The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1848-03-10
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A TIpsY PARsoN.
BY KATE SUTHERLAND.


In a village not a hundred miles from
Philadelphia, resided the Rev. Mr.. Man.
Illus, who had the pastoral charge ofa very
respe ctable congregation, and was highi,
esteemed by them; bat there was one thing
in which he did not give general satisiac-
ton. and in consequence of which man,
excellent members of his church felt seri-
onsly scandalized. lie would neither lpin
a temperance sncley, nor omit his glass
of wine when he felt inclined to take ii.
Ii is only fair TO say, however, that such
spirituous pdugences were not of fre-
quent occurrence. 1t was m3re the prin-
ciple Of the thing, as lie said that be stood
upon, than anything else, t!iat prevented
his sigoing aiaempei ance pledge.
Sundfy we've tie sttacas, bCtnopea aud
secret, 10 which the Reverend Mr.. Man
lius was subjected, and many we're the
discussions into which he was drawn by
the advocates Of total abstineuce. HIS
mode of argument was very summary.
Il woald no more sign pledge not TO
drink brandy Than would slgn pledge
not TO steal, was the position he took. Il
wish TO be free TO choose good or evil. and
TO act right because it is wrong to do
otherwise. do not find fault with OF theirs
for signing pledge. nor tor abstainng
from wine. II they think it right, il is
right for them. But as for myself, would
cul off my right haud before would bind
myself by mere ex ernal restraint. VI,
bonds are internal principles. am TEN
perate because intemperance is sin. For
men who have abused their freedom, and
so far lost all rational control over them>
selves that they cannot resist the insane
spirit OF intemperance, the pledge is all
important. Sign it, say, ia the name Of
Heaven; but do not sign it because this,
that or the other temperate man has sign
ed it, but because you feel il TO be your
only hope. DO it for yourself, and do it if
you are the only man in the world who acts
thus. To sign because another man.
whom you think more respectable, has
signed, will give yon little or no strength.
You must do il for yourself, aud because
il is right
The parson was pretty ready with the
tongue, and rarely came of second best
when bis opponents dragged him into
controversy. although his rguments were
called by them, when he was not present,
smere fustian.'
His love for wine and brandy is at the
bottom Of all this hostility to the temper.
ance cause, was boldly said Of him by 10.
di viduals in and cut of his church. But
especially were the members of other
churches severe upon him,
Hell turn out drunk ard said one.
Il shouldn't be surprised to see him
staggering in the streets before two
years. said another.
He does more harm to the temperance
cause than ten drank ards, alleged a third.
While others said-'Isn't it scandal alous.
He's disgrace to his professional
He pretends TO have religion!'
"A minister, indeed!'
And TO The changes rang.
All this lime MIR. Manlius firmly main
tanned his ground, taking his glass of wine
whenever il suited him. At last, after
the occurrence of dinner-pariy given.
by family Of some note in the place, az
which the minister was present. anu at
which wine was circulated freely a ralhe,
scandalous report got abroad, and soOt
went buzziog all over the village. A
young man who made 90 secret Of being
fond Of his glass, and she was at this din
psr- party, met. 90 the day after, very