The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1874-05-23
A Tamneranna Exnediant.

Specific and particular action against
a single vice always affords an opportunity
for useful observation, and especially for
inquiry how far isolated REFORM unaccom-
panied by thorough change of char |
acter, may be depended upon as per-
manent and conclusive Excitement,
whether moral, political, or religious, can
not be forever maintained at fever heat
the important question is what waits
the receding waves of revival of any sen
timent or opinion may leave upon the solid
shore, to be Incorporated into the general
structure of society. Looking for temper
ance intelligence, we may find nothing new
of more Importance or fuller of sugges-
ton than the meeting of Boston clergy
men held recently TO consider and take
such measures as could be agreed upon
for a general temperance movement
Throughout all classes in the city. There
was, we are sorry to say, upon this Occa-
sion, very little unanimity manifested, even
Of general and fundamental opinion. So
many professional speakers being together,
there was, of course, a plenty of speaking,
and it was curious to see how sectarian
earnestness asserted itself at time when
catholicity of labor would seem to have
been absolutely essential. We do not
mention it to censure it but we are bound
for full understanding of the subject to
register all the facts. The pastors being
assembled, the Rev. Mr.. McKeown sug-
gested that no other organization than the
Boston Evangelical Alliance, already in
full bloom, was necessary. Another gen
tleman timldly suggested that this would
cut off all the Unitarian and Universalst
workers in the good cause The Rev. Mr..
Clark thought that too many societies
would lead to confusion. 1t was finally de-
cided that a mans opinions about dogmas
of theology should not be regarded as rem
dering him unfit for Temperance work
The meeting voted to appoint committee
TO report plan of organization, but the
interest in the affair seemed to be over, for
while the chairman was arranging the com
mite "two-thirds of those present left the
hall. There had been a good deal of
debate also about the question whether
moderate drinkers" should be allowed to
join the movement, and the very prospect
Of this filled several souls with somewhat
Incorporate horror. Really we do not
think the new Association in Boston is like
ly to go very far even though it should
get upon its legs but it has our besh wish
es, if it considers them of any value
This matter of hard drinking is one
about which it seems to be next to impos
slbe for people to think philosophically
The fact that temperance depends upol
character is persistently ignored. A maj
who has ruined himself and his family b,
tipping, who has spoiled his fortunes
damaged his reputation, and weakened hi
will by self-lndulgence, in a moment of un
common penitence or of desperate lack O
money, is persuaded to sign "a pledge.
He promises not to drink even lager beer
but does he promise to be wise and indus
trious ?-to fill his life with worthy ac
tons ?-to be unselfish and truthful say
upon single point? A great deal is sal
about breaking the pledge" but pledg
heedlessly or carelessly taken is broke
from the start and in certain sense, i
the very act OF taking it. 1t is seldom III
derstood that character should be full
rounded and universal, and that the mer
writing OF one S name is no guarantee
regeneration. 1t may put him in the RICH
way, but he must keep himself there. Tn
pledge is no talisman, no costly charm. n
amulet to make its taker sober. MANY
man has suddenly arrested himself in h
downward career, has promised his ow
soul TO stand by new resolutions, has ke,
the unuttered or unwritten vow, and
the end has conquered and on the otht
nand many man has died in a drupke
Ut after signing forty pledges. What
reformed man ought to understand i. tn,
ne must by constant vigilance, by calm r
: h;uonl and by honest endeavor, refor
AuSen upon all sldes-that he is not