The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-21
To the Editor of til. Union aud Journal


Church. occurred the opening meeting OF the
series OF Temperance meetings contemplated IN
this place. The night was stormy, and many
thus detained at home, could only send their
sympa,hy and good wishes TO the spot. But
the workers met. those regarding cold water
inside too highly to care for the water outside.
Yes, the ,rorksrs were there. and though We
wonld not assert that nothing was there but
the pure phsat. and not the ehaG, yet We do
say that there were men at the meeting who
had much Of the true grain in their hearts.
Deacon Hill was appointed chairmen pro
ten. All permanent organization was deferred
until subsequent meeting. with the eIcep-
ton OF the appointment ola secretary. Dea'
Hill, in short speech, into which he evident.
ly put his heart. warmly welcomed those pres
ent TO the work ahead. Drunkenness, he as
serted, had greatly increased within the last
thirty years Once, women were rarely seen
intoxicated now woman often sinks her good
name in the cup. Rev. Mr.. Abbott earnestly
recommended the necessity Of good old-fash-
iored washingtonisn rally.
Let US also convince the rum-seller and the
rum drinker that we are their friends, and not
the enemies they unjustly imagine us to be.
Mr.. Boothby in few earnest words showed
us where his heart was. He spoke in behalf OF
our young men. Elder Stearns expressed his
Joy that the work had been begun, and alluded
to the insidious traps set by the rum sellers for
the unwary. Mr.. Lock, Principal Of the sulli-
van ST. Grammar School, advised earn EST, uni
ted action. Mr.. Parcher alluded to the alarm
ing fact that young men now glory in occa-
sional intoxication. Others spoke and prom
ised their aid. We were very glid to hear
from some who had themselves been wanderers
from the path OF temperance. In this earnest
meeting Of earnest men, we felt that the Goals
had been gathered together to break out into
hot flames that would warm many cold heart
into interest, and light into the Temperance
fold many wandercr. The question was not
a. Shall we begin the work - for we had
already begun ii. The question was not "Shall
we 70 any further in the work ?" for that was
in our own determination. The question was
" How far shall we 20 ?" and the answer given
in each heart was, AS far as God shall per-
nit U.S." for we purpose to have the guidance
of God in this movement. and make II OF q
praying character. While We put out one
hand to the drunkari, the other We will put up
to God in prayer for blessing to rest upon
him. In conclusion we urge oil lovers of tenn
pcrance in b to rally around these meet
ings. to liz so high standard and raise 50
loud q cry that all in our community may see
the one and hear the other. Let none despise
his own influence Say word or do deed
for the cause. Tn" word may be faint and the
deed slight, but a, drops make oceans and
sands make mountains, 50 out OF little words
we will gather tide, and out Of little deeds
roll up an avalanche that shall sweep against
and break down all the opposing barriers of
this evil. Let all who profess to be true to
humanity and true to their God hear the Mace
DOMAIN cry. and come over and help us. and,
with the blessing Of Col. we will turn many q
poor drunkard's hearth stone into an altar,
from which shall ascend the offering Of
hearty thanks to God The next meeting will
be 1t the Free Will Baptist Church, next Mon
day evening. at quarter before.eight
The Temperance advocate, assembled in good
numbers at the Free viii Baptist Vestry, Mon
day evening. Dec IS. 1850. Rev. Mr.. Abbott
opened the meeting with prayer. permanent
organization was then effected by the election
IS IA. w un ''-'' 80 %
aud Geo. T. Jordan as Wee Presidents, Cyrus
X. Luut. Lewis 4. Small, Chas. Hardy, Ncho.
las Wakefield and Samuel Moore rs members Of
committee of arrangements, Z. A. Rand as
Secretary and Treasurer, S. a. Boothby rs
members Of com. to frame constitution and by
laws. All were pleased with the amount OF
business executed. and with the spirit oithe
speeches made. Rev. Mr.. Packard, Rev. Mr..
Abbott, Elder Stevens, Leonard Andrews, Esq,
Geo Shirley. Esq, Mr.. Isaac Ambler and others
favored US with remarks The next meeting
will be at the Methodist church week from
next Monday evening. n.