The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-08
cause ask is "glory to God, and peace to
men Of good will"
For the Columbian Fountain.
OUR CAUSE.

this far Republic, that, ever since the COM
mencement of the great Temperance Refor-
nation which has been extending its salu-
tary and healthful influence throughout our
land, Notwithstanding the flood of opposi-
ton which has been SO ardcntly poured
forth against it, its march has been onward,
and It's triumph almost complete. And we re-
joice to find, that instead Of relaxation of
effort, instead of a lifeless inactivity, and
torpid Indifference, there is existing a sleep
less vigilance-an untiring zeal through
out our ranks, on the part of its votares.
Impressed as we are with the belief, that
it has solely for its object the universal diff
fusion Of good, and the speedy rescue and
redemption Of the inebriate, we can but
welcome it as the harbinger ofssglad tidings''
to man. Emboldened by the advancement
it has already made; urged on by the signal
victories it has achieved; and stimulated by
the general concurrence of sentiment and
public opinion in regard to its claims for sup
port upon community at Targets advocates
need scarcely produce one single argument
in attestation of its chief and grand design.
Had it not have had exclusively for its aim
the dispensation of benevolence--the resto-
ration of the drunkard-the planting again
the tree Of happiness which has been up
rooted by intoxication-the erection of the
altar Of domestic quiet and peace, which has
been consumed by the fires of inebriation-
the general welfare of mankmd-the we'll
being of society.-and, in word, the exal-
tation Of the nation it would have met
with the readicst disapprobation and the
most scathing condemnation from every in
telligent citizen.
While on the eontrary, it is every where
acknowledged to be undeniably true, that
intcmperance in the great bane Of human
greatness; that it Supplies the senses; that it
beauties mans moral nature, that it wrecks
his physical as well as his intellectual con-
stitution; that it benumbs the tender sensi-
bilities Of the heart yet, there is an anti
dote for the whole.
In like manner as the ancients, looked up
on the brazen serpent and were healed of
whatever disease they had, SO may we look
upon the banner of Temperance which has
been so triumphanay unfurled to the breeze,
and be healed of. this dire malady. Like
the Star Spangled Banner Of Liberty, it of
fers freedom to the captive. Like the Olive
Branch, it is the emblem of peace. Like
the radiant and variegated rainbow, il is the
only bow of'hopc and Of promise to the
outcast, wretched, forlon drunkard Under
all circumstances hope is the balm of life.
1t is a soothing cordial to the wounded, dis
consolate heart. 1t promises pleasure and
happiness. But there is no one thatit should
cheer more gladly than the inebriate SO soon
as he comes to himself, and firmly resolves
upon a reformation. We should look upon
the drunkard, not as the object of desecra-
ton and scorn, but of commiseration and
pity. Converse with him, and you will find
in him some noble trait of character, some
vestige Of former greatness, some majestic
stretch of mind, some indication of an hon
est soul. Talk with him in his sober mo-
ments when reason sits upon its throne, and
you will find that he is not devoid of feeling.
He writhes under the most excruciating tor
ture of mind for his past conduct. re-
membrance of former happiness comes over
him like light from heaven. Speak calmly
and earnestly to him of the beclouded sun
that once with unveiled brightness shone SO
invitingly along his pathway of the fond
ness of parents lavished upon him as their
most precious earthly jewel of the solemn
vow that he took at the hymenial alter, and
it will come over him with the power of an
electric shock. Reflection will ensue Rea-
son will again WELD her sceptre Sound
judgment will be restored.
Such a system Of action will be success
full. And it would be sure test of our sim
cerity. There is no field where philan-