./ .. . - - - - . AcvoC Presented to Princeton Theological Seminary By the t^ev. Wendell Prime, X^S^, To be Kept Always as a Separate Collection. THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE IN THE USE OF ARDENT SPIRITS, AND THE REMEDY FOR THAT EVIL. SEEMON^ DELIVERED AT THE QPENIMG OF THE i^ PRESBYTERY OF LONG-ISLAND, AT Auqiiebogiiey Nov. 5, I81L .) BY NATHANIEL S. 'PRLME. [published by request.] BROOKLYJ^': PRINTED BY ALDEN SPOONER, 1812. ADVERTISEMENT INTEMPERANCE is a great and growing evil The twit tr oj Ihe Jollowing discourse has long viezced its prevalence and increase with anxious concern. But his attention was never effectually aicakened to this sub- jcct until the last summer. At that time Dr. RusJis Inquiry fell into his hands, by zvliich he zvas induced to inquire zvhat he, as an individual, could do to check the progress of this szveeping pestilence. After some iveeks of occaJonal meditation and reading upon tlic subject^ theplanofthefollozving discourse suggested itselj to his mind; ivhich lie resolved to improve Jor tlie good of the Congregation in zvhich lie statedly labors, Tliis zvas accordingly done, and the effects toere such as to encour- age him to deliver it as stated in the title page. The members of the Presbytery being determined to set their faces as a flint against this crying sin, and to cze^'t themselves vigorously for its suppression ; and li^ ping that some good effects might result Jrom the circulation (f this discourse, zvere disposed to countenance it a publi- cation. In deference to the opinions of Ids Reverend Fathers and Bi^ethren, the zvriter nozv submits it to the putdic, not as a subject oj criticism, but oJ serious comid- ('.ration and experiment. Huntington, April US1£J. A SERMON. Prov. xxiii. 29 — So, inclusive, 29. Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who ' '; i^ntcji- lions? Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds with iUt cause? Who hath redness of eyes ? 30. They that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to seek mix- ed wine. 3 1 . Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it bitetli like a serpent and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall alter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the lop of a mast. S5. They have stricken ma, shalt thou say, and I was not sick ; they have beaten nie and I felt it not ; when shall 1 awake ? I will seek it yet again. IVIaN possesses an exalted station in the scale of be- ing. The form and other peculiarities of his body, at once inspire all other animals with fear and veneration. His person is comely — his countenance expressive — his powers noble, and his natural posture erect. Endowed with an immortal, mtelligent mind, he is capable of knowing, loving and serving his Creator and enjoying endless felicity. But alas ! how great the change when he hes pros- trate on the earih, dispossessed of rea;5on and the power oiloco-motion, by an intoxicating draught. What scene more base, abject and disgusting. Never was a brute guilty of so great prostitution. Such an act de- bases a iiian to the level of a worm. Man IS prone to sin as the sparks fly upward, and dif- ferent men are addicted to different vices. But the state of tio sinner appears so h:.peless as that of a confirmed drunkard. The thief — the liar — the adulterer^ — the mur- derer have their hearing and the exercise of reason at all times. Therefore, though one admonition be disregarded, we mav fondly hope the next will have the desired ef- fect. But a drunken man exf)eriences a total suspension of all nis powers, both corporeal and mental. You may reprove him, but the sound will fall on a dead organ. You may chastise him, but he will be insensible of the correc- tion. Iheij have beaten me, and I jelt it not. And what hope can you entertain for such a person, when with the first dawn of returning reason he cries out xvhen shall I awake ? and in the same breath replies 1 zvill seek it yet again. This vile course is pursued by multitudes, leading to poverty, infamy, death and hell. Kings of the eartl? have slam their thousands, but ardent spirits their tens of thousands. '* Plague, pestilence and famine'* hrtvc been a curse to the human race, but ardent spirit slmvo been a heavier curse. The yellow fever has for a season laid waste mm\y of our populous cities, but the greater part of the iuhaJ)iiants have taken the alarm at an ear- ly period and fled from the fatal contagion. But strong drink has spread its devastations throngliout the country. In every city, town, village and neighliorhood we behold its dreadful effects, and multitudes instead of being warn- ed by tlie example of otliers to tly from the pestilen- tial atmosphere, earnestly seek and greedily inhale the deadly poison. It is supposed by some that more persons die annual- ly in the United States in consequence of the use of ar- dent spirits than by any diijease incidental lo huaiiin na- ture. Be this as it nuiy, its cfl'ects, so far as tliey are luiiversaliy acknowledged, are snilicient to warrant tlie inquiry, what can be done to stop or even chtck tlie ra- vages ot this destrosing fiend. ? With a view to this question, your attention has been solicited to tlie words of the text. In that interesting portion of the holy seriplures, two leading sentiinculs are presented for particuhir consideration, viz. Ihe perfiicwus effects of intemperance, in the use of strong driuk — And 1 he remedy Jar this evil. The term ardent spirits^ in its common acceptation, is a()plied exclusively to distilled liquors. Some ferment- ed liquors, it drank to great excess, v^ili produce inebria- tion. But few are willing or even able to drink a sulfi- cient quantity to intoxicate themselves, or if 1 hey do the eilects are not so alarming nor tlie consequent danger so gieat. The present design, however, is to discourage the intemperate use of all liquors capable of producing intoxication. i^y intemperance, as the term may occur in the ensu- ing discussion, is meant not only drinking to intoxication, but also the use of the smallest quantity of spiritmis liquor when it is not necessary tor the preservation of life or stealth. Let us now attend to some of the pernicious e/i'ects of intemperance. J. intemperance in its advanced stages produces at least a temporary suspension of the exercise both of tlie corporeal and mental laculties. AVhen a man has drunk- en to intoxication, his bodily strength entirely forsakes him; every binew is relaxed — every joint unhinged — iiis head drops on his shouhler — he liills prostrate ( n the ground. This is not all. fiis iinelligent mind is e<]ualiy (lebased. Reason, that boasted principle, which so em- inently distinguishes man from the brutes, has deserted her wonted seat. The undeiManding is toi:tlly daiken- ed, and the will ceases fr :m all regular operati'^n>^. Is it possible that an immortr.l ujind inhabits that debased and worthK^ss carcabc r Yes ! but boM» are al;kc^ in^fUMhi'.. 6 Should you beat liim, he would not feel it ; and should hell open her voracious jaws to receive him bodily, he would not realize his danger nor could he flee away. Nor is this effect in all cases merely temporary. In many instances, it is in a great degree permanent. Ha- bitual iutemperance produces eflects of this kind upon some, which the most powerful medicines and abstemi- ous living would never remove. Ttie joints are stiffen- ed — the sinews, contracted — the nerves enfeebled — the memory impaired— -the intellect destroyed. In short the habitual drunkard, long before he arrives at the me- ridian of life, exhibits an exact portrait, both in body and mind, of decrepid old age.* 1 am acquainted with sev- eral men, who, to use a cant phrase, are so completely soaked with rum, that they would never be sober again, should they never drink another drop of intoxicating li- quor. 2. Various diseases of the body are contracted by in- temperance. Some are the immediate effects of one fit of drunkenness. Tlius Solomon, after enquiring IF/io hath ivoe ? Who hath sorrozv ? Who hath contentions ^ IVho hath babbling P Who hath zvounds ivithout cause ? Who hath redness of eyes ? immediately answers, 1 hey that tarry long at the zvine : They that go to seek mixed zcine. When men are in their cups, they become cr.;^.- tentious. Tiiese disputes seldom terminate without leaving sad mementos of their having taken place — Vv^liat a wretched, and at the same time disgusting, object is a man just recovering from a fit of drunkenness ! His !)^dy emaciated — his whole nervous system in commo- rth a vol- ley of oaths and curses too silly to be uttered l)y a inan of common sense, and too blasphemous to be repeated by a christian. The two vices which have been named, are the only ones which are clearly pointed out in the text, and they may be consit stain — a murdtier of himself, both .soul and body — a self- murderer that perpetrates the prctjumptudis tJeed, not ill haste, but in the most deliberate manner, and at the utmost leisure — not by a single blow, but by ten thou- sand strokes. We may charitably believe that many a poor wretch who in liis haste had suspended himself from a tree, or inflicted a deadly wound upon his vitals, or swallowed a dose of poison, would gladly have retracted the wicked act had it been in his power. But the drunkard takes tlie poisonous cup — at first he sips and sets it down. Me feels its eilects, he knows his vitals are invaded, he beholds death at the bottom. He deliberates awhile and then renews his draught. He deliberates again, though a shorter period tiian before, and again he drinks. Thus he continues to do, day after day^ and year after year, knowaig what will assuredly be the issue, till weary of killing himself by inches ; he tilts the cup and greedily swallows tlie very dregs. He closes his ghastly eyes and awake.^ in hell. Here he drank a cup of trembling, but tljcre he shall drink a more bitter cup. Here it pro- duced woe^ sorrow, contentions ^ zvounds, disease and deaih ; nut there it shall bite like a serpent andstin<^ like an adder. Who then can be more heinously guilty of suicide than the drunkard ? And w ho must expect a ho ler place in hell ? rh(-'se are someol the dreadful effects of intemperance. In view of them, how rational and proper is the advice in the text. Look not thou upon theivine zvhen it is red, zchen it givethJiis color in the cup ^ when it vwveth itself aright. And how true is the sentiment by which this admonition is sanctir^ncd — At the last it biteth like a ser- pent and stingeth like an adder. It is manifest that the vice of intemperance is an cnor- m:.us evil. U X\\o figure be admissible, it is a mi'j:litv 14 oaV, the roots of v^ bich have shot clown to the centre of th. earth, yea, they have taken hold on hell ; its branch- es have spread far and wide and cast a pestilential sha- dow over the face of the wh.ole world. Notwithstanding its giga I'tic; size, if all mankind were united in sentiment aii exerti n the strength would be amply sufficient to pkick It up root and branch. But alas! they are not united. Thousands delighi supremely in reposing night and day under its deadly shade. They would not lend a band to cut it down though they might obtain heaven by the act. Tliere are multitudes of others who consider its overgrown stature a great evil, but at the same time think favorably of resting themselves several times a day under its branches. Hence it is impossible to cut it down ot once, its destruction must be gradual. Every rightly drsposed person can pluck up a root and lop oiFa branch, and he that deals' ttie heaviest blow is the best friend to man. In this way we may eventually destroy its exist- ence. The question then is. How shall this be done with the most cxpedilion and effect f In answer to this inquiry it may^ be observed ; 1. That an embargo, or an act of non-importation of spirituous li- quors, would not be an effectual remedy. \i our peo- ple could not obtain ardent spirits frr m foreign countries they would burn up the produce of their orchards and fields, as they have begun to do already, to obtain a li- quid still more pernicious to the human constitution than imported spirits, a)id which will consequently induce ma- ny ot the fatal effects ah'eady mention- d with greater ra- pldity. The last sentiment is abundantly established by the numerous {acts which have occurred in the \ icinity of distilleries in our country. Not only has the number ot intemperate people been greatly increased m such places, in consequence of the facility with which intoxi{:ating li- quor is obtained, but the number of deaths hy intemper- ance has also been greatly increased. Last autumn an intemperate man of my acquaintance survived the estab- lishment of a distillery near his house but two or three months, and his death was the manifest effect of it — Hence it is manitest that our government is not princi- 15 pally to blame for the existence of this evil. If they were disposed they could not exclude ardent spirits from the country. But, notwithstanding this, it is believed tliat something might be done by our government to diminish the quan- tity of strong drink, or to lessen the facility witli which it is now obtained. A tax upon the in^portalion and distillation of this article might be sufficiently large, with- out any injury to the public, to discharge the annual ex- pences of the government. Tliis would {)revent many in- temperate people from obtaining it for the want of means, while others, who have the means in their power, would run through their estates before they had completely ru- ined their constitutions and rendered themselves incapa- ble of getting a living. When a man has once abandon- ed himself to drink, the sooner he becomes penny less the better for himself and his family. 2. A law of the state, or of the union, forbidding alto- gether the use of ardent spirits, woald not be an elTectu- al remedy for the evil of intemjicrance. A law of that description would be easily evaded. But although laws cannot be made to prevent the existence of this evil, yet many of its dreadful effects might be prevented, or at least diminshed by salutary laws. For instance, if pro- vision were made by a lavv^ of the state for the appoint- ment of a guardian to a man who is manifestly squander- ing away his estate by intemperance, and even for the imprisonment of the otlenderif he is abusive in his family, how many helpless women and children would be saved from abuse, poverty and disgrace ; and how much would your taxes for the support of paupers be diminished.^' * A law of some clcscriplion or other is absolutely necessary to pre- vent drunkards iVoni spending their whole estates for rum. There are many merchants who are in the habit of supplying such persons with liquor on credit, and for the security of payment, taking a re- newed mortgage every year upon their farms. In the course of a few years *' by virtue of a power contained in the said mortgage, and in conformity to the act of the State in such cases made and provi- ded," those farms arc advertised and sold, and the whole family turn- ed out of doors without any means ot subsistence. If men can be so lost to virtue, honor and humanity, as to distress a whole family for the sake of enriching themselves, it is high time that some legal re- 16 The experiment iias been tried by a sister state, and has been found to be attended with salutary consequences. Let it not be oi>iected that such an act would be incon- sistent with re[)u!)lican principles. By an existing sta- tute of our state, the crime of perjury is punishable with imprisonment. And although, in the opinion of some, this vice may involv^e a greater degree oi enormity than intemperance, yet, in its present extent, its pernicious ef- fects upon societ}' are by no means so great. The bare name of perjury impressess all classes with horror, but they have become so familiarized to drunkenness, that the majority of the people can contemplate this vice with m- diflerence, if not complacency. 1 herefore we may com- clude that a man does as really forieit his liberty and the use of his property by intemperance, as by perjury or any other crime cognizable by human laws. Again — it is believed that licences for retailing ardent spirits are obtained with too great facility in this state. Our good legislators who framed our existing laws upon this subject, probably thought that they had sufficiently hedged up the way ; but experience has proved that suf- ficient has not yet been done. They probably expect- ed that the particularity and solemnity of the Commis- sioner's oath would be a suflicient barrier against the unnecessary multiplication of taverns and grog-shops ; but they never anticipated the time when ^uch solemn oaths would be considered merely as the ceremony of in- duct()n to office, and public officers would relinquish the dictates of their own understandings for the opinions of their constituents.^ Notwitstanding our Commis- straint was imposed. Query — If nothing more ^yere done, would it not be advisable to limit the selling of liquor on credit^hy merchants as well as tavern-keepers ? * In numerous instances the Commissioners have been known to refuse a licence under the conviction that the proposed tavern was unnecessary. The applicant has returned home, , procured a peti- tion signed by 40 or 50 of his neighbors and presented it to the Com- missioners, which has completely reversed their former opinion and prevailed upon them to ;^rant a licence. What powerful arguments yre the names of men ! ! .' 17 sioners of excise arc sworn in the presence of Almiglity God, with the sacred vohime before them, that they " vviil not on any account or pretence whatsoever, i;rant any licence to any person within the said town of for the purpose of keeping an Inn or Tavern, except wiiere it shall appear to them to be absohitely necessary for the benefit of travellers ; and that they will in all tliinj^s, while acting as commissioners of excise, do tlieir duty accord- ing to the best of their judgment and ability, without fear, favor or partiality, agreeable to law.1! — Alany taverns do exist where it is probable a meal is seldom eaten and perliaps a stranger never lodges. — Theseobservations are made to shew the necessity of new laws upon this subject. 3. The commencement of the only eflectual remedy for the intemperate use of ardent spirits is the immedi- ate EFFECTUAL REFORMATION OF INDIVIDUALS. When a single person adopts the resolution never again to drink, nor invite another to drink, ardent spirits unless it be im- mediately necessary for the preservation of life or health, one fatal blow is given to this baneful tree, and 89^,300, 000* more of equal force will fall it to the ground aijd destroy its existence. This is the remedy contemplated in the text. Look not. thou upon the rvine zvhen it is red, zvhe?i it giveth If is color in the cup, zv/ten it movelh itsdf aright. Solomon knew well the various inducements to intemperance. He considered temperate drinking (as the phrase is often very improperly used) to be the highway to drunkenness. Therefore he discouraged not only the tasting of strong drink, but even looking at it, lest it should prove a temptation to moderate drinking, which might eventually lead to excess. The bare appearance of liquor, especially in a glass vessel, is a powerful temp- tation to a person who has a thirst for it. Hence such a man ought not only to stop his bottles, but also to put them out of his sight .*[* * The agp:reg-ate population of tlie earth. t Is not the practice, of exposing liquor to public view upon side- boards and other places, as hii^hly ijnproper as it woulil be to de- corate our rooms with obscene and lascivious pictures ? With what c 18 Now the only question is where the proposed reforraa- tion shall commence to insure the most rapid progress ? We need not hesitate a moment to answer, ivith the ministers of the gospel of Christ, They may preach without ceasing against the intemperate use of ardent spirits, but if they allow themselves occasionally to re- cruit their exhausted strength by that stimul^us, their hearers will follow their occasional example much quick- er than their constant precept ; and instead of going no farther than their minister, they will run into all the lengths ot intemperance. Consider, for a moment, what would be the probable efiecls resulting from the adoption of this resolution by only one minister of the gospel. When visiting his peo- ple from house to house, and at every stop receiving the usual compliment to drink a little spirits, he will be obliged to decline, and for the fiear of the charge of un- necessary singularity he must give his reasons ^ and with what power will they come when backed by his exam- ple I What parishioner, however fond of the poisonous li- quor, would dare to take hold of the bottle, in his pre* sence, and implicitly say. If you are afraid I am not. — In a short time the elders and deacons would follow their minister's example. Here would be a little chosen host arrayed against the devil's strong hold. Many a heavy blow they would daily deal upon it. From time to time their strength would be increased by the accession of volunteers, until the whole church be enlisted. Then what cong!egation could withstand the united precept and example of every professing christian among them ? ?S'ot one.* The reformation, thus happily commenced, would be likely to progress until the sin of intemperance would be unheard of in that congregation. Let this course be adopted by the members of one Presbytery — the beginning of the good work will be the greater — the strength of each will be increased by the recollection that his brethren are under the same bond, face could we advise our visitors Look not upon the wmcy ^e» when the most conspicuous pluce in our houses is occupied by decanter.^ of liquor. 19 and their united exertions will produce the greater eftects. When they meet together upon the affairs of the clmrch, they are accompanied by their elders. These would not have confidence to drink when all their mmisters refuse. Their example, as in the former case, would soon be fol- lowed by the church, and theirs by the congregation, la this way the evil would soon be arrested throughout a large district of country. Nor v^Muld these good effects be confined within the limits of that Presbytery. The members in attending the other judicatoiies of the church, and in then* com- mon intercourse with other parts of the country, would necessarily exhibit their example beibre their brethren s and, from the force oi example, we may reasonably ex- pert that it would influence them to go and do likewise. Tims the adoption of this resolution by one Presbytery, might be the happy mean of expelling this abominable vice from the United States ; and who knows but in pro- cess of time, it might in the same way be banished from Christendom ? But there are many objections to the proposed reme- dy, some of which ought to be considered in order to a thorough investigation of this subject. 1. Objection— Ardent spirits are necessary. An- swer—So are opium, and mercury, and arsenic. But does it follow from this that a man ought daily to eat a quantity of the soporific gum to prevent the pains of na- ture ; or as frequently to drink the ponderous liquid to kill the principles of disease ; or to take a few grains of rats-bane several times a day to prevent an attack of the intermittent ? There is reason in all things. Let people keep their bottle of spirits, as they do a vial oi laudanum, and use it with the same discretion.* But there are few, in this degenerate age, who think favorably of so great a restriction. People in general ap- pear to believe that ardent spirits are as absolutely neces- *" Spirituous liquors never were designed for common use. They were formerly kept in England as other medicines are, m afiothccarks' .shops. If freely indulged they become a certain, though slo^y poison." . ^r, Chetse, 20 yary to their existence as their daily bread. The tho- rough-bred gentleman must have his glass of brandy and water every hour to support his nature Muder the vast liitigue of doing nothing. The mechanic andlaborer must each have a dram before breakfast,arid the same at 1 1 and 4 o'clock. And even our amiable women cannot endure the fatigue of an afternoon's visit without the occasional refreshment ol wines, and cordials. Indeed some have gune so far as to say that a laborer might as well be de- nied meat as ardent spirits. — This supposed necessity is founded entirely on habit. Laboring people who have been accustomed to the use of strong drink, would experience considerable inconvenience at first renouncing the practice. But after a few weeks or months priva- tion, they would find themselves able to bear greater liardships and their systems woidd recover much sooner irom excessive fatigue, it is admitted that ardent spirits will stimulate a wearj^ man, so that he wnll be able to labor with renewed vigor. This is the very nature of the pernu?pous liquor. But let it be remembered that the strengtli with which he then labors is not natural^ and when once the spirit is exhausted, he will sink much low- er than before, and a much longer time is requisite to re- cruit his constitution, than would have been necessary, had he drank no stim dating liquor,* If tiiese observations be not correct, I desire to kiaow how our ancestors lived ? That tliey were a more healthy race than we, the annals of their age testify. — '1 {jat they were as robust and athletic, their works, which * "Many imagine that hard lubor caniiot be supported Avithout dnnkinij strong drink. This though u common is a very erroneous i.otion. Men who never tasted such spirits are not only able to en- dure inore fatigue, but also live much longer than those who use iheni dai^y. But suppose such liquors qualified a man to perform ir.oie work, they must, notwithstanding, waste the powers of life, and, of course, occasion premature old age. They keep up a cou- siant fever, which consumes the spirits ; heats and inflames the blood, and predisposes the body to numberless diseases. All imox- icaiing liquors may be considered as poisons. However dis- guised, this is their real character ; and sooner or later they will iiave their pernicious efTccts.'* Bn. Buciian. 21 still remain, abundanlly prove. And that they could en- dure greater hardsliips, is manifest to all who have read the liistory of the first settlement of this country. And yet they were never in the habitual use of ardent spirits. An aged mechanic of my acciuaintance, above fourscore years ofaq;e, and who is still li\ing, has* frequently assu- red me, tiiat when he was an apprentice strong drink was thought no more necessary for laboring men than oi)ium or any other drug, and that a bottle of spirits oc- cupied the same place in a family that a vial ot laudanum does in the present day.* That spirits will not help a man to bear the cold is manilest to every one that has tried the experiment. — Alaiiy think this liquor necessary in hot weather, but this also is an erroneous sentiment. It increases the heat, and promotes a tendency to putrefaction, whicii in that season exists in ail animal substances. | In this point * That ardent spirits are not rendered necessary in the present day by a nialeriul clian.s'C of climate or any other natural cause, but that men can AviUiout danger break ofV suddenly, live as comfortably, and work as hard without it, if cUsposcd, the following- facts arc con- sidered as good evidence. I In an excursion throuc^h this County in the mont'.i of August last, I became acquainted with three men who were in the habit of using- no ardent spirits. Ojic of them was near- ly sixty years of age and had been accustomed to a free use o^ it Cthough not to intoxication) from his youth until about a year before, at which time he suddenly and entirely abandoned the practice. He declared, in the most solemn manner, that after a few weeks priva- tion he had no inclination after it — tluit at no time did he experience any evil eiTects for the want of it, but on the contrary found himself able to endure as great hardships, and uniformly recovered sooner from their effects than vvlien he used spirits. The other two (one thitty and the other forty-five years of age) had drank no kind of spir- its, except in sickness, for the space oi seven or eight years, and both declared that they suffered no inconvenience for the want of it at any time, not even in the laborious season of harvest. t This maybe consiciered as incorrect reasoning from the circum- stance that animal substances may be preserved for years by oeing immersed in spirits, and that they are often applied externally to prevent moriitication. liut a moment's consideration will produce the conviction that their effects arc vastly different in these cases. AVhcn externally applied to wounds or raw ilcsh, they extract cor- rupt and corrosive humors aad have a tendency to heal or preserve. But when taken internally, they are pent up in the stomach, create a fever, consequently produce a fermentation in \\\c iluids and im- pel the whole system to putrefaction. »» 22 of view it is manifestly dangerous to use it in hot weath- er. People need not fear the effects of cold water, if they take proper precautions before they drink. It is said by some that this raging liquid will do a man no harm, if he sweat freely after drinkuig it. This is a palpable error. No part of the liquor is thrown oft b}^ perspiration, which being retained would injure the con- stitution. All the poisonous qualities are safely lodged in the system, while the watery particles are evacuated. As well might you expect to prevent the effects of a dose of poisnn by perspiration, as to prevent injury from ar- dent spirits by the same mean. 2. Obj. — 1 he present habits of society forbid the adop- tion of tlie proposed remedy. It would be impolite to refuse the solicitations of our friends to drink, and still more so to neglect to invite them when they visit us. In addition to this, we should have a rebellion among mechanics and laborers. The consequence would be, we must live without houses, for mechanics would not build them without nun ; our harvests must drop into the ground, for reapers c^uld not be obtained with- out rum 'y in short, we could have no work done without rum. Ans. — There are many modern practices inconsistent with Christianity. Kjwzii ye not tliat the jriendship of the ivorld is enmity ivith God f Whosoever thervjore will be a friend oj the ivorld is the enemy of God. — James iv. 4. By the same rule, he that would be the friend of God must reject the friendship of the world. — The religion of Jesus Christ would soon become a muti- lated system, if every generation were permitted to ac- commodate it to their peculiar babiis. But the word of God is the supreme law. All our practices ought to be conformed to that divine rule. The gospel contains the best system of p(^]iteness ; and be it remembered that our Savior never [iromised a reward to hiui who sliould give to drink unto one oJ these little ones a glass o/ bran- dy and water, but to him ivho shall give a cup o^ cold zvater only. — Mat. x. 42. We ought to set a higher value ?ipou this blessing of Jesus and strive more earnest- 23 Iv to obtain it, than the thanks often thousand drunk- But is there no way to treat our friends Hjtely and agreeably but with a bottle in our bands? ^V ill they "ot be satisfied with our society, our conversation and a plen- tiful repast in its proper season, or an occasional dessert when it may be necessary ? If they will not then we are bound to reject their friendship, if we would have the Lord for our friend. _ But the latter part of this objection is entitled to |.ar- ticular consideration. In answer to which it may be ob- served that it is an unjust reflection upon the whole class of mechanics and laborers. There are many even now, and there would soon be more, who would labor with- out spirits, if employers would take their proper stand and do their di-.ty. The encouragement of higher wa- ges oueht t..be given to temperate laborers ; and this roijiht be done without the smallest injury to tlie em- plover. If a man can now afford to give a dollar per day and a shilling's worth of rum, he could as well pay nme shillings to a man who would work without it ; and even more, because more work would be done and in better order Upon this plan there would be a gam both to the employer and laborer. The latter would be more than thirty dollars richer at the end of the ytar, than i be had drank as usual. This consideration of itself would induce many of tiiat class to labor without rum 3 Obj —Many obtain their living by making, and others bv vending ardent spirits, and the proposed rem- edy, if universally adopted, would throw them out o. ^"ahJ — Then let them turn to the soil and gel ^nhoii- csl livelihood as others do. If the produce of the West- India Islands, without being converted into rum, be in- sufficient to support the inhabitants, let them emigrate to the United States. We have vacant lauds enough m Aarious climates to employ millions besides them. Ibe same way of living lies open to our own citizens, who are now enriching themselves at the expence of the souls and bodies of their neighbors. If the eiTects of strong drink 24 be snch as have been represented, tlien the employment of selling ardent spirits cannot be consistent with a ciiris- tian profession. And it is a matter of astonishment that this em|)lo3'ment has not been |)roscribed by every chris- tian denomination. But the Quakers stand alone in op- position to this nefarious traffic. The Methodists also have taken a commendable step in prohibiting their mem- bers the use of ardent spirits, unless by the adviceof a phy- sician ; but it is to be lamented that they have not prevent- ed them from furnisliing others with the means of intoxica- tion. Regulations so exactly conformed to the spirit of Christianity, as those existing among the Friends, ought to be adopted and strictly observed by every religious denomination. 4. Oh). — The proposed remedy will be so slow in its operation that there is no encoul-agement to adopt it — It in presumption fortwo or three to think of reforming the whole worlri. Ans. — Are not the blessings of health, wealth and irre- proachable character, a clear conscience and the appro- bation of heaven, sufficient motives to iijduce a few to lelinquish the accursed thing, even though none v^-ere prevailed upon to follow their example ? But it will be observed that the only question is— Whether the pro- posed remedy be right in itself? If so, it is proper for all who are convinced of its propriety, immediately to adopt it ; and the probability of its not succeeding, gen- erally, ought to have no discouraging influence. But the objection is believed to be entirely groundless. It is presumed that wlien the current is once turned, it will run with greater rapidity the contrary way. Only let as great a stigma be placed upon a de.sire after liquor, as tliere is now upon the other lusts of the fxesh, and instances ©f drunkenness will become as rare as acts of adultery. The most abandoned characters do regard the popular opinion, and it cannot fail to have influence upon tiieii' public conduct. 5. Ol>j -^The proposed remedy will never be adopted by those who are in the habit of drinking to intoxication. ;No argiupents will prevail upon them to quit the use of 2$ ardent spirits altogether. We want ^a remedy thafc drunkards will apply. Ans. — It is not expected that such characters will adopt the remedy proposed. Nothing short ot a mira- cle of grace will change their hahits ; and such a work we can scarcely ho[)e will be performed upon them. Our principal ol)ject is not to cure drunkards. An eflectual remedy for them is beyond our reach. Let them kill themselves and perish eternally, since they are determin- ed upon it, and we cannot prevent them ; but let us en- deavor to make their successors temperate men. This, the proposed remedy is calculated to eirect. In this point of view, the objection vanishes. 6. Ohj. — Even/ creature of God is good, and nothing to he refused ij it he received xvitli thanksgiving, fur it is sanctijied by the word of God and prayer. — I. Tim. iv. 4, o. Ans. — Many people consider this text as a licence for the use of strong drink, and they consider it as an unan- swerable argument because it is the word of God ; but the Devd can quote scripture to serve his own purposes. It will however be observed that Paul did not allude to this, when he made the above observation, but to meats which he foresaw certain impostors would forbid christians to use. But there are several ways in which the objec- tion founded on these words may be disposed of without restricting the apostle's meaning to meats. No one that makes use of this objection will consider it as a licence for mtemperance. All agre.^ that it ought to be confined to its proper place Now, it is confidently believed that its proper place has been assigned in this discourse, the very place to which it is restricted by the word of God. When it is necessary for the preservation of life or health, then it ought not to be refused. But when it is desired merely to please the taste, to gratify the lusts of the tlesh, or to enable a man to do more work than his nature can bear without it, then it ought to be refiised. Again — admitting strong drink to occupy a place with- in the limits of the Apostle's indulgence, he clearly points 26 out the manner in which it is to be received and used, viz. zvith thanksgiving. Therefore let no man dare to taste a drop of this hqiior, but when he can with a clear conscience, with clean hands, with a pure heart and with unteigned lips, give thanks to God for it. If this be done, and this the objector is bounden to do, it is believed that the force ol the ol)jection is entirel}^ destroyed. A number of inferences will conclude this discourse.— 1. This subject te^^ches the fully of intemperance. A man gains notiiing by it, and loses every thing. He lo- ses his strength — liis health — his reason — his character — his estate — his life — and what is more than all he loses htcwen. Truly, said the wise man, *' Wine is a m^cker,^ strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived there- b^ is not wise." — Prov, xx. 1. " Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning that they may follow strong drink, that continue until night till wme inflame them.'* Jsa. v. 1 1 " Woe unto the men that are mighty to drink wine,andmen of strength to mingle strong drink.'*Ver.212. '* x\s the fire devoureth the stubble and the ^ame consu- me' h the chj^lf, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have cast av\ ay the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled, and he hath stretched out his hand against thrill, and hath smitten them ; and the hills tremble, and their carcases are torn in the midst of the street. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretch- ed out still.*' — Ver. 24, li^5. "Awake ye drunkards and weep, and howl all ye drinkers of wine."— Joel i. 5. " Ye shall not drink wine with a song ; strong drink shall be bitter to you." — Isa. xxiv 9. "Stay your- selves and wonder; cry ye out, and cry; ye shall be drunken, but not with wine; ye shall stagger, but not with strong drink."— Chap. xxix. 9. " Ye shall drink at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury ; ye shall drink the dregs of the cup of trembling and wnng them out." — Chap li. 17. " The same shall drink of the wine of the wralh ot God, whici; \i poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and shall be tormented 27 with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy An- gels and in the presence of the Lamb ; and tlie smoke of their torment ascendcth up forever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night." — Rev. xiv. 10, 11. Wliat can he be called but a fool who would procure such a portion for the short-lived gratification of his sensual ap- petites ? 2. This subject shews when ardent spirits may be law- fully used, viz. when they are necessary for the preserva- tion of life or health. It is believed that in no other in- stance will nature crave strong drink unless the appetite has been vitiated by habits of intemperance. In such cases the sacred scriptures recommend it. Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and zuine to them that are of a heavy heart. — Prov. xxxi, 6. Drink no longer zcater, but use a little ivine for ihj^ stomach's sake and thine oJiAn infirmities.^ — I. Tim. v. 23. Wiiile on the other hand the bible abounds with denunciations and curses upon those that drink strong drink, [Vid. page 26] or that put lA the bottle to their neighbors* lips. — Vid. Mab. ii. \5. 3. This subject exposes the impropriety of the prac- tice, still existing in some parts of the country, of serv- ing spirituous liquors on funeral occasions. It looks too much like the relics of barbarism. Let heathen tribes, who have but iaint ideas of the immortahty of the soul, and wiio have no correct notions of a future state, eat and drink, and thus drown the sorrow caused by the deatn of their friends, but let christians upon such solemn occasions " watch and be sober." There has been a plau- sible plea for ttie practice in question Some cumulating liquor has been esteemed necessary to prevent infection. * St. Paul's recommendation affords abundant evidence that Tim- othy was a very temperate man, even to such adcii;ree th »t he would drink nothing but water until wine was recommended Dy an i.ispii ed apostle. Nor does the above recommendation afford tne least room to conjecture that Paul was an advocate for the constant use of wine or strong drink. On the contrary, the circu instances under which •he recommends it, clearly exhibit his viev.s ot the suoject — viz. that "ivine ought to be used as a 7ncdicine. 28 But it has been shewn that instead of preventing, it pre- disposes the human system 1:0 imbibe disease. There- fore, the supposed cause being removed, it is earnestly wished that the practice may henceforth cease. 4. In view ot this subject we are led to deplore the existence of so many taverns and tippHng houses as have been, and still are, in this county. It is the direct way to corrupt the morals and exhaust the wealth of the peo- ple. Upon this pohit, thple. Here our youth, the growing hopes of our country, are initiated in all the mysteries of iniquity, and lay the foundation of those destructive hab- its that never forsake them. Here they are taught to praciice the dialect of infernal spirits and to rival the ve- ry demons in the use of profane and blasphemous ex- prcssi> ns." i he truth of the above observations was never more clearly proved in Pennsylvania, than they have been^ 29 'Within a few years, in this County. There is scarcelj^ >aby path ou which three or four bouses stand contigu- ous to each otlier, but \ ou may find i^Jiat is called ** an Inn." Aud in many places wliere there are a few more inhabitants you will tind two, three and four within a st'^ne^s throw of each other. And what is the object of more than one half of them ? Surely not to entertain travellers, for what they make by such customers would not half pay their excise. They are set up to entertain ?i(fighbo7'Si and to collect from them a few sixpences of their daily earnings. And how have drunkards and profane swearers and sab'oath breakers and toivn-paupers increased with the increase of taverns. Some plead for a multiplicity of tavei'ns on the ground that the town-revenue is uicreased by granting so many licences. " The excise is fdtten'cl with the rich result Of all this riot ; and ten thousand casks, Forever dribbling out their base contents, Touch'd, by the Midas finger of the state, Bleed gold for ministers to sport away. Drink, and be mad, then ; tis your country bids I Gloriously dr^k, obey the important call 1 fier cause demands the assistance of your throats, Ye ail can swallow and she asks no more." COWPER. This plea is almost too simple to merit an answer. It 'is sufficient to observe, that aside from the demoralizing etfects ot a multiplicity of taverns, they greatly increase the number of paupers and consequently enlarge the taxes of the people.^ 5. This subject teaches the duty of tavern keepers and other retailers of ardent spirits. If nothing but the truth have been exhibited in this discourse it is their du- * The following anecdote is a fact. An aged man who had a number of intemperate s>uns, complained to a commissioner of ex- cise that he had licensed too many taverns. The Commissioner re- plied, Oh 1 they all help to diminish your taxes. Ah, said the old man, you do not consider that they arc bringing all my sons upon the to^yn. . 30 ty to sell ardent spirits to no one unless they are satisfied that it is immediately necessary for the preserva- tion of life or iiealth, or will be used only in those instan- ces ; and if they have not resolution to deny their custom- ers e:a}ept in such cases, they ought immediately to re- linquish the enii)loyment, and if necessary seek another calling. But admitting that the doctrine which has beea advanced in this discourse be erroneous, it is manifestly their duty to observe and comply with the laws of their country. The existing law ot this state for the regula- tion of taverns, forbids under heavy penalties, any tavern keeper to allow any species of gambling, or to keep any instrument or device tor that purpose in his house, out- house or yard ; to sell ardent spirits to any apprentice, servant or slave, or to any person on the Lord \s day, except strangers and travellers tolerated by law. And yet in defiance of this law, hov/ common is it to find a gambling b^'use and tavern under the same roof, where apprentices, children and servants, are as welcome guests as any in the world, provided they have inoney^ in many of which more liquor is sold on the sabbath than on any other day in the week ; not to strangers and travellers, but to the prettnided worshippers of the living God.* Now how can a man pretend to be a friend to his country and not conform himself to her wholesome laws ? How can be expect his wealth to prosper, when he has obtained it by destroying tlie souls and bodies of his neighbors } And how can he hope lor heaven ; wlien the very house in which he lives is the gate of hell and multitudes have gone there tln'ough it ? What claim can those have to humanity who will sell liquor to a man already intoxicated ? The usual plea is " ill do not let him have it another will." But would you consider an Apothecary innocent, who would sell a * It is said to be no uncommon thins^ in some congregat.ir>nist in accomplishing these important objects we ought to use every lawful means in our power to diminish the facility with which ardent spirits are obtained. In ef- fecting this mucli may be done by enforcing the salutary laws of our Country. AVe ought not from a revengeful or covetous disposition to complain of tavern and store keepers* for a breach of those laws ; but it is manifestly our duty to see the laws executed when they are trans- gressed before our eyes. Truly it is a disagreeable task to complain of our neighbors, but if our laws are just, and we are friends to the government, how can we see them broken with impunity ?f * Some of tliis class in the country, it is believed are g^reater nui- sances to the public than any of the former. They usually sell liquor in larger quantities, at a much lower pnce, and in open violation of the law permit it to be drank in their stores. Hence when men meet at one of these places they usually drink twice as much as they would at a tavern. t People in general pass over many breaches of the law for fear of making personal enemies should they enter complaint. Without shewing the impropriety of being inlluenced by such a principle, it may be observed that this difficulty may be in a great measure obvia- ted by a number of persons entering into an association for the pur- pose of executing those laws. In this case all complaints would be entered in the name of the association and therefore no ii.ilividual would be the particular object of malevolence. • 34 This subject claims the special attention of those ta- vern-ket pers and other retailers of strong drink, who in their calhnghave violated the laws of God and disregarded the laws ofthe state. We hope they have not declared open war with the hnman family, and resolved to extir- pate them from the face of the earth. But what, breth- ren, are you doing, and what have you been doing these many years ? Have you not been casting fire-brands, arrows and death, all around you ; and peopling the re- gions of eternal despair.'' Could you once see the evils which you have been nourishing and spreading around you, ifyou have one particle of love for the human race, metliinks you would weep tears of blood. Look around for a moment and behold the etfects of what you have done. There are several of your neighbors falling in ar- rears every year. Their farms lie open to the commons, their housesfalling to the ground, and their children cloth- ed in rags, growing up without morals or education. — You knov/ the cause. They have been your daily cus- tomers and you never denied them because they came with mnney in their hands, or you have a mortgage upon their premises. Another of your neighbors is frequently picked up HI the streets. This never happens but when he has been at your house. Another gets drunk — beats his wife and chifdren,and then turns them out of doors. A few lioms before this, you had replenished his bottle. — You see men profaning the Sabbath — you hear them swearlno and cursing in the streets. Remember they learned these vices under your roof The public peace is often disturbed — and where do these disasters occur ^ Nine times in ten within sight of your houses. And could your eyes penetrate the dark regions of hell, doubt- less, you would behold many there, suflering the pain of eternal fire, who, but for you, might have been still alive or enjoying endless felicity in the kingdom of glory. Can you contemplate these evils without having your hearts filled with sorrow^ ? And if you are now pained at ther^cita!,what willyou dowhenyou meet your injured, vvretched, lost, eternally undone fellow-creatures at the biw of God ? How will you be able to stand before their 35 heavy accusations when they cry out " You were the mean of bringing me into this wretched place ! Under your rnof I learned to drink, and swear, and Jie, and work every other abomination." How dreadliil your fate should you be their eternal companions, and be forever tormented with their constant accusations ! But shouid you be so happy as to be found among tlic redeemed of the Lord, if a pang of sorrow could ever enter a celestial mind it must be at such an interview. Brethren, be intreated to stop. Hitherto you have done much harm. Henceforth endeavor to do good. Reform your hearts, reform your lives, reform your hou- ses. And if you have not resolution to keep your stores or taverns under the proposed regulations, relnuuiish the employment. Our country is wide and there are many other occupations to afford you a liveliliood. You had better go into the wilderness and live and die in obscuri- ty, than to continue your em()loyment in the present lat- itude of indulgence, and be instrumental in destroying the souls and bodies of your fellow-men. 2. Our duty as christians. The church is a body com- posed of persons who were once of various characters. — The time has been when some of them were addicted to intemperance, and even now they are occasionally betray-^ ed into that sin. The manner in which that lamentai)le circumstance usually takes place, is the following : They are in the habits of using a little spirits daily, as their brethren in general do. Sometimes they find the liquor highly agreeable, and themselves feeble in resisting temp- tation. They taste again — their old thirst returns — they lose all command of themselves, and before they reflect upon the awful consequences, they are intoxicated. Now is it not probable that this blot upon a christian pro- fession would have been prevented had the person not been in the daily habit of drinking ? And would not a professing christian, who has a thirst for liquor, be greatly encouraged to deny himself entirely, did he know that all his brethren voluntarily submit to the same privation ? Is it not a fact that a man experiences great difliculty in denying himself that which he knows his brethren use 36 without restraint ? Let christians then beware how they " put the cup to their brother s lips," It has frequently been done with their //fl'wrf^--s5 ill more frequently with their longues, and in ten thousand instances by their ex- amnlc. it is verily believed that tlie rapid increase and awful prevalence of intemperance in this day is to be ascribed to the freedom with which protessing christians use strong drink more than to any .-^ther cause. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. — Mat. V. 14. Wicked men are ever watching, and they gree- dily avail themselves of the example nf christians, to qui- et their own consciences and justify their wickedness. Hence, avs professing christians are not ashamed to go to a tavern and call for liquor, sinners are not. As chris- tians in visiting each other are not ashamed to sit with a l)ottle before them, drunkards are not. The consequence is that intemperance with all its pernicious consequences irourished by the example of christians, is spreading and increasing among all classes of society. Christian bre- thren, make a solemn pause ! Consider v^ hat you have been doing, and resolve to do so no more. You deplore the existence of so many taverns. You lament whenever a new one is licenced or a distillery established. But re- member, though there were a thousand to one of these infernal dens, if you would not countenance the use of strong drink by your example, intemperance would not prevail so much as it does at present. It is therefore ve- ry much in your povver to check and diminish the pre- •valence of this abominable vice. And do you hate sin ! Do you esteem virtue ? Do you value tlie souls of your fellow men ? Do vou love the Lord Jesus Christ ? Do you regard the divine glory ? 7'hen surely 3'ou are ready to make great sacrifices to attain these important ob- jects. 3. Our duty as ministers of the gospel. We are to be faithful not only in teaching our people, but also in setting Lefore them a godly example. It is to be apprehended that ministers of the gospel in the present day fall short of the apostolic example in few instances more thai in that of temperance. 37 It is not intimaled to be our duty to submit immediate- ly to all the privations to wbicli the Apostic^did. I3nt tliis much may be safely afiirmed that we ought to stand ready and feel perfectly willing to submit to all these, and even more, whenever the cause of the great Redeemer shall re- quire it. And it is confidently believed that 720:0 is the time which calls upon us to abstain entirely from the common use of strong drink. It is to be appreliended that many a minister has been instrumental in promoting intemperance among the peo- ple of his charge, merfiiy by permitting himself occasion- ally to use ardent spirits. If so, will he be free from the blood of all men ? Let one who sustains the sacred charac- ter allov^ himself in theiiabitual use of a half gilL of spirits a-day, and many of his people will consider it a sufficient warrant for them to use a pint in. the same time. Their avocations being more laborious than his, they erroneous- ly conclude that they need proportionably greater stimu- lus. Hence, upheld by bis example, their intemper- ance increases, until they become confirmed drunkards. And alas ! how frequently is ii the case with members of the church 1 Sometimes a minister himself falls into this abominable sin. *' If angels weep, it is at such a sight."* But how does this happen ? Merely by allowing himself to use ardent spirits as a relief from fatigue. He has fol- lowed the practice perhaps for years, without being intox- icated. But in an un propitious moment his resolution forsakes him and he falls to the disgrace of his profession — to the wounding of his brethren, and to the great dis- honor of his Lord and Master. Are not all these evil efiects in some instances likely to ensue li' mmisters of the gospel do not immediately and entirely quit the use of intoxicating liquor ? li the disci- ples knew not wh^it manner of spirit they were of, surely we do not. And who knows that some' of us may not fall into tliis disgraceful sin, if we do not immediately cume out from among the drinkers of strong drink and be separate, and touch no more the unclean tiling. ^ Rush. . 38 Unless this course is taken, Low sbali a minister dis- countenance intemperance among bis people ? Shall he preach against it ? What good will that do when his peo- ple know that the moment he leaves the pulpit he will seek refreshment in strong drink ? He may reprove drunk- ards and they will feel guilty. But what will he do with those who are mighty to drink without being intoxicated. He may tell them that a quart or a pint a-day is too much for any man, and each will reply It is true I drink a great deal, but you never saw me drunk : my employment is laboiious and my constitution requires more stimulus than many others : a pint is no more for me than a gill for you. You are your own judge of the quantity necessary for yourself, ;mkI I am entitled to the same privilege of judg- ing for myself. Is there any way to stop the mouth of such a person but by shewing that ardent spirits are un- necessary ? And is it possible for a mmister to enforce this doctrine by precept unassisted by example ^ The Apostle Paul in the exercise of supreme love to God and fervent charity to his brethren, influenced by an earnest desire to promote the Redeemer's kingdom among men declared. If meat make my brother to oflend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to oilend. 1. Cor. viii. 13. The true mmis- ters of the gospel in this day have the same temper of heart, and are influenced by the same motives. 1 here- fore, they will be ready to say, suice rum makes my brethren to offend, and destroys multitudes of immortal souls, 1 will drink no strong drink while the world stand- eth. [from the CONNECTICUT CO U RANT.] ' n Messrs. Hudson and Goodwin, I find in the Panoplist and Mission:\ry Magazine, of October, 1810, a letter from Rev. Mr. Badger, a missionary, to Rev. Dr. Holmes ; stating the following facts. Mr Bad.eer began his missionary services with the tribe of which he speaks, in the summer of 1805. In his letter aforementioned, he says : " Shortly after my arrival among the " Wyandots, I had opportunity to see all the prhicipal chiefs of the *' nation together. I determined not to let this opportunity slip, with- *' out trying some arguments to dissuade them from the use of spirit- " uous liquors. I stated to them the evils they had sutVcred, both in *' health and property, by their intemperance. — After hearing me, " they consulted among themselves about an answer. At length the *' principal chief of the nation addressed me thus : — " Father listen. You have now told us the truth. We thank ijoufor " your advice. We have agreed to drink no more ivhiskcy^ Mr. Badger adds, " From that time they have universally abstained " from the use of spiritous liquors.'* Viewing this account as unquestionably true, I must consider it as one of the most remarkable things I ever met with in the history of nian. — The letter was written, April 20, 1810 : so that it appears, those druriken Indians, having agreed together to abstain from the use of spirituous liquors, had already kept this agreement universally , for the long term of five years nearly. It is obvious to remark further, that those Indians were induced to break off their habits of intemperance, from motives of temjioral in- terest alone. For vath the higher motives of religion, they were not acquainted when they entered into this agreement ; nor does it appear from the letter, that more than one Wyandot-man had at last any cordial attachment to the gosi)cl. The missionary stated to them « the evils they had suffered, both in health and /iro^ierty^ by their in- temperance." Upon this, consulting together, and becoming fully convinced that he had told them the truth, or that llicir intemperance had greatly injured them both as to health and firojicrty^ they unani- mously resolved to break ofi'this pernicious habit, and manfully main- tained their resolution, not for a few months merely, but for five years to^-ether. In truth, this is an admirable instance of sturdiness of re- solution ; an example worthy of general and respectful notice. Intemperance is making awful inroads, at this day, in our country. A writer in the aforementioned Magazine affirms that, '-a pretty ac- curate estimate was lately made of the quantity of \yest-lndid rum consumed in a year, in a small country town which lies somewhere in New-England" — and that " the result of the estimate was, that ten #