Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1867-05-15
Communications.
For the Gazette.
NOa viz c@eSsS~
Customs of the season.
VINO WILL BE THE. NEXT VICTIM?

14SiCti 1HDiN VI SSti y HbS ITO ' AOl
Bacchus Besides the reeling multi.
tude who PROSTATE their intollects be-
fore the king Of A AIcohoI, there are usu-
ally recorded deaths from intemper-
ance at such seasons. Out of the
'modern high places devoted to his
special service, immortal beings stag.
ger forth TO perish by the way side or
meet the last enemy upon beds Of un-
consciousness. How awful the thought
of meeting the Judge summoned out
of a last debauch and revelry How
dreadful the idea Of reeIing into eter-
nity-of being cut off in the act of self
destruction Yet every season of fes
tivals record several such eases. This
and that one have been found cold
in death from intoxication. Nothing
more is thought of the matter. The
modern places of the Tipplers' Resort
drive the same trade without cOmpunc-
ton; and as one class of victims dies
off another class is ready to take their
place Fresh victims for the shrine Of
the great destroyer are ever ready.
From all ranks Of the community these
are furnished, and over the blasted re.
mains of many might be inscribed =
"Thi5 is the grave of the drunkard"
The alarming extent of degradation
and crime that follow the use of spir-
ituOus liquors, is terrible blight upon
the peopio of America II is homo in
struction, the example of the parents, |
and by making impressions upon the |
child, impartins full knowledge of |
the danger that follows the frequent
use of ardent spirits, that is the most |
potent 10 their salvation. There have |
been many good laws enacted in sew |
era OF the States to suppress it's use,
but they have partly been deprived OF
their power, for want of proper instruc-
tion in the family circle
Who shall be the next victim? Faith
ers, mothers, the question is for you
Shall it be that hopeful son, on whom
you dote so fondly? or shall it be that
lovely daughter, the present Joy and
pride of your heart? You do not think !
1t possible, or you could not initiate
your offspring in the use of the dan
gerous cup. You could not, by your
own example, show them the way to
the great PdRdemonium You could
not encourage them in the drinking
customs of the passing seasons. :" Be
not deceived; evil communications cor
rupt good manners" and evil customs
undermine morality. Many, who, like
you, 'once thought the danger of in
temperance impossible, have lived to
fall through the seductiOns of the sub.
tie demon, or to see their dearest
friends within the evils of its fatal net
We arc appalled, when We read of the
h0rrid sacrifices of idolatrous nations
We are amazed that any human being
could be so debased as to PROSTATE
himself before the destructive car of
Jnggernant; but alas, the monster of
Intemperance is really DESTROYING q
more victims annually in our gospel
land than even the pondcrous wheels
OF the Indian Idol. Parents, beware
OF the seduclng wiles of the tempter
Many as hopefu! as you have lived to
lay their children in the incbriatc's
grave, or have themselves went down
In sorrow to the tomb, without the
hope OF meeting their loved ones at
the right hand Of the Judge.
Even admitting that the use of in.
toxicating drinks is lawful. is there
benefit to be derived with the risk of
bringing ruin upon your posterity ? |
10 those engaged IN the traffic of
strong drink the risk to themselves
and their children is fearful Connt
up the traders ofthe bygone generation,
and tell me how many such have sunk |
into drunkard's grave? To be draft. /
Ell Tor the field of battle, and to perish
IN the ranks OF war, is a thousand |
times more desirable than to have the
brain poisoned, the intellect DESTROYED. /
the moral senses obliterated, the heart
divested of affections, and the whole |
soul debased beneath even the beasts /
that perish. Could the trader in strono
drink only follow the course of those
Vlctlms, whom, in the way of business. /
he has helped on to perdition; could he |
ZEE the tears that bedew their paths.i
could he hear the cry Of wives and /
children, ruined for time. and neglect I
1ui IN regard to eternity; could he feel
the pangs OF remorse in the drunkard's |
sonl, which seem as if tho torn. ents of !
perdltlon were transferred to Garth. !
could he lift the veil and take one look
upon the condition of lost souls in GO
erlasting burnings, who have perisbed
,hrough lntemperancc-would he dare
to de"i out, as he docs, the destroying
eieme t to his fellow men2 We tbinR
it impossible for Christian to do so
Would he not blush TO look the Re
deemer OF men in the face, or to seek
an interest in his blood, while deoora.
ting the shrine, and preparing the
altar, where so many victims are peri
odleally inundated 7 How dangerous
to be 'partakers in other mems sins
IL is nnsa e. 70 HnnI o..4