The Washingtonian., 1845-08-09

consistencies Of many OF its prpfessed friends.
II We would secure, and retain, the confidence
Of our fellow-men-if we would aid in bring
ing about the full triumphs of temperance-if
we would not sink all our self-respect, and
stand before the world with the burning brand
Of the hypocrite upon our foreheads, we must
carefully, constantly-on all occasions-before
all persons-in secret as well as in public
flee from the intoxicating cup.
Nearly allied to this duty is that of not per-
mtting the use of intoxicating liquors in our
families, or by those under our control. Our
pledge embraces this very reasonable require
ment We may not present the intoxicating
cup to our friends. We should no, allow our
children, servants, apprentices, or those in our
employ, to touch, taste, or handle the accursed
thing. That temperance man but half per-
forms his duty, who does not exercise the au-
thority which the God Of nature, and the laws
of the land have given him, to prevent the
evils of intemperance in his own family. 1t is
not enough that he is temperate himself, but
his duty is, most certainly, to restrain, CONTROL
and influence, all who are associated with
him, in the relations and business Of life, to
pursue the same path.
1t is our duty under the pledge to use our
influence in the community, to prevent the
spread of the contagion of intemperance. No
temperance man should live for himself alone.
Nor should all his cares and anxieties be for
those of his own kindred and household. The
spirit of temperance, like the spirit of our Holy
Religion, is the spirit Of extended, diffusive
charity. There is nothing selfish about our
cause. 1t directs its voice of warning, remon-
STRANGE, and entreaty, to men of every rank,
condition, and color and invites all, alike, to
participation in its benefits. The intelligent
and consistent temperance man, thus watches
for opportunity to do good to others. His in
fuence is seen and felt in his personal efforts
Every temperance man becomes, at the mo-
ment he attaches himself to this cause, the
authorised and pledged advocate of its claims
Although we rejoice in burning and shining
lights" which have shed, and continue to
shed their brightness upon our cause, yet it is
one in which we tcall no man MASTER" Every
temperance association is a temple, and every
man who attaches himself TO it, becomes a
minister and priest, to proclaim its doctrines
and to extend the sphere Of its usefulness.
Let this point be well considered. 1t reproves
our supineness. 1t denounces our indifference.
1t puts the inquiry into every mouth" what
can do to promote this cause?" and it starts
the feet of every laggard, to the performance
of long neglected duty.
Attendance on the public meetings of the
societies, as far as our health and other en-.
gagements will permit, is, certainly, our duty.
On this point many temperance men fail.
Public meetings are held in every part of our
city, several times during each week; but why
is it, that at all these meetings we see the
same men, hear the same voices, when we
have so great number of men, protesting the
same principles, and pledged to the same
cause? Where are our clergymen,- doc
tors Of medicine,-our lawyers,-our mer-
chants,-our clerks--our mechanics? Why
are so few of them actively engaged in the
promotion of this cause? 1t is shame for
them, that they permit the burden of this work
to fall upon few. Are they unwilling to
share the reproach with their brethren? Are
they unwilling TO identify themselves, pub
licly, with this cause! Are they waiting to
ascertain the course of public sentiment in
relation to the movement? Are they hesitating
until the battle is fought, expecting then to
come in and share its triumphs?
We have words at command for such. Our
estimate of such conduct could be given in
few words, but we forbear. 1t will be more
pleasant to us, to exhort our brethren to
more faithful discharge Of duty, than to re.
proach them for the past.
1t is our duty to give encouragement to those
who are laboring with us in the promotion Of
this cause. We should employ temperance
men in preference to others. In making pur-
chases of commodities, other things being
equal, we should patronize the men who stand
pledged with us, to suppress the evils Of in
temperance. Indeed, it were better to encou-
rage such, although at an increased cost, than
to assist, in the remotest manner, the men who
are doing every thing in their power to spread,
and perpetuate. the evil aoainst which we are