a most beautiful word picture.  That of sobriety leading through bright green fields, over flowery plains, by pleasant rivulets, where all was peace and harmony, and over which the spirit of heaven itself seemed to brood and watch; and that of drunkenness, in which all the miseries and tortures of the imaginary hell were concentrated in a living death; of blighted hopes, of wasted life, of ruined homes, of broken hearts, of a conscience goaded to an insanity—­to a madness—­to fairly wallow in the Lethean draft, that memory might be robbed of its poignant goadings; that the poor, helpless, and degraded victim might escape its horrors in oblivion.

“He had been a victim in the toils of the monster for fifteen years; had endured all the horrors it inflicted upon its votaries during that time, and made an eloquent appeal to the young men present to choose the right way and walk therein.  He pictured the inevitable result in new and convincing arguments holding up his own almost hopeless case as a warning.  His description of delirium tremens, while it was frightful, was not overdrawn.  He told the simple truth, as any one who has passed through the horrible ordeal can testify.

“We have not space to follow Mr. Benson through his lecture, which was truly original in language, style and delivery.  He is a lawyer by profession, about twenty-eight years, and is wonderfully gifted with a pleasing way, rapidly flowing and eloquent language, that carries to the audience the conviction that he is in earnest in the work of total abstinence; that in the effort to reclaim himself he will leave nothing undone to save those who may have started out in life impressed with the belief that there is pleasure and enjoyment under the influence of intoxication.  That he will accomplish good there is no doubt.  He goes into the work under the influence of the Holy Spirit; maintaining that the grace of God alone can work a thorough reformation.  We have heard Gough lecture, but maintain that the eloquent, forcible, humorous, pathetic, and convincing language of Mr. Benson is of a better and higher order, and will prove more effectual in touching the hearts of those who stand upon the verge of ruin.

“Mr. Benson will lecture this (Tuesday) evening, in the Presbyterian church.  Doors open at 6:30; lecture commencing at 7:30.  The lecture this evening will be on a different subject, and no part of the lecture of last evening will be repeated.

“As a result of the lecture Monday evening, one hundred and sixty-two persons signed the pledge.”

With reference to the lecture delivered at Faneuil Hall, the Boston Temperance Album gives the succeeding synopsis: 

“Mr. Benson, on being introduced, paid the following eloquent tribute to the Hall: