Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-08-02

To the Clergy Of the City Of Worcester -

- "sS Oecfyy dc CHy y " N'SNNSe'
Reverend Gentlemen presume we do not
differ in opinion as to the use of alchohoc slim
ulants, as drink, by men in health. Recol-
lechons of the past and observation OF the
present, leave no room to doubt as to the poll
cy or safety of such indulgences, especially
when they become habitual Thousands of
the citizens of Worcester pursue course IN
relation to the matter suggested, which puts in
peril their own health and happiness, and ex
erts most injurious influence upon all the in
terests of this beautiful city. Many, finding
present pleasure in the use OF alcoholic liquors,
are slow to believe them so destructive to
health, virtue, anRhappiness, as are know them
to be. If they could he convinced that, by
their present course, they were waging sure
and terrible warfare upon their physical con-
situations, and surely laying up treasures of
pam and sorrow for after years, they would
stop. They are neither fools or insane. but
deceived by the influence Of fashion and num-
bers, by traditional notions, and the seductive
influence of that article which in the word of
God is styled a mocker, or, with a more per-
feet translation of the original, deceiver.
They are not yet convinced, as ace have long
been, that it is simply impossible to violate the
laws of God, which pertain to health and lite,
and escape the penalties.
AS the matter under consideration has an
important bearing on the religious interests of
men, it commends itself to your regard, and l
am sure has received from you much atten-
ton. | found it also closely connected with
the profession had chosen, and have felt call
ed upon to investigate the matter pretty thor
oughly, during period of more than twenty
five years. But, gentlemen, what will your
studies of the subject, or mine, avail toward
the salvation of the young men of Worcester,
unless we can transfer to their minds the con-
yictions of our own, and bring their wills and
practice into harmony with ours and with the
laws of their own well being! Truth pre-
scented to the human mind and conscience,
through the spoken word, the press, or living
examples, is Gods appointed means of con-
verting the erring from their false and danger
GUS ways. But how shall we present the truth
on this subject to the minds of the young men
of Worcester! Our duties to our families, to
God, and to the world around US, do not leave
us the leisure to reason with them individual
ly. We must speak to them, then, collective
ly, if they will hear us. You have the oppor-
tunity to speak to them from your pupits, and
doubtless improve it.
But many of the truths which they should
hear in connection with this subject belong to
the domain of natural science to chemistry
and human physiology, and are generally
thought filter for the lecture room than the
pulpit. | have long been convinced that those
truths cannot be presented with much hope of
good results, in crowded assemblies in places
like Mechanics Hall or the City Hail. Such
assemblies demand exciting defamation, ora
torical displays, pathetic or intiamatory ap-
peals, or some excitement of the risble mus
Giles. Calm and logical reasoning from facts
Of daily occurrence, but of vast import to us
all, do not meet the demands of such an
occasion.
AS an agent of the Massachusetts State
Temperance Alliance, | would spend some
days or even weeks, if necessary, in the work
of public instruction in this city, if could
have the attention of its citizens, under such
circumstances of time, place, &C., as would be
likely to render the service useful. Under no
circumstances with which am acquainted is
truth OH moral questions, or in reference to
wrong social customs or personal habits, pre-
scented to the minds of men more effectively
than when gathered in assemblies of moderate
size, in quiet and convenient places as for in
stance in the vestries of our churches, or other
rooms of convenient size, and with their tami-
lies, personal friends and acquaintance, about
them. They are less likely, there, to throw
their personal responsibilities upon the mass
around them, for they are not in a crowd.
1t you would speak to parents of what
concerns the rising generation, their chill
dren are before them and they will feel.
Ifyou speak to young men of the danger there
may be of affecting their parents by vicious
habits, the parents who have watched over
them with tender soicitude from childhood,
are before them But l will not multiply
words. Your own observation and reflections
render it useless. If such service as have
suggested would, in your judgment, promote
the great and desirable ends we aim at, and
that service shall be rendered on week day
evenings, when portion of every congrega-
ton is otherwise engaged, it may be found
advisable for the Christian people of one CON
gregation to invite those of one other in the vi
cinity to meet them for the consideration of the
subject.
Should my views approve themselves to
your judgment, and you and your Christian
brethren should decide to act on my sugges-
ton, please make me acquainted with your
wishes, and commend my services | am sure
that no apology will be required for addressing
you in this public manner in relation to any
subject connected with the honor and morality
OF the city where you dwell, and the purity
and happiness of men.
Yours and the public servant,
CHAs. JEwETT.