Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-12-18
TEMPERANCE SUNDAY.
The Excellent Lesson I'm Special Ses-
sion of the Baptist sunday school.

sion OF the Baptist sunday school.
Last Sundays session of the Baptist
Sunday school was made particularly inter
esting by the special service at the close
After the lesson study the school was
called to "attention" and the superinten-
dent, Mr.. Hawley, introduced DIR. Holton,
who, in very interesting and instructive
manner, presented the Course of intemper-
ance from the physical standpoint" en-
phasizing the need of saying "No' at the
right time, and thus avoid the beginnings
of wrong doing. The doctor cited one
case where a young man went to New
York and yielded TO the suggestion to
take somethng;" it was his first glass,
but he confessed to a friend within three
weeks that he had been drunk four times
since and did not know what in the world
TO do.
Rev. G. o. Day of the Congregational
church was then introduced and spoke
very forcibly on the "Moral aspect Of the
evil of intemperance, and his words could
not fail to impress deeply all his hearers.
Mr.. Hawley then read extracts from let
ter received from Rev. V. A. Cooper, SUI
perintendent of the Little Wanderers
Home In Boston-among others contain
ing the astounding statement that more
than 1000 children had passed through
that institution as a direct result Of intern
perance in their homes.
A letter from Dr. S. Z. Lawton, super
intendent Of the Brattleboro Retreat, was
also quoted and the full text will be read
at next Sundays session. DR.. Lawton's
letter was written with the aim Of explod-
ing five well worn notions concerning the
drinking of alcoholic liquors.
First. That it would enable one to en-
| dure protracted physical labor; an idea
arising from the temporary feeling Of
strength and vigor which follows their use.
Second. That alcoholic liquor has the
power of developing and sustaining mental
powers, a most dangerous falfacy. The
imagination and emotions may be stirred,
but the power of doing real work is being
| consumed.
Third. That alcohol serves to fortify
the system against extreme cold. A tenn
porary glow is produced, but the reaction
is speedy and the victim is made doubly
susceptible and is certain TO perish If long
exposed.
Fourth. That alcoholic liquors have the
power of enabling the system to endure ex-
treme heat.
Fifth. That alcohol serves to fortlfy
the system against disease.
The letter was repete with illustrations
which completely fortified every position
taken. The closing sentence is especially
noteworthy, viz, alcoholic stimulants
may be employed as a medicine in excep-
tional cases, but, as beverage, they are
| potent for evil and ought ever TO be regard
ed as a deadly enemy TO self-respect and
noble manhood"
The superintendent then read a letter
from Gov. Grout which gave no uncertain
sound on this great moral evil. He said
in part:
| II gladly send temperance greetings TO your
| Sabbath school aud would that could impress
| the Importance Of the subject upon all the chill
| dren OF Vermont. BY reason OF the strong char.
| Acter Of its men and women Vermont occupies a
leading position In the national councils, and il is
my claim that this Is due TO the fact that they
lead ..b Temperance era lives -
| won u great victory. The boy who puts under
| his feet TIN first Invitations TO smoke, chew OF
mies.of his life. Tobacco wrecks many noble life
| and its use should be avoided Few realize bene
| fit from IT, bu; many great harm. Shuu the social
| glass as you would the evil one. Our best men
| land they are our greatest mem do without II;
may l not hope that you will begin, lead and con.
| clude your lives without Il also.
| Guard. then, your habits as your most sacred
| obligation TO yourself and your Maker and may
| you long dwell upon the earth TO enjoy the vel
| earned fruits Of useful endeAvOr"
lSlgnedI JOSIAH CIRCUIT
Letters were received from other promi-
nent sources, some Of which will be read
next Sunday. From one only we quote,
in advance of its reading, and that from
Rev. J. w. F. Barnes, chaplain of Massa.
chusetts state prison, in which he states
that of the 500 men therein, nearly so pei
cent owe their presence there to the power
of alcoholic drinks, and the most unfortu.
nate thing of all is the fact that most OF
them contracted the habit in early youth
with no knowledge Of its power to deceive
and delude.
Altogether it was a service out Of the or.
binary and well calculated to make lasting
impressions upon all who were present.