Ponola [sic] weekly register. (Ponola [sic], Miss.) 1843-1843, 1843-03-15

tnc olSulty Oh our nature which is de-
graded, the sancti,y Of the moral law
which is profaned, and the decencies g.
prophecies Of life, which are violated.
appeal 10 us in vain for action or this
subject; rejoice that they appea. not
in vain to the citizens in the neiehbor-
hood Of the Yazoo Pass.
On this day we have met together for
the purpose of forming a tee-to,aI alb
st'nencc society, of raising the standard
oil opposition TO the vice of intemper-
ance' OF lifting up a banner against it
And We invite all without distinction TO
JOIN US in the solemn pledge, to touch not.
taste not, handle not, the intoxicating
liquid. From the number and respecta-
blllty of this assembly, we anticipate n
most fortunate commencement; you are
no doubt impressed with the neccessitv
there exists for such society amono
us as well as convinced of The great good
that will result from it. Our county
from its situation offers peculiar Eacili
Ties to all who wish to indulge in ardent
spirits Boats that are daily touching
at our shores, are very liberal with
their liquor, in hopes that by getting the
farmer little doo>y he may become
more liberal with his cash. This has
caused Intemperancc to prevail here to a
greater extent than in almost anv other
portion OF our State, and will be DOW
eriul obstacle 10 the reformation we con-
template. But tho difficulties we have
TO encounter shall only stimulate us to
greater exertions. flour path was strew-
cd with roses, our success would bring
Us but little honor.
But IT is not the wish or intention Of
the friends Of this Society to dragon
or coerce men into membership. Nor
do VIC empty the language of intimda-
lion or menace-on the contrary we re-
ly entirely upon the moral power of
truth oil argument, Of persuasion, "we
speak to wise men. Judge we what we
say! We appeal to the christian, TO
The man who has named the name of
Christ and should depart from all in
iqHity. We know that the good of man
kind Is the subject, the will of God the
rule, and eternal happiness the object,
and aim of all virtue and all religion.
But can any christian pretend to say
that the good OF mankind is his object.
when he daily sets an example that has
a direct tendency TO lead men to vice
and crime? When by his example Of
dram drinking, he is as it were intia-
ting and Introducing men into the prac.
tlce Of that vice which has furnished
the gallows with more victims, filled
our jails with more fclons, and our coun
try with more loathsome and disgust
ing objects Of disease and poverty, and I
made more widows and orphans than (
Ill other vices and crimes put together.
Intcmperance indeed seems to be the |
vice Of our nature, the arch (
enemy Of mankind, and if we once be-
come prey TO it, it will soon palm up
IN US long train Of kindred vices, gam
bling, lying, swindlng, cheating, even
stealing and blood-shed follow in its
ram, and are frequently its attendants.
Can any Christian pretend to say
hat the will Of God is his rule, when by
lis example he is leading men into a
ituation in which they will acknowl-
'dge no rule either human or divine
\ situation alike abhorrent to religion
md humanity situation in which all
he evl. passions Of our nature are "a
oused, and man ceases to be reasona-
lie being. Did you ever see a drunk
nan praying, or could such sight be
egarded as any thing else than a bias :
hemous mockery of religion. Neither
drunk man fit subject for either
ewards or punishments. But | will
ot pursue this branch of the subject
know that we shall have the assistance {
t the religious part of the community /
! this work Of reform-I know that :
leir names, their influence, their ex- {
mple, and their prayers will be with
5. 1t would indeed be very poor
ompliment to the religions of our own {