The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-08-23
Ge@S1perTegee @eparGoogeoue.
PREPARED FOR THE VERMONT PRESS By
THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE VT.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.
TEMPERANCE TALES.

The monthly, and semi.monthly issue Of
many Temperance papers creates demand
on their part. for entertaining and instruc.
tive matter which is most readily supplied
BY draft on the imagination. For this
reason, in part, and in part because a sub.
Ject at once so important and so popular as
that of temperance is of Itself an inviting
field 10 the talented author, on which to
manifest the power and grace of his pen,
before the eye Of a multitude of readers whom
there is opportunity both TO deli ght and af.
fect,-for both reasons we say, the press is
continually pouring forth stream of ina.
ginative and entertaining productions.
Within certain limits these fctions possess
a value, as they certainly possess conven-
ience,-cven as vehicles of truth. The
convenience, doubtless, is in advance of the
value; since, whenever, in the enforcement
of particular topic, relating 10 right prin-
ciPles or practice. an Illustration in the way
Of facts is requisite the versatile advocate
of our cause may apply al tho store-house
of his own vivid imagination for facts of
The very pattern to fit his necessity, be it
humorous, pathetic, or horrible.
Truth however, as far transcends in val.
ue the most talented fiction, as an origin in
the fancy is transcribed BY an origin in the
Providence Of God. For the useful effect
of fiction We have little security, except in
the capacity. judgment and penetration of
its author, respecting what is conformed to
the mind and circumstances of man, and n.
dapted TO his improvement. But a sober
narrative Of actual facts has security in.
comParably more satisfying. The things
narrated are natural, because they had orr.
gin in the course of natural events; they are
credible because they have actually taken
place; they are safe and instructive, because
they are links in the grand chain of occur
rences which constitute human history.
No benevolent man will contemn that
which is adapted TO the production of right
impressions and desirable moral effects un.
whatever form, either Of fiction or truth, i,
my present self. There are however bounds
and proportions that cannot be overstepped
without injury. The continual excitement
of the emotions, in connection with nara.
tives Of mere fancy, and which are known
or presently asceriained to be such, has
tendency to disjoin two thing. which the
Being who formed the soul and assigned
duti es TO men intended should meet, in
the closest union,- which things arc the c
motions of the heart and the activity Of Ia.
borious and self-denying effort. Fictitious
writings have their value, but when unduly
multiplied they overshadow truth. and be
come like weeds to the valuable plants of
the garden. When fiction obtrudes bevond
its proper limits,-when it offers TO take the
place and claim the respect which truth
holds a, her own rightful prerogotive, es-
seniial injury is 10 be apprehended. For this
reason we regard with entire disapprobation
a recommendation in one of the Massachu-
sets Temperance paper. that their Picnic
tales should be introduced 10 the libraries Of
Sunday Schools. Ofthose tales we speak of
course, in this connection only so far as
they are fictitious. Narratives of real ana
wretched inebriates and their families. if
composed in right spirit and manner, will
kave the value, as they will have the impress
also, OF TRUTH.
Middlebury, Aug. 10Th.