The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1871-05-06
Published by request.l
Address, Delivered before Ultima Thule
Lodge No. 1, I. o. G. T., by S. D.,
William Bennett.

In parting with you as your Degree Templar, L
have thought it proper to make a few remarks on the
condition of our noble Order in these Islands L
congratulate you that it has gained q solid footing
here in Honolulu. There is no longer any question
as to whether the Good Templars will become a per-
manent institution here. The several Lodges that
have already been formed, (and two others are in
contemplation } is sufficient proof that the influence
of our principles is not confined to any one island or
locality, but are spreading throughout the length
and breadth of our fair group, to redeem them from
the thraldom of strong drink. The Order is doing
that which mere wealth cannot do -bringing hope to
the despairing, and joy to desolate homes, and lifting
up fallen men from degradation and restoring them
to family, friends and society.
But, although we have gained so much in strength
and usefulness since the organization of this, the
pioneer Lodge, we must not stop here, but buckle on
our armor for the fight with more frmness and de-
termination than ever, for the enemy with which
we have to fight is crafty and powerful. and to &C
complish our purpose we must with one accord nut
our shoulder to the wheel and push the temperance
cause along until Lodges are established on every
island in the group, to battle against King Alcohol.
Let us bear in mind that this is q lifelong work in
which we have enlisted. not to be laid aside while a
drunkard, or the means of making drunkards, exists
in the community. And it is a work for each indi-
vidual member of the Order, and for every man and
woman who feels an interest in our cause. While we !
compare the condition otthe unfortunate victims of a
depraved appetite with the happy circle that we see
here around US, let US thank God and take courage
for renewed effort.
There is another subject upon which feel a deep
interest, it is that of temperance among the youth.
The temperance work of the present day is more to
prevent than to cure drunkenness, and Good Tenn
plars may find a large field for labor among the
rising generation. If We can only cut off the supply
Of re-inforcements to the great army of inebriates. it
will not be many years before our fair Islands may
be truly said to be a free country. Here then, is
for temperance workers to do, to teach the
the principles of total abstinence, and lead
hem in every possible way to shun and despise the
'nticementso of the demon intemperance. By organ
zlng a Band of Hope in connection with your
lodge, it will, besides having a tendency to cut off
he supply of inebriates, be in no small degree the
means of increasing the interest in and prosperity of
he Lodge, and thus lead to redeeming some of the
allen. And to this subject l particularly invite the
of the Sisters. Your efforts may be made
'owerful in bringing in many to the fold of safety
Who have already fallen, and in saving others from
alllng. In conclusion, brethren and sisters, the
uture is before us, and it depends upon our exer-
ions, whether that future shall result, as has the
asst, in cheering victories for the Good Templars'
ause. 4