The Washingtonian., 1845-08-09
OUR DUTY.

we dld not pretend 10 give lull anu Peiiect
history of the origin and progress of this cause.
1t is left to other hands to write out, in detail,
the record of its wonderful success. In con-
templating the whole subject, the first feeling
which should impress itself upon the heart
the first sentiment which we should have en-
craven upon our minds that which embraces
a distinct recognition Of The providence and
blessing Of Almighty God. We are taught to
believe that every good gift cometh down from
the Father of Mercies; that all good desires
originate in him; and that for success, in all
our undertakings, we are constantly dependent
on his Heavenly blessing.
God from the throne Of his glory inspired
the thought; and his constant blessing upon
this cause, has given it a measure of success
which the most sanguine of its friends were
not prepared to anticipate. Let us, then, not
fail to recognize the divine agency in this great
movement; let our songs Of gratitude and
praise to the most High, mingle with all our
rejoicings. That must be most blind and
perverse spirit of infdelity, which does not
perceive the workings of infinite wisdom and
goodness, in the whole history of this cause.
From that infidelity the world has never been
the gamer. 1t has brought no light-no jov
to mans lone and desolate condition. and our
cause holds no allegiance with it. That was
traitors hand which first sought to divorce
this cause, from the cause of piety. We speak
not now of that piety which consists in creeds
and confessons-in forms Of worship, in doc
trines and external ordinances-but of that
piety which, admitting the Divine existence
and attributes, renders the homage, the rever-
ence, and love, which these demand.
Next to this recognition of divine agency,
we should cherish grateful remembrance Of
those honored instruments ,Oho haze been en-
gagged in bringing about this great reformation.
the pages of history. Men who have done
less to bless the world-men of less chivalry-
men of inferior heroism-have had their names
engraven upon the monumental marble; and
have been pointed to as benefactors of their
race. We claim for our leaders equal honors.
Noble, generous, intrepid men! they have
stood up, with world almost against them,
and have battled successfully for human well
fare. AT no distant day, the friends Of our
cause will meet, from every country under
heaven, in one great jubilee, to rear the mon
ument which is to transmit to coming ages
the record of our successes. Then, when the
eye shall read, in characters of living light,
that record, let it exhibit the names of those
who have distinguished themselves in this
cause. No matter where they were born-no
matter what their creed-they deserve the
gratitude of mankind.
We are strongly tempted to place upon our
humble page few OF those cherished names.
The task were pleasant, but must not be un-
dertaken.
In inquiring into our duty in relation to this
cause, we shall learn that strict adherence 10
our pledges, is absolutely necessary to our sue
cess. We pause upon this point. 1t is not
our purpose to find fault. But it is to be feared,
that in two many instances, these pledges
have not been properly regarded Under the
influence Of some strong exctement-listening
to some powerful plea in favor Of this cause
many have signed the pledge, without due
consideration Of the obligations which it i'm
poses. But, wherever the deed has been done,
honor and consistency alike require us faith
fully to observe all those obligations. We
may not honeslly-we may not with any
claim to consstency-use this cause for our
own purposes, and then lay it aside. In that
pledge is embraced, as one of its first and vital
principles, that we will abstain from all intox-
icating drinks. 1t is in vain that we attempt
to identity ourselves with this cause, 10 min
gle in the services and ceremonies which be-
long to 1t, or speak, in words of burning elo-
quence, in its favor, unless we are true upon
this vital point. That man is an errand hyp-
ocrite, who, with his name subscribed to this
pledge hnds occasions and opportunities, in
which to indulge in the use of intoxicating
liquors. The circle of society in which he
may be called to move, may cling to the wine
cup, and demand compliance with its absurd
and destructive habits, but our temperance
men, true to this principle, must not be turned
aside from the path Of duty. Wealth, power,
place, beauty, all may demand the sacrifice,
but this pledge must be preserved inviolate.
/ In rIu 10 IL. vxla