Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-03-01


to destroy health, and shorten life. In a
vast multitude Of instances ii is the legi-
innate parent OF fevers, dropsies, con-
sumptlons, gouts, palsies and apoplex-
les"
"The effects of Incorporate drinking
are often terrible; under its malignant
influence the natural disposition is en-
tirely changed; persons who used to be
distinguished iergentleness, and habitual
cquanlmity Of temper, have become ex-
eesslVely morose, and irritable; it de-
thrones reason, and lets loose all the bad
passions, to range and rage withou, con-
troll. Ii more than brutalIzes the whole
man; and often causes the unhappy sub
Ject oil It's influence, to vent the most out
rageous abuse, upon near relations, and
most intimate friends" How many
husbands, who once cherished the most
tender affection for their wives, have
gradually exchanged it for the love Of
Intoxicating liquors. How many wives,
once lovely and well beloved, have in The
course of few months or years, been so
sadly changed by Incorporate drinking,
as to lose IN great measure that modes
~ and sense of shame, SO ornamental
their sex. How many fathers and mo-
theirs, who before they began course
OF intoxcatlon, were examples OF paren-
tai care and tenderness, have by vie ding
to It's baleiul influence, ceased to love
and cherish their own offspring" How
many dutitul and atfeciionate, sons and
bro hers, have undergone transform a.
uon so complete by means of the lntoxI
catlng drau8hl, that every spark oil iilial
reverence, aud paternal kindness, has
been finally exiiDguished. How many
whose friendship and society, were for
meriy sought on account OF the gentle
ness and agreeab.eness of their DISPOSE.
ton. have by course of incompetence,
been almost transformed into fiends, and
their company almost msupportabIe. 5"
In word, the incorporate use OF spirits
is an enemy 10 order, and an introduction
10 all kinds oil disorder and confusion.
Now how does II come 10 pass, that so
great an evil rs SO common; an evil
which produces SO much mischief with.
out any good We will endeayor to an
swer The question. al have once, saws
Dr. Rush, known drunkenness to de.
scend from the father to four out Of five
children" Here we see the children
learned 1t from their father, and no
doubt their neighbours too. :" Persons
on, OF health, says the same PHYSICIAN.
especially those who are afflicted with
diseases of the stomach or bowels,
are very apt TO seek relief from ardent
spirits Let such be cautious how they
use this dangerous remedy. | have
known many men of excellent charac
ter, who have been betrayed by OCCASION
al doses OF sin and brandy, into a love
OF these liquors; and have afterwards
fallen sacrifices TO their fatal effects
Thus we see that some become drunk
ards, by using spirits as a medicine.
ldleness is another source of intemper-
ance. In an old proverb, it very Justly
remarked, that an idle mans mind is the
devils workshop. Hard drinking is one
Of the vices into which the idle are ex-
tremely apt to fall. The countenance
which The practice of dram drinking re-
ceives from the sober and virtuous par,
OF the community, has contributed not a
little, to swell the tide that roars around
US, and fills every thoughtful mind with
painful apprehensions. 1t is thought by
many an essential part of common civI-
lily to treat their guests with ardent spi-
rils and with kind intentions the bottle
is brought and passed round the friendly
circle; and in order to appear very kind,
all are urged to drink. Ii any be to be
excused, it is presumed that something
is the matter. Why, Mr.. - am
sure you had better take little. Come
help yourself, | know it will do you
good. Perhaps you don't like this kind
of drink; let me bring you something
else; wha. would you choose we have
brandy, gin, rum" SC. SC. the CUES, still
declines drinking, the sweetened cup is
introduced, with repeated solicitations 10
drink, saying made il on purpose for
you, you need not be afraid, it is very
weak" sc. Thus the reluctant are
urged to drink, and by such means, con-
tract fondness for ardent spirits, which
ends in drunkenness, The common
practice Of dram drinking, in its various
shapes, greatly increases the vice of in
temperance. 1t is common opinion
that spirits are necessary on all occasions,
in all places, and in all circumstances.
With many, whiskey is an antido,e for
all maladies; 1t is guard against the