The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1826-04-26
For the Massachusetts, Spy.l

1t is often said, and, believe, truly said, no
other infrmity crecps and iastens upon man
kind so insensibly, as attachment TO ardent
splits. The remark is awfully confirmed by
observation. Not few, but many, persons of
decent, and even respectable standing. who
declaim loudly against intemperance, and con-
verse well upon the subject, are justly counted
by their neighbors, and most intimate friends,
candidates for dishonorabe and scottish close
of life. While they would shUdder at intoxi-
cation, or at staggering on their way from a
social circle; ii is knoTn, and whispered softly
with anxiety, that they Go indulge too freely,
and the propensity evidently gains strength.
Their complexion changes; their attention to
business is relaxed they beginto borrow mon
ey, instead of lending it as formerly; their af-
fairs call Them more frequently to the tavern
and the store, though they retain their standing
in society. To this early stage of intemper-
ance, the present and following numbers are
particularly pointed. 1t is a painful task TO
unbosom freely 10 a valuable and respectable
man, thus undermining his reputation, and oh.
securing his prospects. His wife, his children,
his friends, begin to tremble for him, but dare
not express their solicitude, unless in sacred
confidence, solenIply allege, if impressive init
nation of his danger is not sedSOnably given to
that man, his most intimate and confidential
friends are ineXcusable. By false and cruel
de!icacy, very tender and important duty
duty peculiarly incumbent OH the most con-
ddental friend, is, in such cases, too frequently
neglected. " see my friends danger, fear
the consequences of his present habits, and
sincerely hope some one, better calculated to
perform the Office than | am, will arrest his
progress in this course, and secure him and his
family from the tide of evils, TO which it is
leading. But | am not the man to do it's
This is language not seldom heard in such
cases. There is reason 10 believe, many an
individual has insensibly and quietly COM
menced and INDUCED habits of interperance,
till they were rooted and confirmed, without
one pointed and friendly admonition upon the
subject. After his propensity has acquired I'M
governabe strength, and his countenance pro-
claims his imprudence, then various friends ex-
press their anxiety, and offer him very excel
lent advice-it is too ate--the man is gone
his ambition ia paralized, his constitution is i'm
palred-he dies soi.
II is credibly affirmed, that Judge -,
standing in the street, conversing with Mr.
A. when Mr.. B passed them Mr.. A.
said Sir, wish for your advice in very ten
der point. My friend B. who is passing US, is
a worthy man, has very lovely family, and
respectable connexions; his character abroad
is uHsulled, but he is strangely and insensibly
sinking into habits of intemperance. love
the man, and lament his infrmity but wheth-
er | ought to speak to him on the subject,
cannot determine what, sir, do you suppose
my dutys---'rhe Judge answered and walked
on. lie soon met Mr.. 3. and entered into
when Mr.. A. passed them. Mr..
B. addressed the Judge in language, similar 10
that which MIR. A. had used expressed his
very sincere regret, that his friend 4. wor-
thy man, truly estmable, justly respected, and
extensively beloved, had lately alarmed his
friends, by visible aud growing londncss for
the cup and requested The Judge TO decide,
as in the other case, whether it was duty in
him (B,) 70 express his kind anxiety 10 his
friend A.?-----Esch neghbor aud friend saw
this inGrmi,y il the other, without any suspi-