Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-02-23
Gbe aup Spy: aaorosr Gbmsoap aomng, february go 1871

and Its evils are most deporabe and destructive oil
the happiness and well-being of the community, a
special christian effort Is needed TO bring the aten-
tion of the people to the subject Furthermore, be-
ieving that this must constitute our first reliance
in all effective temperance work, 1t is therefore re-
commended that new state temperance society be
formed, whose work shall be ofan exclusively moral
and religious characters whose agency shall be the
pulpit the press the ecture-room the formation OF
auxiliary societies cold water armies, the signing
of the pledge and all such agencies for the purpose
ofspreading the principles oftota abstinence from
all intoxicating drinks as beverage. In combining
the society to moral and religious agencies how
ever 1t is not intended to oppose, in any way, legal
or other means of Promoting the cause; but beiev-
ing the existing differences of opinion as to other
means often paralyze deter from action, we think
it wise to form new state society, in whose action
all friends of the cause can harmonic, while all
members of the society left free to act outside as
their conscience or Judgment shall dictate;
Resolved, that we recognize the providence of AL
mighty God In the affairs of men, and look to him
for his grace TO inspire and his wisdom to guide us
IN the discharge of every duty.
Resolved, that we regard total abstinence from
the use as beverage of everything that can intoxi-
cate as Christian temperance
Resolved, that believing in the moral force of the
pledge to restrain, and in the vitaizing power of
Christian truth to reform, we pledge ourselves to
labor to convert the people TO total abstinence
Resolved, that while we seek to promote total ABB
stinence by moral and religious agencies, we dis
tincty state that we oppose no other organizations
or means by which our lriends may a3oT 10 accom-
to every sincere effort and TO every organization
that seeks with an earnest purpose to advance the
cause.
Resolved. that we will take prompt and efficient
measures for the organization in this commonwealth
of associations connected with the state society
whose object it shall be, far as possible TO offer
the pledge to every man, woman and child in the
state.
Resolved that recognizing the paramount i'm
poraace of the education of the young in the prin-
ciples aud practice of total abstinence Of the
most efficient means for securing the future success
of the cause, we invite pastors, Sabbath school
superintendents teachers and parents, by their ex-
ample and by means of the pulpit, the school, the
press the formation of juvenile temperance socie-
ties, cold water armies and the circulation of the
pledge among the children and youth, TO seek the
Accomplishment of this desirable end.
Resolved, that as the example of public men has
great power for good evil, invite all to abstain
from the use of intoxicating liquors as beverage
whether in the family, the social circle the public
assembly, as among the best means Of blessing the
community.
Resolved that we tender our most cordial thanks
10 the secular and religious press of the state for the
good words spoken in aid of tins convention, and
earnestly invite them to cooperate with us in efforts
to advance tine objects Of this society.
Mr. Stephen S. Foster moved that these reso-
buttons be accepted for discussion, and twas SO
agreed. Other resolutions were offered in great
numbers, and were temporarily laid on the
table, and, on motion of Mr.. Spooner, the COM
mittee on resolutions were instructed to prepare
a plan for the organization of the state temper
ance society. Mr.. Towne of Fitchburg and
Others afterward addressed the convention.