The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-03-23
to our numerous readers

be found both profitable and interesting
TO our numerous readers:
Mr.. EDIToR Having shown that 1t is
our duty, under certain circumstances, to
sacrifice orr lawful comforts for the sake
of our brethren, we now proceed to show
that the state of society in our country
j,Istifes the selfdenying principles of to-
tai abstinence from all intoxicating drink
We refer to the prevalence Of drinking
(if not absolute drunkenness) amongst us,
and the fearful amount of depravity and
misery resulting therefrom.
In ancient times tho practice of intoxi-
cation was only occasional; ut seasons Of
general festivity, or the celebration Of
some remarkable event; but now il is our
daily and hourly curse. Formerly the
dupes Of intcmperunce were comparative
" few; but now the san counts up an
alarming proportion of the population as
its victims. In past ages the practice was
associated with shame, and stamped upon
the forehead Of its votaries the brand of
infamy and disgrace Now itstalks forth
with unblushing efrontery, and in the
open face of day shows its foul and de-
moralizing character; it is vice which
prevailing custom has rendered fashiona-
bic, thereby lowering the standard Of NOR
atty, and sinking down the barometer of
moral feeling TO its lowest depths. Even
the grave philosopher has palliated its
indulgence; the yitiated poet has pros
tituted his genius in praise of its exhilO-
rating powers, and adjoining it with the
meretricious garland of specious and inn
posing names; it revels in the banquets Of
the rich, and corrupts and debases the
habits Of the poor, and has widely diffus-
ed its pestiferous influences through all
classes of society. AS an omnous indi-
cation of the finished depravity of the
age, it has broken through the guards of
female virtue, and in instances fearfully
numerous has transformed mothers, wives
and daughters, into harlots and polluted
sots; and as year has succeeded year the
crime (ior we can call it nothing else) nd
vanced with appalling swiftness, and like
m impetuous torrent, gathering strength
and violence in its course, threatened soon
TO deluge our country with universal des-
olation. Oh what an amount Of physi-
cal and moral woe must result from such
n state of society. II is impossible for
the most nervous language to depict, or
the most vigorous and comprehensive
mind 10 estimate the awful effects of in
temperance. The pious parent, the devo-
ted sabbath school teacher, and laborious
minister of the cross, all have to heave
the sigh Of disappointment and shed the
tear of sorrow, because their efforts are TO
great extent rendered abortiye by the
prevalence of intemperance. Intemper-
anco mocks their exertions, and exults at
their disappointment. Intemperance tri-
umphs, while virtue and religion weep.
The sanctuary Of the Most High has be-
come desecratod by the fiend's intrusion.
Numbers who ministored in holy things
have fallen victims TO his power; and fear
full multitudes Of tho professors of the
Redeemer's name have lost their charac-
ter, their happiness, their usefulness, and
their lives by intoxicating drink. The
fairest examples have been furnished, and
the brightest luminaries Of the. church
have been extinguished by The drunkard's
drink. What an astounding and heart
rending fact for the christian to coutem-
platel If with the holy angels we re-
joice when sinner is converted TO the
truth, have we not cause to weep when
souls are thus ruined, and the character
Of our holy religion is thus desecrated.
Oh, yes! cause sufficient if it were posi-.
bic, to make us weep tears Of blood.
Intemperance is also the greatest foe to
human exisfence Thousands sinh ann