The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-05-19
Temperance Reform.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE METHODIST
.. CONFERENCE AT LEWISTON


RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE METHODIST
..t CONFERENCE AT LEWISTON.
The Committee of the Maine Conference on
the subject of Temperance made the following
report, which was accepted and unanimously
adopted by the Conference: -
The Committee on Temperance have at
tended to the duty assigned them and offer the
following report:
The present state of the cause of temperance
while calling for more vigorous effort on the
part OF Its friends, is full of promise for the
future. Its recent triumphs in New York and
Massachusetts, have significance that cannot
well be over estimated. 1t is as il each side
We're mastering its hosts for the decisive and
final struggle which shall decide whether we
shall govern rum, or rum shall govern us.
The devices of the enemies OF Temperance
were never more numerous or desperate, the
determination ofits friends never firmer, their
hopes never brighter, their arms never strong
er than now each have entered the arena to
live or die with their cause; and temperance
men mean to iUe and conquer. We cannot at
ford to die vet, and while there is drunklrd
to be rescued, an imperilled youth to shield, q
rum shop to shut up, t1e do not erpect TO
die.
Among the greatest dangers of the present
day, we deprecaie the common, and in many
cases, growing use of ale, beer, porter, cider
and domestic wines. These furnish the re-
cruits for the lowest groggeries and the great
army OF drunkenness. Every sermon, every
lecture, every pledge, to do its work rightly.
should place these in the same catalogue with
the stronger liquors, as the more dangerous of
the two. These are the wolves in Sleeps cloth
ing. ~,
Much has been done for the cause by SER
mons, lectures and social temperance meet
ings; but much good has also been lost for the
want OF definiteness, point, direct aim, and eff
tcient, permanent and responsible organiza-
ton. The great problems TO be solved are.
Whdtto do, and ho,o to do It.!
We recommend,
First.-That our preachers keep the subject
before the people, by sermons, lectures, and
such other means as may seem best adapted to
secure the desired result, but be sure and do
the acork
Second.-That we encourage the organiza-
ton OF Temperance Societies in our Sunday
schools and congregations, and that book
containing the pledge be kept at the church or
with the church records.
Third.-That every temperance pledge pro-
hibit the manufacture, sale, and use, as a bev-
erage, of all sIirituous and malt liquors, wine
and cider.
Fourth.-That we cordially cooperate with
such existing temperance societies as expert
ence has shown to be efficient helpers in this
great work of reform; among which we may
mention the Sons of Temperance, the Good
Templars, the Dashaways, and, as Juvenile so
cieties, the Cadets, Band OF Hope, and per-
haps some others, We also invite attention to
the plans and excellent agencies of the Ma
tional Temperance Society, and its crgan, the
National Temperance AdvocG e, as also to the
most excellent children's temperance paper
publishad in our own State, the Youths Tenn
p, rance Visitor.
In conclusion we offer the following resolu-
tion: NeL
"Resolred, That in consideration OF the
present aspect of the cause Of Temperance, we
thank God and take courage; and we pledge
ourselves to renewed exertion in its BEHALF
and to cordial cooperation with such organiza-
tions as are working for its complete and final
triumph" E