Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1875-05-06
Report orrhc Temperance League.


The people again turned out en- rnqssc at
the weekly meeting OF the League Monday
evening. Vice President Chilcott presiding
in the absence of President JOY. The
meeting was opened by PRAYER by Rev
Mr. Garrctson.
Rev. Mr.. Reese had read ia an old legend
OF a hero who wished to make h- way TO
the EIysian fields and had been sent To- a
sbyl who was accustomed to write her
prophecies on leaves and place them in a
cave. in regular order and if by chance
the wind penetrated into thi. cave the
leaves Were scattered. and those who came
seeking her wise savings went away dis
appointed. The Temperance leaves had
been written upon and this was the time to
read them. II i now the time 10 consider
the fate of this cause. No man can tell
the miseries caused oy intemperance.
lie quoted the offer PIP. T. Barnum who
recently offered to take the money ANNUALLY
expended in liquor in the city of Philadel-
phia. pay all the taxes, all the insurance
and give each person a valuable present
besides making for himself at least IL a
million Of dollars. Mr.. Barnum was a
shrewd financial man and made no state
ments like this without knowing that il
could be done. 1t is important 10 use the
right methods in conducting this move
ment. We should strip it of all injurious
allies and arm it with everything power
full. right thing can never be helped
by anything wrong. The prosecution Of
this should not become a persecution of
individuals. Put none down but rather
help all mp. Avoid personalities because
they are both wrong and inexpedient. We
are 10 have a Reform Club but not TO
knock brains out with it, Other reforms
should be helped. We seem thus far to have
been carried along by the force of the cur.
rent, but If this slackens We mus. be careful
not TO run upon the snags. Temperance is a
great and godly virtue. but not the only
one aud nothing is to be gained by exag-
geratin2 it. \ reform has just fairly COM
Inenced when the sale of liquor IS stopped
| But the work is not yet finished. We are
not safe "a long as there are drunkards in
! Ellsworth This reformation cannot be
done all at once. Revival must follow
revival in Temperance as in Religion.
| This Is not the end. il is only a gigantic
stride forward. We must not only hold
on to the rope but must pull steadily with
a long pull, strong pull and pull alto.
sether and then at last we may see the
lon--sought-for Eiysian fields.
Rev. DR.. Tenney said that he had a few
suggestions TO make which might not be
| Inappropriate. He had watched the move.
ment through the winter with the deepes,
interest and il had given him much ioy 10
See 50 many wno were delivered from
their slavery. He had been particularly
! pleased to hear 50 many OF them acknowl-
edge that they knew they had been in the
wrong. since drinking men as general
| thing would undertake to Justify their
course and would seem to fail to see any
danger in it. Temperance is a great NOR.
| al question. Considering the breyity OF
life il matters not whether we are rich or
poor, honored or despised, but this oues.
ton of Temperance has bearing on the
life To come. The use of liquor ruins our
moral power and binds Us hand and foot.
Some are looking at this NOV ement with
evil eye and devilish desires. others with
anxiety and ieryent prayers. If we hope
to succeed by keeping temptation out OF
the way we shall surely fail He thought
nothing too severe could be said ofthe rum
traffic. If we trust in God, relying upon
MS help, and determining that temptation
snail not overthrow US. We shall surely
succeed. large portion OF this evil is
due 10 The neglect of parents Train the
young In knowledge and virtue and let home
be the most inviting place, and then they
will be safe. Ifyou wish to make this q
permanent reformation, add to your Faith.
Virtue,to Virtue, Knowledge and to Knowl.
edge, Temperance.