The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-05-22
WRITTEN FOR THE ABBEvILLE BANNER.
TEMpERANCE I.ECTURING

This method of conveying ones ideas
has become, in our times, very f;tvoritc
expedient. 1t reaches the multitude Mt once,
and where there is, seldom or ever, any
public reason to assemble together, this op-
portunity is eagerly embraced. It's pow
erful lever; it reaches those that would
| never take time to read newspaper about
this subject. There is, besides, the attrac-
ton of tho speaker and tho hopcd.for
amusement with some; Of edification with
others; and the reception of valuable in
structive principles, or moral or physical
truths with another class this of itself is
sufficient to create strong desire to hear
the lecturer; but they soon find out, to
their great disappointment, that most of the
lecture is but passion and defamation, and
that there is neither reason nor logic in the
application Of their many assertions. There
is rs great a distance from bathing in water
and bathing in wine, as there is from truth
to falsellood. Truth is thus intended to be
disseminated, without its being mixed with
falschood to render it more attractive.
Lecturers generally aro very frequently
very acute men; seldom men of enlarged
views. They resort most frequently. to H.
lustratc intcmperancc, to minute dcscrip.
tions of special cases Of vice and it's consc.
quences. and the ramfcations Of cunning
and intrigues; but they seldom elevate their
views to the true policy, or the sound NOR
ality inseparably united with humanity, un-
adorned with fraudulent dcceptions, to beau
tify with it a story or IN anccdotc, which,
if not true, is we'll told, and ut all events
amuscs and deccives the greater number.
A writer's true sentiments and doctrines,
arc to be found in his writings; he is seen
i'll it, as if lie inhabited glass house; you
see the man not in profile, but full in the
face, and his statue is in full relief and
stands out in bold outlines before YOU.
There is no means for h,m 10 get out of
your grasp. You hold him. lie cannot
back out.
The tricks of a juggler; the assumptions
Of Il lecturer; the pity routine of their
operations, is quickly understood, and their
deceptions arc soon appreciated to their true
value.
The experience Of the past is !. useful
guide for the future, when wisely interroga-
ted; but this mode of instruction must
have its proper limitations and mrst bc sur
rounded with prudent precautions, or cse
they will DO found highly dangerous to
adopt them biindly on mere false or falla-
cious authority. 10 close our eyes to the
facts of experience of the past, would bc
absurd; but to regulate our physical con-
duct by them, without bringing them to
their proper test of their present utility,
would he still more so.
With these prcfactory remarks, propose
to give you, Mr.. Editor, my views of the
tendency of the preset temperance move
ncnt in the United States.
Suppose IL wild boar would speak plainly,
if not cloqu"ntly, aud was to say to you ::
" lie on the look out; nm trying my best
to come into your vineyard, and with my
strong fangs, (brewed up public prcjudices,
miscalIed public opinion,) 1 will root up all
your vines, (that has cost you so much Ia
bor) for the good Of the world" Would
you not, sir, load all your guns, and mt the
coming Of this infuriated and LIindly IA
naticnl animal, shoot him dead That
you would SO will I. ]. TOGNO.