Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-02-12
Yostt Afairs,
THE TEMPERANCE REFORM
For the Ycrkville Enquirer.

Nessrs. Editors With your permission,
some thoughts on the subject of the Tenn
perance Reform will be offered for the con-
sideration of the readers of your paper. They
mayinterest, if they do not profit them. They
will, lat least, be evidence of my regard for
this good cause, of which have been an ad-
vocate for nearly thirty years. My opinions,
to nv own mind, are confirmed by observa-
ton and experience. Ponder them and if
falserejeot them.
All admit that Intemperance and its ap-
pendages are evils of no small magnitude.
Injuriously affecting US, in our very nature
animal, intellectual and spiritual And in
all relations-social, civil and religious.
Fixing ruin upon many, both for time and
eternity. 1t is no small work then which
has been undertaken, by those who would
remove the evil But few conceive its mag
nitude or of the years which may be requir-
ed to accomplish it. The War Of Indepen-
deuce, was for political Liberty and was
brought to close in seven years. We labor
for Freedom in its broadcSt sense. y quar-
ter of century has passed and the work is
undone. We are yet at the beginning
The out-posts have scarcely been taken. The
citadel has yet to be assaiIed. This is said,
not to discourage, but to induce the friends
of the cause to put on their armur and enter
resolutely upon the work. Stout hearts aud
strong Wills are needed.
As Intcmperance is a public evil every
one is bound to assist in removing it. No
one is required to do any thing unworthy Of
himself or his station. In violation of con-
science-or derogatory to the character of a
christian or gentleman-only to do what is
duty. Looking at all the circumstances,
every one should feel it duty to take the
side of Temperance, theoretically and prac.
tically. To discard altogether, the ordi.
nary use of Intoxicating drinks. And to dis,
countenance, in every proper way, those prac.
tices which lead to Iutemperance. Not be,
cause moderate use is sin in itself, but
from the liability to abuse-from the danger
connected with it and because very small
amount of good can accrue to any from its use
-as a matter of expediency. Every chris.
tian-every patriot for his own good and that
of others should abstain altogether. Having
formed such a purpose he may write it down
i. e. sign the Pledge. And there is pro
priety in banding together for mutual safe
ty and encouragement. Especially that com
bined effort may be made for the promotion
= of Temperance. If you cannot find an organ
ization which meets your views, and cannot
form one, then it is your duty, and in this
free country, your privilege, to stand up, ii
your proper person, and in all the dignity ot
man, made after the image of his Make,
and alone as you best can, oppose the demon
of Intemperance.
Mere defamation will do but little good
in this great capse. By songs and banners
and feasting. By intemperate speeches.
misrepresentation and revilings the victory
cannot be achieved. 1t can be secured on
ly by preservering and self-denying effort
guided by that wisdom which cometh dowr
from above, and springing from principle:
cherished in the heart by love to God anc
love to man.
Let it not be supposed that I advocate any