Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 January 1882 — Striker Stowe’s Strength. [ARTICLE]

Striker Stowe’s Strength.

Observer. Striker Stowe was a tall, powerful Scotchman, whose position as “boss striker” at the steel works made him generally known. Nearly all of the men in this departmant were hard drinkers, and he was no exception to the rule. But one day it was announced among .the workmen that he had become religious, and, sure enough, when pressed to take a drink, he said: “I shall never drink mair, lads. No droonkard can inherit the Kingdom o’ God.” The knowing ones smiled and said: “Wait a bit. Wait until hot weather —until July. When he gets as dry as a gravel pit he will give in. He can’t keep it.” But right through the ho’test months be toiled, the sweat pouring off in streams; yet he seemed never to be tempted to drink. Finally, as I was taking the men’s time one evening, I stopped and spoke with him. “Stowe,” said I, “you used to take liquor. Don’t you miss it?” “Yes,” said he, emphatically. “How do you manage to keep away from it?” “Weel, just this way. It is now 10 o’clock, isn’t it?” “Yes.” “Well,, to-day is the 2Qlh of the month. From 7 to 8 I asked that the Lord would help me. He did did so. an* I put down a dot on the calendar, right near the 20. From Bto 9 He kept me, an’ I put down another dot. From 9to 10 He’s kept me, an’ noo I gie Him the glory as I put down the third dot. Just as I make these I* pray: ‘O Lord halp me—halp met» fight it off for another hourv’-?’ “How lojng shall you keep this up?” I inquired. “All o’ my life,” 'was the earnest reply. “It keep- me sae full o’ peace an’ happiness that I wouldna. gje it up for anything. It is just as if He took me by the hand ar • -*: (Vark awa’, Striker Stowe, 'l’nl’S'i Je. Diana be fearfu’. You toek care o’ your regular wark an’ I’ll see to the de’il ah’ the thirst an’ they shallna trouble ye.” >