The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-09-19
WORCESTER:
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10. 1927.

lNTEMPERANcE. 1t is gratifying to witness
the efforts which are making, in various quar-
tiers, for the suppression of intemperance, that
crying evil, which has become more awful in
its consequences, than any other with which
our country over was afflicted 1t is a melan-
choly fact notwithstanding the boasts made OF
our morality, that we are the most addicted to
drunkenness of any people on the face of the
earth, and, for years past, the evil has seemed
to be constantly increasing. We are fully per-
suaded that the only means of interposinr an
effectual check TO its further progress, is, in
some way or other, to induce people to abstain
entirely from the use of ardent spirits. What
ever, then, is calculated to produce this effect
is worthy of encouragement, and of honorable
notice. We have long believed that no other
mode could be so effectual as that of all bodies
associated together for religious purposes, max
ing combined effort for this purpose. 1t is
therefore with peculiar satisfaction that we
publish the following Report, made to the late
meeting of the Baptist Association in this
town, and accepted by them
"The Committee are deeply impressed with
the awful prevalence of incompetence, as the
most destructive of personal and domestic hap
pness-of political and religious prosperity
but they are happy in believing that after
long and criminal apathy, the public mind has,
at length been partially aroused to the subject
Much good may justly be expected from the
exertions of the American Society for the
promotion of temperance.
A great amount of talent character and nie
ty is enlisted, and their scheme is the ONLY ade-
quate and successful one, viz. to encourage the
entire dlsuse of intoxicating liquors Except as
medicine) on the part of the community re-
puted sober and temperate Christian commu-
mites should take the lead in this work of refor-
nation. 1t is incumbent on the Church, to set
her face against the evil her Ministers should
lit up warning and desecrating voice her
Deacons should purchase to themselves good
degree, by vigorous exortions for its destruc-
ton and her members should combine their
efforts in this cause, while all united should
give the cause of temperance the influence of
their unwavering example.
The Committee believe that the resolution,
adopted at our last session has been productive
of much advantage they would, therefore, re-
commend the adoption Of the following ONE
Resot9ed, That it be earnestly recommended
to the Churches, TO continue and increase their
eXertIons for the suppression of intemperance, |
oy enueaVosing 10 persuade professors OF reDg-
ion and others to totally abstain from the use
of Intoxicating liquors, except as a medicine
to cease to present it TO their friends, or TO fur
nlsh it to those in their employ to INQUIRE of
hose who sell or distil spirit whether their en-
Dloyment is not criminal and to encourage
hose by our special patronage, who are abstin-
'nt. themselves, and who do not use or vend il
n their business; and to close the door of tho
Church against all persons who have been pre-
'Iously incorporate, except on condition Of TO-
al abstinence from Intoxicating spirits"