The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-02-27
The License Question.

Good, oitentlmes arises from good eX-
ample. We are aware that much depends up
on the force Of example. Children copy,und
follow more or less, the example of their pa
rents. Should not then their examples be
good aud moral? Surely; or else let them
beware of the evil effect. So frail are we,
that we seldom reflect on the consequences,
and are thus led imperceptibly down to mis-
cry and ruin, by the force of example--that
fatal delusion that knows no mercy. Its good
& bad effects are readily seen. What is true in
one case is i'll many, other things being equal.
There is 10 reason to doubt, but the cause
of Temperance is greatly aided by the force
of eXample-congeniality of feeling in behalf
of the Northumberland n general interest
shown TO reclaim and restore them TO q good
standing in society.
Mildness and lcnty must be shown them
language employed to paint and describe TO
them, their true situation. Brute force neUer
yet made man become temperate. 1t is not
consonant with his nature-he considers it us
an insult--and treats it as such.
In speaking of the influence of example,
ask-what can he more agonizing than to
behold son ruined by the influence of
Fathers example? Still, there are numerous
cases. Many son, from his infancy, has
grown up, daily beholding the degradation
ola parent-and he from the force of such n
parents example has himself been ruined. |
have seen many who have asserted, that
through the influence ofther o,cn fathers, they
have been induced to first taste of the "intoX-
icating cup"
There recently happened an affecting case,
in the town Of, which ! am knowing
to. A Father and SOM just think of the
idea! 1t is too melancholy TO dwell upon.
The father had for long time resisted every
argument, tina; could be advanced in favor of
tcmperance--retused TO sign pledge, or
countenance the cause in any way. That
Father at a late Temperance meeting arose,
and with tears in his eyes-yea more, he wept
like a child-regretted the course he had TAX
en-begged to be forgiveu-signed the
pledge, and determined, henceforth to be u
temperate man. That same fathers son, who
from the influence ofexample, had followed
in his footsteps, begins now to consider for
his Otcn safety. Afterward his Father, with pa
rental kindness ~ affection for his almost rll-
ined Son, sought to reclaim him.He made man
y solemn promises to reform; but Rl,where
spirits could be obtained, his appetite over
come his reason: he forgot his promises. and
relapsed into his former deporable condition.
He has frequently said, were there no spirits,
he could live temperate and sober life; he
thirsts for it only when he knows it can be
obtained. Is he the only person similarly
situated? Certainly not. There are many
who would lead u life fsobriety, and become
peaceable and honorable members ofsociety,
could the sale ofArdent Spirits be prevented,
am confident that some ofthem will vote
in favor of"No License" They hive alread-
pledged themselves TO do so, Is not this
cheering news? This evil can be avoided:
and how? Let the sale ofintoxicating drinks
he prevented. Let us one and all strive, with
brotherly Kindness, by our influence and
vote, to Danish forever the 'Monster' from
tue land-ameliorate the condition of those
unfortunate beings, who have been so long
subservient to his power; and restore them
to the arms ofTemperance.
From virtue to vice, how easy the descent
when the first step downward is accomplish
ed? Oh! how swiftly down, down do thew
go, to the very depths of degradation. How
horrid the thought! how revolving the specta-
Gle! to behold man thus running his felow-be.
ings, and destroying the peace and quietude
OF families, by vending that life devouring ar
ticle. True it is, che who drinks at ali is
neuer safe; but he who neper drinks is ai,ro,,s
SAFE" w
1t is for the benefit ofall, that there is so
much anxiety created to progress the cause
oftemperance. 1t is all for our good sever
ally and individually. | wish that every
thing be done with kindness and good feel
ing. vt is difficult to act the part of True
tr.end-tor many times, by telling him of his
falings, we lose his affection; and if we are
silent, we betray our confidence, Bn. we
can not lose friend in a more honorable way,
than in seeking by good will 20 preserve
him." PHII.OSDpHRON