Litchfield enquirer., 1868-03-19
Notes from washington-No 5.

I asked how it is that we enjoy such public sentiment on temperance, so that no per son has ever dared in this society to open even beer-shop. In cupboard among old papers, I have found pamphlet which throws light on this question, and should throw light into every pulpit in Litchfield County:
 "THE FATAL EFFECTS OF ARDENT SP1R- ITS: A SERMON, By EBENEzER PORTER, Pastor of hhe First Church iu Washington, Conn. ADVERTISEMENT the winter of l 1895, a transient man perished in the snow, with bottle of spirits at his side, about a mile from the meeting house in this place. l by that event. the following discourse was years afterward, 1t was read as an occasion al exercise at ministers meeting. In de- ference to the judgment of my brethren, after considerable delay, it is now given to ] the Public E. PORTER"
 Washington, Conn.,, August 7, 1911.
 Wo unto Dsem Usat rise up early n Me sao,ning, Ma Mey may yfoAow strong drink; hhou continue mntilnight, hA acine i'yaaneMem. , ISAIAH V. 2.
 After few general remarks on the prac- tice of drinking, it's terrible effects on the individual and society. he considers the ways in which persons come to this ''calam- itous state.' lst, by using it as a medi- cine. 2d, by drinking at set times 3a, by frequenting places of temptation. He then considers the miserable effects of in temperate drinking. 1. It destroys indus try. 2. Destroys health. 3. Produces poverty. f. Impairs reason. g. Units it's subjects for the duties and comforts of so- cial life. Leads to other vices; idleness, gaming, lying, perjury, prefane saoearimg, slander, contention and murder. 7. It extin- guishes the best sensibilities of the human heart. 8. Following strong drink produ- ces miserable death.
 He gives the following plain but bold words on minister's duty:
 My brethren, from one who is, by of- flee, public reprover, no apology can be expected for plain dealing, when he is compelled to bear testimony against pre- vailing wickedness. If, in such case, it is painful to speak, it is, for the same req son, criminal to be silent. "1Son of man, have made hee c aUdtchnsan unto tue house of Israel, Merefore heaa tbe acord dt my mouth, and give them aca'nineg from mse."
 "I. This subject claims the attention of retaiters of ardent spirits 2. Of magis- trates''
 Here is what he says to the executors of the law of that day:
 "Do these laws forbid drunkenness, and point out how it shall be punished? Shall these laws sleep in the statute-book? Shall it be said that they cannot be executed? :? They can be executed. They must be exe- cuted, or by the immutable law of Provi- dence our country is doomed to ruin. So- cial blessings cannot long be the portion of any people among whom the first prin- ciples of morality cease to be regarded. Vain and visionary are all those theories which promise men liberty or happiness, while they are slaves to vice.
 "3. This subject claims the attention of parents. 4. Of all re0ecting men. Lastly, of the rising generation.
 "Many young men adopt the absurd opinion that drinking denotes a liberal mind, and is trait of a gentleman. This opinion has ruined thousands, who entered upon life with fair prospects of usefulness and responsibility. Toung men, as you re- gard your character, your comfort, or your salvation, shun the company, shun the pla- ces where this sin will beset sou. Avoid the men that love strong drink Their feet go down to death: their steps take hold on hell. If you find yourselves inclined to <>F %I,o on your right hand, and eternity before you. Pause-and escape the ruin.
 Brethren, have done. Should the sin of following strong drink increase amongst us, stand acquitted before God and you, in having made an honest effort to arrest it's progress. If any thing wrong has been spoken, entreat you to forgive it: if any thing true or important, charge you to remember it, and profit by it. The dis course is committed to the faithful applica- tion of your consciences, and to the bles- sing of God"
 These are few of the energetic, faith full words uttered sixty-three years ago. What if every minister had boldly preached against this sin as thoroughly; who can tell the broken hearts, ruined homes. and lost souls that may have been saved? How ma ny other societies, too, might enjoy the same exemption from the cursed effects of the free sale of strong drink that this has? No wonder that the memory of Dr. Porter is venerated and his teachings held in re- membrance. We have often heard those who took their dram through life, say that MT. Porter went a little strong on tempe rance; but then he thought it his duty, and he did it." Can minister ask for better epitaph? W. A southern clergyman who oficiated at Cincinnati church, lately, stopped in the middle of long and tedious discourse, and raised his hands as if to pronounce the benediction, to which the congregation res bonded by rising, kneeling, &c. But the motion was made only to adjust. his sur plice, which being done he continued his discourse, and the congregation with gen. eral giggle, resumed it's position for listen ing.