Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1874-02-11
Sunday Evening Temperance Meeting.

The large audience gathered in Village Hall
last Sunday evening is now the rule and not
the exception, and this fact is sufficient proof Of
steadily Increasing interest in these meet
ings, and the good cause, for the promotion Of
which they were established.
Mr.. +. y. Smith presided. Prayer was Of.
iercd by Rev j. E. Wright. The opening
hymn, commencing Let temperance and her
sons rejoice, was heartily rendered
Before calling upon other speakers, Mr..
Smith read portions Of an address by Bishop
Potter, Of Pennsylvania, on The Drinking
Usagcs Of Society" We have space for only
brief extracts from this excellent address. AT
tor stating the extent and magnitude Of the
evils Of ntempcrance, how and whence they
come, the Bishop proceeds to inquire the cause
Of moderate or temperate drinking. " Is il the
force Of the natural appetizer Rarely. Nine
tenths, if not ninety-nino hundredths, Of those
who use alcoholic stimulants, do ii in the first
instance, and often for long time, not from
Gppciifc, but from difference 10 custom or fash
ion. Usage has associated intoxicating drinks
with good fellowship, with offices Of hospitality
and friendship. It is in this way that what we
term drinking usages have become incor-
poratcd with every pursuit in lile-with the
tastes and habits Of every grade and class Of
society. Not to put the cup to your neighbor' 5
lip, in one word, is 10 sin against that most abso-
lutte of earthly sovereigns, Fashion. Drinking
usages are the chief cause of intcmperanco; and
these usages derive their force and authority, in
tho first instance, wholly from those who give
law to fashion. Now what is there in these
usages to entitlc them to the patronage Of the
wise and good Are they necessary Are they
safe or usclul2 DO they add vgor to muscle, or
strength to intellect, or warmth to the heart,
or rcctitude to the conscience Within the
last twenty-five years many have made trial Of
entire abstinence from all that can intoxi-
cate, and they testify that in health Of body,
elasticity Of spirits, and energy and activity Of
mind, they were gamers from the time they
renowned the use Of all alcoholic stimulants
Speakers being called for by the chairman.
Mr. Poland said he had received a letter from
friend in distant part Of the State, which
contained a cordial message to the ladies in
Montpelier lie read paragraph from the
letter, and stated as fact that one town in our
State had been redeemed from the traffic in
ardent spirits, and he hoped it would cncour-
age the laborers here to persistent effort for
such desirable end.
Mr. Bradish spoke briefly, addressing word
Of warning 10 the young boys.
Mr. Lull followed with his usual earnest
ness, asserting his steadfast purpose to keep
his armor on, ready for the 6ght with the
mighty enemy.
Mr., Wright, after calling attention to the
paper issued monthly by the National Temper
ance Society, which is worthy Of the support
Of all interested in the cause Of Temperance,
made a few remarks upon the signs of the times,
which seemed fitting reply to the appeals Of
Bishop Potter addressed to those in high social
position. Mr.. Wright felt that much had
been accomplished in our own community in
Eve years The fact that young man is now
suffering in our county jail the penalty Of O
violation Of the law against the sale Of intoxi.
eating drinks, is not 50 hopeful Of the future
rs that many of our own people, at their so
cial entertainments, have entirely discarded in
toxcating beverages. This Is truly iavora-
bic omen, and a proof that this agitation has
already wrought much good.
Mr.. A. c. Brown gave brief account Of q
large temperance meeting in Concord, n, II.
Mr.. Mcdonald spoke Of the interest in oul
movement which is felt outside Montpelier
stands well outside. Let US sustain our good
reputation and work on until the traffic in ant
the use Of intoxicating drinks is entirely abol
ished.
The meeting closed with the dozology.