in that town. Mr. Grogan introduced me to him, and he, Mr.
Smith, looked terrified and astonished. I took up one of the bottles
and asked what it had contained. His reply: "Hop Tea." I asked:
"What name is that on the label?" It was "Anheuser-Busch," but I could
get neither of them to pronounce it. I turned up one of the bottles and
put it to my lips and told them that it was beer, and that I could take an
oath that it was. Grogan threw up his hands saying: "Now, Mother
Nation, if you get me into trouble I will do something desperate." I
had visited this man Grogan in jail about a year before this, where
he was put for getting drunk and fighting. I said: "I do not wish
to get either of you in trouble, but want to get you out." I had my Bible
with me and I opened it to several passages where drink was condemned,
and told them where it would lead. I told them I would not speak of this
to anyone. When I said I would not "tell on them" the look of gladness
on their faces was pitiful to see.
I said, I am going to pray God to have mercy on you. Kneel down,
like two obedient little children--they knelt--some may smile at this,
but I was deeply affected and felt a compassion and tenderness toward
these poor men, whom the devil was leading captive at his will. That
prayer I offered, was heard.
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