The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-27
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
DRINKING.

When we turn to behold this widespread
evil, We find that it has become the most en-
OrmOus sin of the day. When ladies in high
circles of society, las the truth is concerning
some) no longer hesitate to show that they
love it, and do not blush to be even under
its influence, it is time for US to tremble for
the moral education of boys and girls now
growing up. When we consider its influence
upon the individual we are appalled, at the
picture. 1t defiles the moral nature, it en-
ervates the mind, ruins the constitution, and
leaves in its train thousands of evils that
generate other evils, and grow and ripen till
the subject is delivered over to the devil. 1t
is mighty dragon, and must be mastered or
he will master you. 1t makes one stand
aghast to think of the boundless woe that has
been brought to this nation by Whiskey,
Opium, and Laudanum. In fashionable life,
ladies take it because it revives the nervous
system which is worn out by late suppers,
dancing, and loss of sleep. This produces
pleasant torpor, relieves them of any sense
of discomfort for the time being, and deadens
their sense of right and wrong They wake
to find life Wretched cheat, and only find
satisfaction in going back to the old craving.
This is sad commentary on this day of
gospel privileges. For less sin God sent war,
famine, and pestilence on his chosen people;
and shall We expect to escape? This is a
still sadder commentary on woman whom
God intended by her softer graces to be more
susceptible to the influences of the gospel,
and to be an example of rectitude and piety
to men. Should not the fear of entailing
misery upon their children positively deter
parents from such excesses? How often do
we see the fulfllment of the second COM
mandment, the iniquities of the parents Wis
tied upon the children? The first temper
ance pledge which we read of, was taken by
q woman, the wife of Manoah. The reader
is familiar with the blessing that followed.
The Bible clearly sets forth the fact that
it is wrong to tamper with strong drink
Daniel took pledge of his own accord that
he would abstain from the use of the kings
wine, and at the end of ten days "his coun.
tenance appeared fairer, and he was fatter in
fesh." And has not God pronounced woe
upon drunkards? Why? Because they have
erred through wine; they err in vision, they
stumble in i9lgment." He has also said that
they shall not be rich. He that loveth
pleasure shall be poor man, and he that
loveth wine shall not be rich" And surely
is this brought to pass in many instances
where vast accumulations of wealth are be-
ing swept away as suddenly as they come,
and the sharp thorns and troubles of life
come, and alas often find the owners with
out God and hope in the world.
Is it not wrong for Christians to make
companions of drunkardsY Paul to the Cor
inthians says plainly that We should not only
avoid such companionship, but that we should
not even seat with SUCH" Wherever you
find temperance do you not also find the
blessing of God? He pronounced bless.
ing upon the house of Rechab, because "they
pledged themselves that they would drink no
wine nor their sons forever" Therefore God
perpetuated the name, in that the Son of
Rechab "should not want man to stand be-
fore him forever" s. M. P.