The Washingtonian., 1845-08-02
PROGRESS OF OUR CAUSE.

are uuuuIeuS duu tuOuSdHuS HoW CoubCCtcu
with this great movement, who saw it in the
cradle Of its first existence-a feeble and in
significant thing. Il was like that "cloud
which at FIRST seemed no larger than mans
hand" 1t was the single dew-drop, which
scarcely bowed to the earth the humble hare
bell in which it slept But the cloud has en-
larged itself,-the heavens have been covered
by il, and the showers of its blessings have
fallen in rich abundance upon our earth. The
dew-drop has been succeeded by the rich, full,
gushing spring, or the mightier Ocean, encir-
cling whole continents, and constituting the
wasteless source Of human happiness and pros.
perity. The progress of this cause is unpre-
cedented, in the history Of the world. We ex-
cept, of course, the cause of Christianity, to
which it were almost impious, to compare any
other system Of reformation. With the very
commencement of this reformation, the work
of opposition commenced. Old habits were
not to be reformed, ,--,ime-honor customs
were not to be renounced, the ayarice, the
cupidity Of men, was not to be suddenly over
come, without fearful and tremendous strug-
gle. The conflict has been carried on with
unexamped spirit. 1t is not claimed, that
perpetual sunshine has cheered our pathway
that no detection has found its way into our
ranks,-that our counsels have never been agi-
tated,-that our banner has not at times been
trailed, like worthless weed, in the dust. No
-no,-we admit that all this is true. The
history Of the temperance reform presents
many Of these dark pages. The spirit OF apa-
thy has sometimes seemed to overspread al
most the whole host; and times have occurred,
in which scarcely voice was heard from
the thousands Of her subjects, animating the
timid. and urging onward to new successes in
the cause.
But these seasons have passed away, and,
like the lion refreshed by its slumbers, our
cause has risen up, in renewed strength, and
the voice Of its authority, and influence, is
heard throughout the lengths and bread,hs Of
the land.
This cause has been progressive in its entire
character. The first blow struck was against
the use Of spirituous lisuors,-then followed
an assault upon the manufarture and sale OF
spiri,uous liquors; then, under the direction
of Heaven, followed brighter and better state
of things, in which the manufacture, sale, and
use of all Intoxicating drinks, were all opposed
as injurious to the virtue and happiness OF
men; and thousands banded themselves to
gether, in VOW to abstain from all intoxicat-
ing liquors, and to use their influence to pre-
vent their use in the community. Then sue
ceeded the movement designed to bless the in
temperate hemselpes. Other movements had
been taken with view to prevent men from
becoming drunkards-this was intended to
operate upon those who had already fallen
into the snare, or whose steps were tending
to the frightful precipice. The revealments
of the last day will, alone, discover the amount
of good which has resulted from this move
ment. And onward, and onward still, with a
power which is irresistible, this movement re.
eeives the blessings Of millions who were
ready to perish.
Thus far our cause appeared to be per-
feet. All the objects Of its original founders
seemed to be accomplished, or in course Of
accomplishment. Nothing appeared to be
wanting TO render the system, in its principles
and workings, every thing which patriotism
philanthropy, or religion, could desire.
But the season Of its full orbed glory hat
not vet come. The darkness of midnight hat
departed. The feeble rays Of light had beef
seen struggling up through the Intervening
darkness. The dawn had been blushing deep
er and deeper-and mountain and valley, ant
lofty tower, were Illuminated by floods o
light.
The time came when il was perceived, tina
wise and bene6cent purposes, not original!
embraced in the organization Of our Tempe
rance societies, might be promoted. Coul'
not some plan be devised to extend relief L
the reformed inebriate, and his famiy2 Coul,
NOT temperance men unite themselves together
not only for the purpose Of diffusing the bless
ings of temperance, but for mutual help an
succour in the hour Of sickness, in the dar
DAYS Of adversitys
The thought originated in the same sourc
C.. ,ch;ch coroo tho first raw of light in re