The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1889-11-21
Geo. W. Cook, IN Bdtte-Are oC temperance.
TEMPERANCE At COLLEGE.


DR.. Andrew 7. Peabody recently ad.
iressed the Harvard Total Abstinence
League. He said:
II ! had son | would not send him To
college unless he would give me a pledge not
to touch Intoxicating liruors believe that
college lite is a crucn period aud habits
formed there are not easily broken OF INV
own class Of fiftythrcc meiubcrs-when the
temptations tn drink were less and there
was even prejudice against anything
stronger than wine, when discipline was
strictcr. when We had less spending money
two died sots; one plunged into low dissipa-
ton and was only reformed after stern in.
terfcrence Of his father: fourth had his
lite shortened 10y his early bad habits: u
nth, a man of fine abilities was addicted to-
drink and failed uf attaining more than "a
shadow Of the reputation he might have had.
All these men were drinkers IN college, and
" has been my experience that all other
graduates who have Iallen in bad habits of
drink have contracted their ways in college.
~ ~ not safe to yield 20 the temptation even
to slight degree. | cannot recall from my
knowledge any eases of men who have never
been Incorporate before twenty-five years
ut age, becoming drunkards later IL is true
that some intcmperatc men reform, but "A
very small percentage. But YOU say we do
not mean To become drunkards. That very
same sclf-confidencn which you express IL
dangerous. The over-coniident man is very
apt to 20 beyond the limit he would consider
unsafe m another. Ii is those who are will
ing to go to the very edge of safety who are
lurcd over into evil The young man who
begins To drink 10 the limit of soberness
transcends that line little hy little till he has
become confirmed drunlSard
In college life there nre great temptations.
Many of your peasantest companions drink,
and drink To- excess, though not perhaps Of
ten. You ARE away from home influences
and restrictions and are brought to look
lightly on drink You are at n period when
habits are formed. II is for YOU To decide
whether your animal instincts and appotiteS
shall prevail You have "a life's work 10 do
now, for II you curb Your appetnps YOU will
bc able 20 master them, hut II you give way,
you haN" become their save. You may
wish To- drink a little, without ever going far,
ns YOU think many respectable men do. hut
you will find that very few Of the most su-
periur men give way To- drink at all; and
those who du would achieve more If they ab-
stained entirely. II YOU learn to depend on
liquor to enhance social gatherings YOU will
lind IN later lite that you cannot enjoy the
most brilliant society without some stimulus
to the inner man. A man addicted to tho
habit of drink is less sclf-rcant and capable
Of doing himself justice, though ho may never
go to excess. II you yield to the temptation
of strong drink you will bc led TO gambling
and other vices which are perhaps never
found IN abstainers. Drinking is also an OK
pensive habit and tcmpts II man to get
money in any way he can. Indulgence in
any degree brings you into the class of those
who drink still more, 10 that II you make "a
beginning you are apt 10 reach the bitter end
before long. | would remind you also, that
most liquors now are adulterated with poi
sonous drugs. have spoken of the pcrils 10
which you expose yourself 10y strong drink
and believe that you who preserve yourself
from these dangers 10y joining this league
Will look back after years with lpyDut
gratitude. In the highest point of view, in
the culture of your immortal natures, You
have chosen the better course and YOU
should make IL your life purpose always to
preserve the better way and fix yourselves IN
the eternal principles of right.