Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-23

pledge for a month, or year, or ten years
and before God, that he will forever, while
life lasts, abstain from either buying, selling
or using alchohol as a beverage; and as he
proceeds through the beautiful grades Of our
Order, we endeavor to teach him to control
his passions and desires in the many vices that
in this day are dragging some of our best
men, from their high estate (only ga little be-
low the angels') down to the level of the
beasts Of the field. Temperance is only the
foundation of our Temple.
Sd, we do not admit all who ask. We de-
mand that man shall have carefully consid-
cred the responsibilities he will be called
upon to assume, not rashly vow, then fall
away-and vow again. Oh, no. We warn
all, that our VOW once taken, no power I'M
der God can absolve him from that VOW.
For with US it is "Once a Templar Arrays a
Templdr." He may withdraw his name from
our rolls, he may fall away, yet that vow is
binding on him during life, and each viola
ton of it is fresh act of perjury on his soul.
We are in earnest, we want men, not boys;
we want earnest, strong men, who are willing
in such noble work, to devote one evening in
week TO earnest work; it is not as social
gathering simply, it is not to enjoy the socie-
ty Of young ladies we are associated, as is the
case with other societies. They are doing
good in dfieren, way, and amongst differ
ent class of people.
4th We demand that man shall be Of
good moral character, without stain OF &C.
tual crime, be of good understanding, and
that he as a man has given over childish
things, so that he may be an honor to himself
and benefit to the cause lie has espoused.
9TH, We look not to wealth, or The outward
seeming-we look into the heart.
9Th, The ceremonies of our Order are the
nearest perfect, and most beautiful and in
strutiye Of any temperance Order in exis-
tence.
There is no man so learned, so cultivated,
or so spiritual, but can find in our ceremonies
and ritual, pleasure and profit
And now we ask you to come and join US in
the good work. Young man, just starting
forth in the springtime Of youth, we say,
Halt. e'er you raise in your innocence, that
cup to your lips it is pleasant to the taste,
it is beautiful to look upon, but in it is danger,
disease and death. In behalf of the thou
sands of thousands vino yearly go down to
death from drinking and its kindred sins, we
say join US in the good work. You who have
put on the arnor and have enrolled your
selves under the banner of the Lord, can you,
armed and equipped for battle, stand and
look on, while few weak men only half
armed are feebly fighting against the giant
foe? No. If not with US you must be against
US. Either cast off your armor and lower
your standard, or join the foe: better an open
enemy, than a useless, vacillating, uneer-
tain friend.
Come, join US. In the name of humanity,
we ask you. In the name Of the multi,udes
who have persisted we entreat you. For the
sake OF the thousands who are travelling on
the road to ruin, We demand your aid. By
the memories of your fathers your mothers,
the joys that have faded, the woes ofthe past,
the dread miseries Of the present, and your
hopes for eternity, we beseech you to help US.
Our cry is-"To Arms .''-send forth the
"Fiery Cross" over the mountains over the
plains; let each true man know, that the call
has gone forth and shame to him who obey
eth not the call. Let him be judged as a
traitor to man, and 4 traitor to his God.
TEMPERANCE.