Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1856-03-19
Moral Suasion,

-uuaccountably strange. They win mady
throng the hard beaten path 10 the dol-car
whose pondrous wheels hare for ages crashed
IT'S millions into the dust. The light of the
ignis fatuus will attract them, though the
saiasma OF death falls with deadly heat upon
the brow. Their eyes seem to see no good be-
yond the grossest sensualties of the human
race-no aspirations ill their souls for the
grand and s1bime elevation of the spiritual
mind, which so Enthusiastically marks the
distinction between the morally enlightened
and the bastially darkened. The mind that
does not seek after the light, Gull tae pure from
the corrupt, and use every effort for the propo-
CATION of GOOD and useful sentiments, does not
carry out the design of its creation. Upon all
OF the reforms which have been instituted for
the amegioration of our species there have been
Varous and conflicting opinions-the greater
aud more ennobling the principle, the more ve-
hement the opposition. This diversity ofopin-
len on the one side, arises from sordid and sell
fish motves-not from enlightened reason
No individual of sound mind, after looking at
the results ofChristianity, can say aught against
ii, as a system, yet how strongly is IT opposed
by men who are every day enjoying the bless
ings it brings uponthe land. So in regard to
The temperance reform. Its bittercst opponents
can bat acknowledge, when pointed to iudi.
vidual instances, the efficacy of the cause but,
unwilling to acquiesce, they grow more vehe-
nent in their curses. When the friends of the
hoI u
individuals TO "touch not, taste not " the in
toxicating cup. and held up in pathetic language
the poor inebriate as an object of pity, they
were met by the same enemy as now, derided
as fanatics then as now, abused as men of " one
idea" then as now. and opposed in toto upon
the same grounds then as now. The men of
the present day do not discard moral suasion
where it will have effect. Nay, they are using
it constantly, by advocating, in their individual
capacity, the advantage of total abstinence
If aleokol could have been driven from our
land by moral suasion, the temperance men
would not have been diverted from their course
10 adopt a method which was anything but Hat
tsring in prospects. They were not the mel
to be turned aside by triaing obstacle. They
labored arduously, and, for time, their efforts
me. with much success-many drunkards wer,
reclaimed 10 their distressed families, aud til,
day of victory seemed to be dawning. Bu
the RumsetIer remained untouched some, in
deed, were convinced of the evil they were do
ing and quit the business, but their places wer
Immediately supplied by others. While run
was sold the people would drink, and in man
Instances the reformer of one day was the mis-
cradle snt Of the next. Could it be expecte
that such state of things should be encouI
aging 70 the friends of temperance, when, q
fast as they would build up. the rumseller woul
tear down! What encouragement had they I
waste their time, labor aud means, in futile @
forts mo advancement being made. Yet, "
are told by the present advocates Of moral sui
sion, and their great apostle, the DelaDal
State Reporter, that I" it is the only sure al
permanent basis wherein to build a succsssf
and true temperance reformatiou"! Happi
for US, We know the principles of our advers
Iies; though they prophecy with much sanct
ty, yet from the bottom of their hearts, the
wish their curses upon us. When we advoc
ted moral suasion, they opposed US with vr
lence, insulted our speakers whilst addressir
public assemblies. and, in some instances, 10
violent hands upon them. Since then we ha
advanced degree, ard so have they; we
PRonIBITIoE, and they, where would y
believe tito Moral Suasion! Yes; a
they claim to be the true tempesance men, a
hold us up as the false and spurious c,
tainly, if the early advocates OF temperan
could have seen what now really exists
universal feeling in favor Of moral suasion
they would have wept for joy, believing ii
their emancipation had come! a.Hs
Notwithstanding the prete8sions of our q
ponents, they ARE at heart the same despis,
of temperance in any shape or FORM Can 4
leopard chsnge his spots. or the skunk sweet
his steuchi If they are really in favor Of mo-
suasion, why do they not practice what th
preach Can any one who, alter seeing III
devotion to the bottle in the b;ir-room and ell
whore, and have listened for hnlf hour TO til
conversation, believe that they wish to be m
ally reformed when they are doing that VII
is Numerically opposed to. yirtuei Is Il
moral suason which induces them to persua
friand 20 take social driak' after he
reformed under the solicitude of temporal
men The Rum League in favor Of mo
suasion .---Abaut as much so us the Prince
Darkness is in favor of the conversion of
world TO Christianity. Why pot. MIR. Report
reduce your sentiments 70 PRACTICE. by writ
against ihe evil. holding meetings, and psrs
ding men to rcforihi Would that moral 8
sion !" was really what you .want-that !
would practice il first yourselves, and then
press it upon your asssociatesi. This done,
might believe yop sincere, .saas.eq --..
10 our next we Will examine tho arguma
Of the Reporter. on moral suasion ADD politI
temperance. ssi s@ 'ysfesl 4 z 'a.e F"
oi.b8fea88 : & q 49, ll2z4 sti &sa