The Columbian fountain., 1846-01-01
THE NEW YORK CORRESPONDENCE.


gencer of the 30th, we notice an uncalled
for attack upon the temperance reform. The
writer says, "No man living is a warmer
{ friend to the cause of Temperance than HIM
SELF" He may think SO, but if we judge
from what he says in this letter, we think
he is deluded. We here relate the declara-
ton of an old gentleman, made several
years since in this city, to show what some
friends Of temperance something like the
New York Correspondent are. He said,
81 am temperance man; am no drunk
ard; take a glass in the morning then
after breakfast take glass at II O'Clock
take glass; before dinner take glass !;
at dinner take glass; at O'Clock take
glass; at night take little on going to
bed; but do not make beast of myself;
know when to take it and when to let it
alone "-he was altogether opposed to drum
kennes This man boasted of his friend
ship for the cause of temperance; but look
at his notions of it: he used liquor in his
family, moderately and reasonably, as he
thought he ought to do; but he died a
drunkard--a deluded man. We leave him
where we ought to leave him, in the hands
of merciful God We can do him no
good; but we may do EsNew Y ork Cor
respondent" some, if he will hear us. He
now feels it a disgrace to be classed among
the beasts, glories in being associated with
temperance men, but not with self-stylcd re-
formers, Jewellers and fanatics. Well, he may
console himself with this association; but
we will not own him as a reasonable tenn
perance man: he must quit his bottle, as
beverage, if he wishes the pleasure (for
there is pleasure, and honor too,) to be
found in our ranks.
We not only expel him from our ranks
in his present condition, but we refuse to
take our place among the classes with
which he associates us. We desire to de-
fine our own position. When this is stated
by us, we defy any to show that our prin-
ciples do not justify our position What
is our position. 1t is the broad platform of
moral virtue, supported by the sanction of
high Heaven in his Holy Word 1t is in
perfect keeping with the best interests of our
race. Our principles, if adhered to, will
rather further us in our duty, to God and
man than hinder them. We never substi-
tute defamation for argument; neither are
we willing to be put to silence by cores
pondents, who, in order TO make their dec
lamation answer in place of argument, (for
they have none,) would tack themselves on
TO our temperance car, whose banner is now
floating in the breeze. Our cause needs no
such advocates to advance its interest. 1t
has truth, reason, fact, and every thing to
aid iis onward march, but corrupt human
nature. This, while it stands in open op-
position, is less dangerous than when il
would seek alliance to hide its disgrace.
Hypocrisy we detest, either in those who,
through sinister motives, would fain be to-
tai abstinence men for the sake of honor or
promotion, or those who make profession
Of temperance to cover their intemperance
Away with all hypocrisy--away with all
political maneuvering with all legal
sanction of traffic in poison. Let us have
truth, let us have argument, let us have
righteousness, let us have what God him
self, by his word, and man under its light,
will approve.
When is the time, and where is the place
to use the Pledge of Total Abstinence? We
believe this is the time when men in high
places are found in the daily practice of
using the wine, the brandy, the porter, the
ale and the cider--one or all--the use Of
it leading TO the abuse of it; and thereby
producing unhealthy paroxisms, either bod
lily or mentally, thus disqualfying them for
the duty and enjoyments of which, other
wise, they are made capable. The conse-
quences growing out Of this incapacity,
brought on by intoxicating drinks, as they