The Northern star, and constitutionalist. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1834-1837, 1835-04-25
For the Star.
II L nj = Err A N C. T. /.

The sentiments OF the friends oi temperance nre
not unfrequen,ly misreprescnted, aud to such Il
degree, to be very preud cial 10 the success Of
their cuuse.
1t is also true, that the progress Of temperance
principles, has been much retarded by the injudic-
ous acts Of its friends i'm ,ome cases, the ardor
Of their zeal has unhappily taken precedence OF
their better judgment, aud need not say what has
boen the consequence, and what must ever he the
consequence of such procedure, in any cause
however righteous.
1t should be recolectcd, that nH the fren.is of
the temperance reform are not answerabe for the
i'dscreet acts Of lew.
For one, unequivocally declare myself an op-
en-. ardent, uncompromising enemy of intemper-
ance, and am determined, SO far as lies in my
power. to use all latcJul means to put it down,
and thus have the honor of exei,ing my feeble in
hueucs IN extrpatng this monster from the land,
and Kidding mankind of their greatest scourge.
The question which first presents itself is -
how shall this be done
The methods. by which this object may be nc
complished, are so numerous and diverse, l shall
not attempt, even 10 enuinerate them. My prin-
ciple object being ut this time ito shew that one
means which has been used in some inst ances, is
moi in the present state Of public opinion, one,
which will accomplish the great erd, but on the
contrary, is calculated TO ro;"s!, 10 great degree.
the work Ofreiorm :" The prohibition, by lao
Of the sale Of ardent spirits"
grant, that the civil authority have the right,
to make this prohibition ;-it therefore, becomes
question Of eapsdieney and not of right. Should
this power in the government be denied, think
this right be demonstrated satisfactorily, to
any impartial rfiind. shall now attempt to shew
that the prohibition Of the sale of this article would
not be productive Of the great end in view.
l. Our object is to put a stop to intemrcr-
make use of those means, which, from our own
experience and observation, and from the tes,imo-
ny ofothers, seems to be the most effectual meth
cd for the accomplishment Of this object.
The question then is, Can this Object be accom-
pshed by prohibiting the sale Of ardent spirits or
in other words, would such an act produce more
good tiinn harm. in the cause Of temperance i.-
If the former DO true, then we bound both us
men and philan,hropsts, to use all proper means
10 put stop 10 the sale Of this article If the
latter be true, we bound just rs strongly TO let
it entirely alone.
This question mny be viewed in the light of
re non and eIpe, ience, two Of the most power
ful engines for the discovery Of TRUTH which can
be welded by nan. Men are intellectual beings,
free agents, and as such, they must be treated
if we would influence their conduct.
Brutes may and must be governed by physical
force but a change in the moral condition OF
msn must be effected by change Of sentiment, -
change of sentiment can be wrought only by an
appeal to their moral principle, and by convincing
their Understandings. II is to be feared. chat those
who are strenuously in favor of promoting the
temperance cause by coercive measures, entirely
overlook the radical dstincton between man ant
brate t; !. o. ono US rational and the other 1ya.
,ionDi. .'-'---..------.-
The ncrest novice in the knowledge Of huma,
nature knows, that If we tell a man he shall no
do thing, that very irstan, his former feeble de
sire kindies into rage, which, neught perhaps. bu
an entire qualification, can subdse.
The natural and immediate effect Of this excite
mest is, to enlist all his powers Of mind and mone
~'~ '''Ne"So, !" o"o hBdHst the Cduf0 10
which this prohibition is made this will be great
er or less, according to tho circumstances Of III
individual Eu, take the huu,blesi indiy dual in IN
community, and le, there be any thing that wear
the remo,est semblance Of persecution Institute
against him, and how soon are the sumberinp syr
pathics ofhundrcds aroused from their apathy. an
engaged whha the ardor of enthusiasm in nj
behalf such is the natural constitution Of man
kind, and il may be quite beyond the power Z
temperance reformsrs to change it. How muc
more is this true when the individual is a psrso
Of opuence. or a character Of influence.
n This will be the natural effect, Of purposel
II, dsranging the business Of an individual for Il
advancement Of the work Of reform.
When the Apostles were doing all in their pow
IN ei to establish the christian religion, and to pu
down the systems Of idola,ry 50 prevalent ups
tho earth. did they spend their time md powers
!. oi'sin fcm the civil auihori'yn prohibition Of II
manufac,urc OF images Of worship Cloa,Iy ne