Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1842-10-14
THE TEMPERANCE REFORMING. 2.


The second obstacle to the universal prevalence
of the Temperance Cause which would notice is,
the injurious influence of the moderate drinker.
The operations the first Temperance advocates
were directed against the of alcohol in every
form, but merely against its eroessire use. But
their influence was small as they partook of the
incbrating draught from which they would
dissuade their less cautious brethren. They soon
discovered the Inconsistency of their course-that
they were pulling down with one hand what they
were building up with the other. They saw that
they must abandon the use of alcohol entirely, or
give up the hope of success in destroying the strong
holds of Intcmperance. They now rallied around
the banner of Total Abstinence, under whose proud
folds they have recently accomplished victories
which were heretofore considered absolutely inn
practicable Multtudes who a short time since
their most hostile enemies, are now their
most ardent friends. These have united their
forces and call upon all friends of virtue and order
TO assist them in freeing country from that cruel
monster which has SO long infested it. But here
they are met by certain class who refuse to enroll
themselves under our standard, or 10 engage in the
active duties devolving upon the friends of this
cause. / refer 10 the moderate drinkers Their
language is, "your cause has accomplished much
good, but cannot 20 with you | cannot deprive
myself of 'the bounties of nature Thus while
the cry of widows and orphans, whose guardian
support has fallen II victim to the fell destroyer
rcnds the air-while thousands are being allured by
its fascinating charms TO crimes 'whose incense
stcams to heaven" these individuals shut their
eyes unconcernedly view the whole without
lifting finger to remove the cause OF all this woe
al I..S
Paul. when he said, IF meat make my brother TO
offend, will cat no more flesh while the world
standeth Let them here learn the noble lesson of
sef-sacriice for the good of others. And while
they know that they do much TO advance hui
man happiness by throwing their influence into the
channel of Total Abstinence, they will receive in
fniely more pleasure than by still adhering to
their favorte cup.
1t is vain for them 10 pretend that while they
may do nothing in favor of temperance, yet they
are exerting no influence against it. The inehriate
is invited to reform and sign the pledge but he with
an exultlng smile points to neigbbor A., neighbor
H., or Esquire C., (all respectable citizens, yet
temperate drinkers) and says, "These men who
stand high in public favor use alcohol, and cannot
do the same This plea avails with him and he
continues his destructive course. Temperance as
Christianity says 'lIe that is not for is against
me- The moderate drinker, though seemingly
neutral is exerting by his example silent yet GER
tain influence which operates powerfully TO retard
the progress of this cause and blight the hopes of
its advocates. Let them seriously reflect upon
these considerations which offered in the spirit
of kindness for our mutual good. And let us all
cherish that spirit of benevoence which shone SO
consPcuously in the life of the philanthropic How
ard, and we shall be induced like him to go forth
and take the guage and dimensions of misery, de-
preston and contempt, and show by example, as
well as precept that we DESTROYS of meliorating
the unhappy condition of our erring but unfortun-
ate brethren. l..
| Vernon, Sept. 1912,