The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1849-04-13
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, April. 49, 1849

we iail INTO another. But the dangers
which are met, are increased or dimlns he'd
according TO our own course Of life.
In travelling over country, with which
we are unacquainied, without guide, we
are apt to meet weet with difficulties, and
perhaps, to &c, sloughed; and we may pass
through places where roxious vapors may
endanger good constitution. So NAV a
place OF Ill example endanger . good man.
here are some places that seem to have a
privilege TO be llcenious, and where dissol.
ulion OF manners seems TO be approved -
There, even when our resolutions are at
the highest, the conslancy Of the most sto-
zeal amongst us might be shaken, in atlemp-
ting to stand the shock which presses with
a KIND OF public authority.
10 talk of the duties of man, to give pre-.
cepts, and to censure those whose conduc.
does not square with ourviews. is propen-
sliy which ls sometimes too literally indulg-
ed. We are all social beings, and by the
law oil our nature covet society, and circum-
stances beyond our control often determine
who shall be our companions.
The order of the Sons of Temperance
was instituted on the strongest and closest
bond OF union among the friends of total
abstinence, TO encourage and sustain each
other in the paths of temperance, truth and
honor.
We here meet TO afford mutual aid 10
one another in preserving unsullied the
character which we have assumed, and to
cultivate those principles of benevolence,
which we are united to perpetuate. There
is nothing that puts better thoughts into a
man, or sooner sets him right, who is out
OF the way, than worthy companions, foI
their examples have the force of precepts
and touch The heart with an affection fol-
honorable and virluous actions. Soca! in
lercourse, with personal discourse and con
versatlon more firmly fix in the mind thos,
sentiments we approves men give grea,
er credit to their ears, and take stronge
impressions from example, than from the
writings of others.
Although we may regulate our habits
and guard ourselves against many of tn,
evils which aiilict a large portion of tn,
human race; yet we should cultivate The
tenderest feelings towards those who yieI,
TO the ilatterlng temptations OF pleasure AM
dissipation. Their habits may have beef
formed under circumstances, TO which tn,
custom Of the times compelled them Il
comply. and which now have become 81
fixed that the moral strength is hardly sui
hclen' TO overcome them. Especial,
should we cherish those feelings, whcI
ensure friendship aud goodwill 10 one an
other.
SO long as we remain associated torebe
as band of brothers, endeavoring to pro
mote the happiness, and advance the pros
peIlly OF each-shOwng 10 the world tina
we are sincerely devoted to the principle
OF love, purity and fidelity; our exerion
and conduct will be appreciated, and on
example will be esteemed worthy of imita
ton. Many young men, upon enterin!
the busy scenes of life, NAV consider it n
respectable 10 take the pledge of honor {,
abstain from the use OF Intoxicating drinks
as II is to acquire habits of dissipation; an
some OF those who have experienced tn
effects OF iniemperance may deem it 70
their interest TO form associations, whic
may enable them TO assuage the burnin
desires of the vitiated appetite.
The public, as well as individual goo
which our order is designed to and ma
accomplish, if we prove true 10 ourselve.
and faithful in the cause, is worthy of a
the efforts which we can make for its a
talnment. BY persevering with zeal an
integrity, we shall receive the approba,io
OF ALL who have any sympathy for thei
icllow'man, whether members of our orde
or not.