The Columbian fountain., 1845-12-16
For the Columbian Fountain.
The Value Of the Pledge.

We not only feel persuaded, but knop
that the pledge is well adapted to the good
OF mankind universally Not only does it
deflne q mans true position, as SO often re-
lterated, but exhibits his interest in, and
FULLY developes his regard for social inter-
course and personal connection in the pro-
motion ofgood. 1t tends to strengthen any
resolution he may have formed, destroys, in
great measure, his propensity to drink,
checks his natural, inclination, and .irresist-
IDLY elevates him in the scale of moral ex-
cellence.
What has the Pledge wrought We be-
lleve that through its power chord OF in
fluence has been touched in favor Of moral
ity and religion that will not only vibrate
through time, but throughout eternity itself;
for that alone can disclose to admiring
worlds Its redeeming qualities, and the in
calculable amount Of happiness which will
~ PSiPCtuuICb w lildil1 VI tIlC oHCC oulSi-
ing sons and daughters Of humanity. In
imagination we look through the dark vista
OF the future, and see handed down to gen
erations yet unborn the fruitful benefits re-
sulting from an adherence to this "immor-
tai league of love'' that binds us together
as a band of brothers When nation
would erect some grand edifce, whether to
commemorate national triumph or serve a
national purpose, ingenious and intelligent
men are necessary as well as proper mate
rials. Plan after plan is proposed, diagram
after diagram is drawn, until, finally, one is
chosen. And in proportion to the skill of
the architects and to the uazue Of the ma
terials, just in that proportion will be the
beauty, grandeur, and stability Of the work.
Transfer this idea. Temperance is no new
thing, just started for the purpose of catch
ing popular applause, or eliciting the shout
of the giddy multitude. Its claims have
long been advocated; but the old system
contained the very elements that would
eventuate in its final subversion and over
throw. In the great work of a perfect re-
formation, another system was requisite !;
and in proposing the same to mankind, in
genious minds and noble, patriotic hearts
were brought into lively cooperation. After
the proposing of drafts upon drafts, plan up
on plan, one was finally approved offering
redemption solely upon the ground Of Total
Abstinence This is the strongest point, and
most important feature in the Pledge. And
if we acknowledge that society should be
based upon principles of morality and vir-
tue, and that those principles should be as
eternal and changeless as the ordinances Of
heaven, it will for ever bear ample testi-
mony to the value Of the Pledge The rev.
olution it has caused in this country will
be recorded as one of the brightest pages in
our national history. Let our enemies clam
or. We will 90 forth in the discharge of
duty, opposing those habits which are so
directly at war with mans temporal and
spiritual interest, and which are SO posi-
lively interdicted both by the law of morals
and the law of God We will raise our
Ebenezer long and loud in sounding the
praises of this pledge of love, until the air
shall be enriched with the melody Of its
musc-the gentle zephyr which has com
menced it fan it into mighty roar-and
the very heavens themselves made to ring
with the shout of triumph. S. n,
Washington, Dec 8, 1S45.
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For the Columbian Fountain.
SPEECH
Delivered al the Baptist Church, near the