The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-12-15

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"TAKE HEED"
An Appeal for Total Abstinence from
the Standpoint of the
Christian.

ness. Luke q "a
The rate at which the national bill for
Intoxicating Enuor is increasing, and
the cry of despair which is arising from
native races in all parts of the world,
on whom Great Britain is imposing
strong drink, are surely enough to ar
rest all Thoughtful people, and compel
them to consider their attitude toward
this most deadly foe of the peace and
happiness of man. 1t is question to
which we cannot affect indifference;
or, if we do, we shall probably be rude
ly awakened by finding one of our own
circle bitten by the fatal craving and
going rapidly beyond our reach down
the stream.
1t has been said by physician of
note that if he were asked to reckon on
his fingers 20 young men and women
who had been brought up in families in
which a moderate use of alcohol was
made, he would have to admit that one
at least of them had gone wrong owing
to the drink. Respectable homes are
therefore not exempt from the effects
of this terrible agent of Satan. 1t may
be questioned whether there is house
anywhere, high or low, in which there
is not some secret tragedy being en-
acted, and in which some name is not
being spoken in whispers, when the
mother is near, because of blighted
career and an untimely grave caused
by strong drink.
We are obliged to take sides. Neu-
t--ality is impossible. Those who are
not heavy drinkers must be ranked
with those who are, in one great army,
whose banner is blood-red in its ground,
and covered with the emblems of death
and the grave. He that is not with us is
against u@; he that gathercth not with
us scattereth abroad; he that does not
by example and voice give his weight to
total abstinence is certainly dropping
his weight into the other scale, and
making it more difficult for some one
else to do right.
1t is not absolutely sure that yours is
not a nature with which the drink may
have quick affinity. You may have come
of ancestors who have passed virus
into your blood which is only waiting
favorable conditions or a stimulus from
without to ignite. You may develop
tempestuous and irresistible appetite.
which once awakened will never more
BE allayed Is it wise to run the risk?
Every medical man affirms that great
deal of injury is done by the habitual
use of wine ard other kinds of alcohol
even in moderate quantities; and that
very large number of people in society
are dying day after day, poisoned by
alcohol, though not supposed to be
poisoned by it. On the other hand, it
is the testimony of thousands that life
is healthier, gladder more wholesome
without drink than with it.
The Apostle said that though all
things were lawful, all things were not
expedient, because he would not be
brought under the power of any. There
were many things within his reach
that were harmless enough, considered
in themselves; but he would not touch
them; because he discovered in his ma
ture a susceptibility to them which
might subjugdte him beneath their
power. Therefore, he eschewcd them
altogether If he did this for matters
which were innocent and harmless, how
much more should we do it in relation
to alcohol, which is acknowledged to be
deadly poison!
We never know in whose'company we
are when we mix with comparative
strangers, A young officer who had
been in danger of losing his position
through habits of nebriety at last made
a resolute effort to abstain totally.
Shortly after he had commenced this
new life he was a guest at great pub
lie dinner, and as the wine passed down
the table he anXiously questioned what
he should so. To refuse would make
him singular and excite remark; to take
would overthrow the results of all his
struggles. In this dilemma he resolved
that if no one else refused, he dare not.
Next him was young lady greatly adj
mired for her beauty and wit. She re-
fused. and beneath the cover of her eX-
ample he dared also to let the wine
pass. That act on her part, humanity
SuNSu lOboDiy ShS
never realized what she had done, or
that her example had been the break
water beneath which this storm-driven
bark had sheltered. Similarly our eX-
ample may be necessary link in the
salvation of some other soul, though,
until the light of eternity reveals all
things, we may never know the re-
sponsibility that rests upon us.
What myriads have been made drunk
ards from the example and practice of
Christian homes where the parents
were strictly moderate, and would have
been Mortified to be told that any of
their children should fill drunkard's
grave. Under the sanction of their pa
rents use of alcohol, children have
come to think it necessary or proper
appendage to a well-appointed table,
with the result, in too many cases. of
finding themselves launched on a cur
rent which becomes ever swifter and
NOR, imperious.
All things are lawful TO me, said the
apostle but not all things are eNpe-
dent, because all things edify not. He
was always on the alert for what would