Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1875-03-04
THURSDAY. MACH I. 1875.
Reform.


light the cheering Indications of a better
day for real progress In Temperance, than
has been seen for mauy years. What
causes have operated TO produce this hap
py result, it would perhaps be difficult to
discover. but the fact remains that in most
OF our cities. in Saco and Biddeford, in
Lewiston and Auburn, in Portland. Au-
susta, Bangor aud Ellsworth, a great
work has quietly been going on. lntemper-
snce has diminished, aud rum-sellins
decreased.
With US. minister. have spoken and
labored. our best citizens have taken the
alarm At the dangers everywhere in the
pathway of eur young men, and are in
earnest ia their efforts to remove them
and our city authorities have seen that
they too have duty to perform. and are
working with a will. All this is commend
able and good. and yet there are other
efforts making which in our estimation are
more potent. more seli-sacrifcing. and
further reaching than any efforts of tenn
persnce men. We refer Ia the action OF
the members OF the Reform Club. IL
seems tn u- that none but those who have
experienced the evils resulting from
strou. drink. are fully competent TO urge
upon others the duty OF abstinence or 10
devise means o save the lost. None know
so well the power of inie'nperance. none
have ielt so strongly the fierce cravings OF
appetite. aud none suffered so intensely
from the pangs of shame and remorse.
A brotherhood of such men banded to-
gether for mutual help and encourage
ment. IS An order high and holy, and be-
side their simple compact. the splendid
insignia OF nobility. the diplomas OF the
schools or the laurel. OF the brave, are
poor aud insignificant. They ak no aid
aud no protection IRON the strong arm VI
the law-they invoke 40 vengeance upon
the scorner or the inddei-they deuOuuc"
20 man, not even their worst enemy. the
run seller,-they cry for no yiolence-they
seek no political ends-they sound no
trumpets, arrogsie DO exclusive honor,
boast no triumph. but instant in season
and out of season. with charity towards
all and malice to none, they gather every
where the erring and the fallen TO their
loving and plying embraces, and shield
them from harm. Kindness and sy mpa-
thy are the only appliances they employ.
Down deep within the recesses OF the
yilest heart, they seek for that divine
spark, never wholly quenched while life
remains. and kindle it anew, until it burns
with pristine warmth aud brightness.
Wherever are vice and wretchedness.
want and suffering, there is their work OF
love, and before it the hardes, hearts melt
and stubborn wills yield. Not in the public
streets nor the crowded assembly are seen
the blessed fruits OF their labors, but from
many an humble hearth and from many su
aching heart have gore up devout thanks
TO the Giyer OF all Good for hopes awaken
ed. manhood restored and the dawn OF
better days.
Compared with the silent and unseen
yet mighty influence OF such reformers.
how piiiful and mean sound the stterances
Of load mouthed Zealots who preach Z
gospel OF hate, contemn the laws OF the
land, denounce and sheer AZ others less
fierce but equally as honest as themselves.
and who claim all the glery and honor OF
the generous aud tireless efforts which
they have not the brains to comprehend,
nor the souls to appreciate, How low and
despicable must be the men, who seeing
the true and honest endeayor OF the slave
Of appetite to break the chains OF habit.
would tempt his victim. by putting to his
lips the Intoxicating cup. merely for the
paltry gain it may bring them. These are
the Two classes more TO be dreaded in the
true work OF Reform than all else beside.
But in spite Of both, the warm clasp OF
the hand, the Kind word, the fearful eye
and the loving heart are bringing back to
manhood and virtue. many wanderer in
the dau------I 49,
MAY the good work go on until not only
the victim OF Rum. but the dealer in the
accused thing. shall see how much higher
and uotler il is, 10 work for Humanity
Than for Self.