Vandalia Whig and Illinois intelligencer. [volume] (Vandalia, Ill.) 1832-183?, 1833-07-31

have for their object the reformation Of
the Incorporate, and if possible to lead
the young and rising generation in the
paths of temperance and virtue; and
the means by which they propose to eff
feet their purposes, are-the diffusion OF
knowledge, in regard to the deleterious
influence of spirits upon the system; the
tendency and consequence Of the tenn
perate use of them, and their entire use
lessness in any case whatever. They
desire to present to their fellow men all
the arguments for and against the use Of
spirits, so that they may be able to make
up correct verdict in the case; and
they are sanguine in the belief, that
when the community shall have been
enlightened, by the experience of men
competent to judge, and of those whose
opinions on all subjects are entitled to
all credit, the verdict will be in their
favour. They are no secret societies,
dealing in mysteries-neither can they
be justly chargeable with any views in
FURIOUS to the governments under which
they exist-even the most conscientious
anti-mason or Observation-Disclosures
nionist, may, without the most remote
probability of danger to his person or
reputation, become members; and it
lis fact worthy of remark, that all de-
nominations of christians-all descrip-
tons of political parties, atsleast in the
United States, have among them men
of character and influence, who heartily
and fearlessly unite upon this great en-
terprise, who scarcely agree in any thing
else. This fact of itself should com
mend to the consideration of all good
men the temperance cause, which is in
tended to benefit the world, without any
sacrifice of principle, or money, or pro-
perty. Temperance societies constitute
part of that great system of benevolent
operations which are now going forward
in the world, calculated in their nature
and influence, to bring about that hap
Ply state of society so ardently desired
by all good men. And what has alrea-
dy been the result of temperance opera
lions? To the reading part of this as
sembly l need only say, that the fondest
expectations of its friends have been re-
allied, and they have sufficient encour,
agement to persevere in their laudable
enterprise.
When temperance operations first
commenced, there was very extensive
and bitter opposition exhibited by many,
even good men, who were opposed to
intemperance, decidedly so. They look
ed with a jealous eye upon what they
conceived an attempt to curtail their
liberties. Their feelings and habits
were enlisted in the opposition-they
had not examined the subject-they de-
cided (as men sometimes do on other
subjects without giving it candid and
thorough investigation. They have not,
however, been inattentive observers of
the operations of those societies; they
have witnessed the beneficial results in
their towns and neighborhoods, and have
las honest men should dog cast away
their prejudices and objections, and have
become Jealous advocates of that cause
they had heretofore opposed. Some,
however, yet stand opposed, or rather
have become neutral; and in justifca-
ton of their conduct, say, that they are
not aware that any good would result,
either to themselves or others, by join
ing temperance societies. They do not
drink spirits, or if they do, they are tenn
perate; and as for influence, they will
tell you they do not know that they have
any, or if they have, it is so limited that
it is scarcely worth while to attempt to
use it. To those l would say, that if
the fathers of the revolution had rea-
soned thus, and had they acted upon
that reasoning, what would at present
have been the condition of this fairest
portion of the globe? l need only point
you to the present condition of the
Emerald Isle,' or unfortunate Poland.
But thanks to high Heaven, they nei-
Their reasoned nor acted thus; they felt
the oppressor's hand, and determined to
be free; they did not consult ease or
personal safety; they had sworn, and
they would not violate the sacred oath.
Thank Heaven for that wisdom that en-
abled them to plan, and courage to
achieve their liberties, and to purchase,
although at the expense of much blood
and treasure, rich Inheritance for mil
lions yet unborn. The inferior officers
of the provincial government did not re-
fuse to lend their mightiest energies in