The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1886-05-21
Temperance.
The evils of Iutemperance--The
cure Prohibatory laws.

The agitation on the subject of
temperance appears to be on the in
crease; much has been written and
said on the subject, and so much
literary talent displayed that it
seems like presumption in one of my
limited abilities to say or write any
thing on the subject; yet remember
ing the saying of the greatest person
age ever on earth in regard to the
poor widows mites, | have fell
somewhat encouraged to say few
words, even though it should amount
to no more than half the poor wild
DDS offering. Although l have new
er taken an active part in temperance
eXcitements, having to my recollect
ion never attended more than three
or four temperance lectures in my
long life; yet have always felt an
interest in the welfare of my fellow
probationers in that respect; yea, l.
have great cause for this interest
having witnessed the sad effect of
intoxicants on dear acquaintance,
the most talented, and consequently
might have been the most useful of
a family Of six brothers, had it not
been for the habit contracted in
youth; Through the influence of
such places as some, now would have
licensed) of taking Intoxicating
drink, by which his usefulness he.
came sadly eclipsed and which at
last brought him to an untimely
grave. I also remember, although
they were several years my seniors,
several of his contemporaries, who
through the same influence were
brought to a state of physical, moral
and spiritual degradation shocking
to behold. | was much interested
in the account published in the pap
ers, and IN the verbal account given
by some who were in attendance at
the proceedings of the convention
held at Elkton, and in all due de.
ference to the opinion of some whom
| esteem, must say that L was as
tonished to hear that even a profes.
sed preacher of the Gospel sanction.
ed high license. License for what?
Why, to sell that the effects of which
is calculated to ruin the bodies and
the souls of men; and not only that
but where they have families to en-
tail suffering and misery on innocent
wives and children. And even in a
pecuniary Joint of view the crime
pauperism and other attended evils
doubtless much more than counter
balance the income. But even should
it not be the case let us not have the
public.treasury Pc ] ted with that which
comes through so corrupt channel.
As to the difference between high and
low license it must be apparent to ev-
cry rejecting mind that high license
would be a stimulent to the vender to
make greater exertions to make greater
sales, make his place Of business more
attractive, so as TO draw custom and
make it pay. All who have arrived at
the years of discretion and will lay
selfnteTest or prejudice aside. must
acknowledge the sale and use of intox.
icants as beverage to be a great evil
and a jeopardizer of the soul, which
brings to mind the saying of one form
erly. That lone precious, immortal
soul is Of more value than ten thousand
perishing worlds with all their pomp
and glory An astounding assertion
yet when we consider the shortness Of
the life of man in comparison with
eternity not an extravaganza one. When
we take ilt, consideration the great
advantages that would result from the
suppression of the sale aud use of in.
toxicants as beverage the country
over, would it not be an advancement |
toward that st tie spoken Of in Holy |
Writ when righteousness shall cover
the earth as the waters do the see. Let
US then dc nothing that will have a
contrary tendency. And now In con.
clusion when we consider the thOus. |
Dnd' of thou ands that have been
brought to ruin aud degradation by the
use of intoxicants as u drink can we
doubt that it would be well pleasing 10
the Lord of Heaven aud earth that a
vote should be cast for license to cell
intoxicating driuks. -
As to the vendors OF intoxicants I