Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1856-05-23


CONSERVATION; for the plague is scarcely
more contagious or deadly, and yet we min
gle fearlessly with the diseased; and in spite
of admonition, many bring to their dwell
ings the eentagion, apply it to the lips, and
receive it into the system. know much
is said about the prudent use of ardent spir-
its, but you might as well talk of the prr-
dent use ofthe plague-offire handled pru-
IDENTIFY among powder-of poison taken
prudently every day--or of vipers and ser
pents introduced prudently into our dwell
ings, to glide about as matter of courtesy
to visitors, and of amusement to our chill
dren. The effect of attempting to use ar
dent spirits prudently, is destructive fsuch
multitules, as precludes the possibility of
prudence in the use of it.
When we consider the deceitful nature of
this sin, and its irresistible power when it
has obtained an ascendency, no man can
use it prudently, or without mocking God,
can pray, dead us not into temptation -
And yet large portion of community,
among whom are not few of tender years,
are in the constant habit of drinking daily,
thus moving on to ruin in a silent, certain
course. 1t IS not enough, therefore, for re-
ligious societies to erect the flag ahead, to
mark the spot where the drnnkard dies
but the Good Templars demand of you,
your assistance to aid them to plant it at
the entrance of his course, and inscribe
thereon in brilliant capitals, THIS IS THE
WAY TO DEATH! Over the whole territory
of prudent use, it must wave and warn.-
For five cannot stop men in the beginning,
we cannot separate between that and the
end. Children should be taught early the
danger of this sin, that they may not unwit-
ingly fall under its power. To save his own
children, should be no small solicitude of
every parent, and more especially of chris
tian parents. To secure this great and wor-
thy object was the order of Good Templars
instituted, and now demands your co-opera-
ton. And I cannot hut believe, that if
proper exertions were made, in this great
temperance family" to apprise children of
the nature and danger of this sin, and to
put them on their guard against it opinions
feelings and habits might be so formed,
that the whole youthful generation might
rise up as rampant, against which the fiery
waves of intemperanee would dash in vain.
To the churches of Fremont, let me say,
the order of Good Templars hath need of
your purified example and influence in this
noble work; for who will make stand
against the encroachments of intemperance,
if professors of religion will not? Will you
then withhold your influence? Ifso, call
around you the circle of your healthful and
beautiful children, and say to yourselves,
will I allow contagion to enter this circle
Shall those sparkling eyes become infamed !;
those rosy checks purple and bloated; that
sweet breath be tainted; those ruby lips
blistered; that vital tone ofunceasing cheer
fulness be turned into tremor and melan-
choly! Shall those joints so compact be
unstrung; that dawning intellect be cloud
ed; those affectionate sensibilities be be-
numed; and those capacities for holiness
and heaven be filled with sin and fitted for
destruction? Oh, was it for this that the
Son of God shed his blood, that the youth
should be abandoned by the church, and
left to destroy themselves, and pierce their
parents hearts with many sorrows? Oh,
christian parent, wouldst thou let the wolf
into thy sheep-fold, among the tender lambs
-wouldst thou send thy flock to Craze
about den of lions? Close, then, thy
doors against more ferocious destroyer,
and lend thy influence to the benevolent
order of Good Templars, to assist them in
withholding the footsteps of the youth of
our town from places ofresort moro danger
GUS than the lions den.
The second reason, which I have often
heard given, why there is not more general
interest felt by many members of the
churches for the success or this order is, that
it, like all similar societies will 90 down.
To such 1 would say, have you ever stopped
for moment to ascertain the cause of the
failure of other societies? If so have you
not discovered the fact that it was due to
the general apathy which prevails outside
of those organizations? And were not the
religious societies greatly in the fault in this
respect! But if other organizations have
failed, it only affords melancholy proof
of want of interest in the great work in
which they were engaged. What more no
bic cause can claim the attention of relig-
ious societies, than that in which the Good
Templars are engaged! Is it not the duty
of all religious societies to promote as far
as possible healthy state of morals in the
Does not intemperance oblit-