The Cecil Whig., 1874-05-23
LADIES, TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION.

The last regular meeting of the Ladies'
Temperance Association was but the out
growth and expansion of those that pre-
ceded it. The ever increasing interest and
ever widening influence are too marked to
need comment.
On Saturday evening, the 9th inst, was
held the children's Temperance meeting;
and its success was far beyond the most
sanguine expectations of its friends
Although an unfavorable evening for the
attendance of adults, the ch urch was well
filled, and great interest was manifested.
Such was the power and enthusiasm that
possessed the volunteer choir that, without
looks, almost without rehearsal, the cold
Oalen Bucket" and other songs were rem
dered with a spirit that left no doubt of
sympathy with the inspiring sentiment.
Rev. Mr.. Prettyman and others spoke
briefly and pointedly upon the subject of
Temperance. Although the pledges had
been universally circulated throughout the
town, yet fifty-two names were added to
the list
This meeting, considered as great sue
cess was but a ripple before the sweeping
wave of eloquence and incisive argument
that followed on Sunday evening at the NJ.
+. Church. when the Rev. DR.. Matlack, i'll
response to respectful request of the
Ladies' Temperance Association to the
ciergymen of Middletown, delivered dis
course, to a rapt audience that filled the
church and crowded it's galleries, from the
text, Matt. iii, 10, "And now, also, the
axe is laid unto the root of the trees.
g Here is stated the Christ plan of treat
ing the great evils Of society; they are to
be hewn down, root and branch. The
American rum tree demands our sturdiest
III low. Of IrItth Int NOR
ance is deep-rooted system with centre
cf sustenance in almost every social, civil
and religious organization. 1t is proposed
to root it out of Middletown. The ladies
ask help of the clergymen. This should
he the mission of all Christian men and
women and good citizens The total absti-
nence pledge, or agreement, aims at the
uproot!ng OF the rum tree through all our
grounds. These grounds embrace our per
sonal habits, social customs, business pur-
suits, real estate investments, elective
franchise, church organizations, ministerial
sphere of duty 1t is rooted in the appetite
for stimulant, almost universal; social GUS
tom of friendly wine drinking; greediness
of gain, which pampers the viest passions,
for pay: avarice which induces proieSsed
Christians to share in the rum trade for its
large profits. Political demagogues Of
boIn parIleS, Ouy up rum SelleiS W dcCoiH-
plish their ends, including sometimes
church members. 1t is rooted in that pull
pit whose preacher is silent i'll this matter;
as say. .lsaiah, a dumb dog that cannot
bark 1t is rooted, grounded and fenced
i'll 10y that clergyman who gives Bible sane
tion and personal example i'll favor of wine
bibbng. Who defends such wine drinking;
who makes the Saviour wine bibber,
manufacturer of Intoxicating wine in Cali
lee, and thereby a violator of his own law,
is a traitor to truth and a slanderer of
Christ"
The preacher dwelt pointedy in the Bible
teaching in Gods own language; character
iZing the effect of wine and strong drink
as "raging, mocking, poisoning, biting,
stinging, damning. Mere persuaSives are
but tin knives, pewter shovels. The grub
bing hoe and broad axe of ecclesiastical
law are needed, that proper discipline
may be enforced, and correct public SEN
timent established. This will be laying the
axe at the root of the American rum tree.
This alone will be effective Cut it down,
root and branch, and cast it into the fire.
Let all the people say-Amen -
This is but Il skeleton of the sermon,
utterly stripped of all that vital pulsation,
the warmth and glow of color that gave it
power and vigor.-Middlet0,cn Transcript.