26 chapters
9 hour read
Selected Chapters
26 chapters
DANGER FROM ARDENT SPIRITS.
DANGER FROM ARDENT SPIRITS.
Every man is in danger of becoming a drunkard who is in the habit of drinking ardent spirits—1. When he is warm. 2. When he is cold. 3. When he is wet. 4. When he is dry. 5. When he is dull. 6. When he is lively. 7. When he travels. 8. When he is at home. 9. When he is in company. 10. When he is alone. 11. When he is at work. 12. When he is idle. 13. Before meals. 14. After meals. 15. When he gets up. 16. When he goes to bed. 17. On holidays. 18. On public occasions. 19. On any day; or, 20. On a
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ON THE TRAFFIC IN ARDENT SPIRIT.
ON THE TRAFFIC IN ARDENT SPIRIT.
Ardent spirit is composed of alcohol and water, in nearly equal proportions. Alcohol is composed of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen, in the proportion of about fourteen, fifty-two, and thirty-four parts to the hundred. It is, in its nature, as manifested by its effects, a poison . When taken in any quantity it disturbs healthy action in the human system, and in large doses suddenly destroys life. It resembles opium in its nature, and arsenic in its effects. And though when mixed with water, as in a
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REWARDS OF DRUNKENNESS.
THE REWARDS OF DRUNKENNESS.
If you wish to be always thirsty, be a Drunkard; for the oftener and more you drink, the oftener and more thirsty you will be. If you seek to prevent your friends raising you in the world, be a Drunkard; for that will defeat all their efforts. If you would effectually counteract your own attempts to do well, be a Drunkard; and you will not be disappointed. If you wish to repel the endeavors of the whole human race to raise you to character, credit, and prosperity, be a Drunkard; and you will mos
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE WELL-CONDUCTED FARM.
THE WELL-CONDUCTED FARM.
Mr. B——, a respectable farmer in Massachusetts, came, a number of years ago, into the possession of a farm of about six hundred acres. On this farm he employed eight or ten men. These men were in the habit, and had been for years, of taking each a portion of ardent spirit, when they labored, every day. They had grown up in the practice of taking it, and the idea was fixed in their minds that they could not do without. It was the common opinion in the place, that, for laboring men, who had to wor
56 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPEAL TO YOUTH. A TRACT FOR THE TIMES.
APPEAL TO YOUTH. A TRACT FOR THE TIMES.
To arrest a great moral evil, and elevate the general standard of character in a community, the influence of the young is all-important. They can, if they please, put an end to the most demoralizing scourge that has ever invaded our country, and introduce a state of society far more pure and elevated than the world has yet seen. Consider then, beloved youth, some of the numerous motives for abstaining from intoxicating liquor and other hurtful indulgences, and employing your time and faculties w
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ALARM TO DISTILLERS.
ALARM TO DISTILLERS.
The art of turning the products of the earth into a fiery spirit was discovered by an Arab , about nine hundred years ago. The effects of this abuse of nature’s gifts were soon viewed with alarm. Efforts were made, even by a heathen people, to arrest the evil; and it shows the mighty agency and cunning of Satan, that Christian nations should ever have been induced to adopt and encourage this deadliest of man’s inventions. In the guilt of encouraging the destructive art, our own free country has
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
AN ADDRESS ORIGINALLY DELIVERED AT POMFRET, CONN.,
AN ADDRESS ORIGINALLY DELIVERED AT POMFRET, CONN.,
I remember, when a boy, reading a story which chilled my blood in my veins; but which taught me never to sit down and try to bear an evil which might, by bold and persevering effort, be remedied. The story was this. A certain district of country was infested by a wild beast. The nuisance was intolerable. The inhabitants rallied, and hunted it day and night, until they drove it into a deep den. There, with dogs, guns, straw, fire, and sulpher, they attacked the common enemy; but all in vain. The
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE DRUNKARD IN HIS FAMILY.
THE DRUNKARD IN HIS FAMILY.
His example is seen daily in the house, and in the parent. It is seen by children so soon as they can see any thing, and long before their minds are capable of distinguishing its nature, or its tendency. The parent visibly regards spirituous liquors as a peculiarly interesting enjoyment of sense, at a time when they know no enjoyments but those of sense: of course they cannot but think it eminently valuable. The means of intoxication are also provided to their hand; and their own home, so far as
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE.
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE.
About twenty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. ——, decent and respectable people, removed with a family of children from the country to a neighboring town, where they purchased a small house and lot, and lived very comfortably. Their family, however, increasing to five boys, they removed to the shore—the town being situated on a river—and in addition to their former means of obtaining a living, erected a sign, and provided “entertainment” for such as chose to call on them. They were temperate people, acco
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE ON THE MORAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND PHYSICAL POWERS.
THE EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE ON THE MORAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND PHYSICAL POWERS.
I address you, fellow-citizens, to enlist your sympathies and efforts in behalf of an institution which, in accordance with the spirit of the times, has been established through our land by the almost united voice of the nation, and this for the suppression of one of the most alarming evils that ever infested human society; a vice, too, so odious in its nature, so injurious in its consequences, and attended with so many circumstances of suffering, mortification, and disgrace, that it seems diffi
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BIBLE ARGUMENT FOR TEMPERANCE.
BIBLE ARGUMENT FOR TEMPERANCE.
The Bible requires us to “present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God;” to “purify ourselves, even as he is pure;” to “give no occasion of stumbling to any brother;” to “give no offence to the church of God;” to “love our neighbor as ourselves;” to “do good to all as we have opportunity;” to “abstain from all appearance of evil;” to “use the world as not abusing it;” and, “whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God.” A Being of infinite be
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FOUR REASONS AGAINST THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.
FOUR REASONS AGAINST THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS.
In presenting this subject, it shall be my aim to state and illustrate such facts and principles as shall induce every man, woman, and child, capable of contemplating truth and appreciating motive, to exert the whole weight of their influence in favor of the “ Temperance Reform .” There are Four Reasons which claim special attention. The first reason we would urge, why the use of alcoholic liquors should be altogether dispensed with, is their immense cost to the consumers. It is estimated from d
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DIALOGUE I.
DIALOGUE I.
Distiller. Good morning, Mr. Conscience; though I know you to be one of the earliest risers, especially of late, I hardly expected to meet you here at day-dawn. Conscience. I am none too early, it seems, to find you at your vocation. But how are you going to dispose of this great black building? Distiller. Why, I do not understand you. Conscience. What are you doing with these boiling craters, and that hideous worm there? Distiller. Pray explain yourself. Conscience. Whose grain is that? and wha
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SECOND INTERVIEW.
SECOND INTERVIEW.
Distiller. (Seeing Conscience approach, and beginning to tremble.) What, so soon and so early at your post again? I did hope for a short respite. Conscience. O, I am distressed—I cannot hold my peace. I am pained at my very heart. Distiller. Do be composed, I beseech you, and hear what I have to say. Since our last interview I have resolved to sell out, and I expect the purchaser on in a very few days. Conscience. What will he do with the establishment when he gets it? Distiller. You must ask hi
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DIALOGUE II.
DIALOGUE II.
Conscience. (Looking over the ledger with a serious air.) What is that last invoice from the West Indies? Rum-Dealer. Only a few casks of fourth proof, for particular customers. Conscience. And that domestic poison, via New Orleans; and on the next page, that large consignment, via Erie Canal? Dealer. O, nothing but two small lots of prime whiskey, such as we have been selling these twenty years. But why these chiding inquiries? They disquiet me exceedingly. And to tell you the plain truth, I am
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
DIALOGUE III.
DIALOGUE III.
Conscience. Do you know that little half-starved, bare-footed child, that you just sent home with two quarts of rank poison? (Retailer hums a tune to himself, and affects not to hear the question.) Conscience. I see by the paper of this morning, that the furniture of Mr. M—— is to be sold under the hammer to-morrow. Have I not often seen him in your taproom? Retailer. I am extremely busy just now, in bringing up our ledger. Conscience. Have you heard how N—— abused his family, and turned them al
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BARNES ON THE TRAFFIC IN ARDENT SPIRITS.
BARNES ON THE TRAFFIC IN ARDENT SPIRITS.
There are some great principles in regard to our country, which are settled, and which are never to be violated, so long as our liberties are safe. Among them are these: that every thing may be subjected to candid and most free discussion; that public opinion, enlightened and correct, may be turned against any course of evil conduct; that that public opinion is, under God, the prime source of security to our laws and to our morals; and that men may be induced, by an ample and liberal discussion,
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FOOLS’ PENCE.
THE FOOLS’ PENCE.
Have you ever seen a London gin-shop? There is perhaps no statelier shop in the magnificent chief city of England. No expense seems to be spared in the building and the furnishing of a gin-shop. Not many years ago a gin-shop was a mean-looking, and by no means a spacious place, with a few small bottles, not bigger than a doctor’s largest vials, in the dusty window. But now, however poor many of the working classes may be, it seems to be their pleasure to squander their little remaining money upo
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
A NARRATIVE OF FACTS.
A NARRATIVE OF FACTS.
For fifteen years of my married life I was as miserable as any woman could be. Our house was the picture of wretchedness externally, and it looked still more wretched within. The windows were patched, the walls shattered, the furniture defaced and broken, and every thing was going to ruins. It had not always been so: once my home was happy, and I used to take much pleasure and some pride in hearing the neighbors say, “How neat and trim neighbor N——’s house always looks!” But they could not say s
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
A TRUE NARRATIVE.
A TRUE NARRATIVE.
In a populous and civilized district of Ulster lived Jamie , a day-laborer; a fellow of right good sense and practical talent, carpenter and mason, shoemaker and blacksmith, and aught else the case required. The variety of his powers had nearly ruined him. On all hands he was in requisition, and everywhere he was a favorite—kindness flowing to him in its common channel, spirituous liquor. Wherever he went, he was treated . This was too much for flesh and blood, and Jamie became, in the style of
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
THE WONDERFUL ESCAPE.
In the town where I reside were twelve young men who were accustomed, early in life, to meet together for indulgence in drinking and all manner of excess. In the course of time, some of them engaged in business; but their habits of intemperance were so entwined with their very existence, that they became bankrupts or insolvents. Eight of them died under the age of forty, without a hope beyond the grave, victims of intemperance. Three others are still living in the most abject poverty. Two of the
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EVENTFUL TWELVE HOURS; OR, THE DESTITUTION AND WRETCHEDNESS OF A DRUNKARD.
THE EVENTFUL TWELVE HOURS; OR, THE DESTITUTION AND WRETCHEDNESS OF A DRUNKARD.
“It is a sorrowful heart,” said I to myself, as I raked over the dying embers upon the hearth, to throw a transient gleam of light over my dreary cottage—“It is a sorrowful heart that never rejoices; and though I am somewhat in debt at the Blue Moon , and the landlady of the Stag has over and over again said she’d never trust me, still she has not yet refused me, only at first. Many’s the shilling I have paid them both, to be sure,” said I, rising involuntarily and going to the cupboard: “I had
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LOST MECHANIC RESTORED.
THE LOST MECHANIC RESTORED.
Near the close of 1831, says Mr. C——, of Hartford, Conn., I was requested by a pious and benevolent lady, to take into my employ a young man who had become intemperate. I objected that the influence of such a man would be injurious to my other workmen, and especially my apprentices. But the kind-hearted lady urged her request, saying that he was willing to come under an engagement not to drink at all, and to conform strictly to all the regulations of the establishment; that she received him into
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
REFORMATION OF DRUNKARDS.
REFORMATION OF DRUNKARDS.
Truly we live in an age of wonders. Under peculiar influences, hundreds and thousands of once hopeless drunkards are becoming sober men—yet the work of reform has but commenced. It is computed that there are in the land no less than five hundred thousand habitual inebriates. The condition of each individual calls for sympathy and aid, that he may become a sober man, and through the blessing of God, gain eternal life. For drunkenness there is and can be no apology; but the condition of the drunka
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
A NAUTICAL TEMPERANCE DIALOGUE.
A NAUTICAL TEMPERANCE DIALOGUE.
Jack. Halloo, shipmate; what cheer? Mayhap, however, you don’t choose to remember an old crony. Tom. Why, Jack, is that you? Well, I must say, that if you hadn’t hailed me I should have sailed by without knowing you. How you’re altered! Who would have supposed that this weather-beaten hulk was my old messmate Jack Halyard, with whom I’ve soaked many a hard biscuit, and weathered many a tough gale on old Ocean? and then you used to be as trim in your rigging as the Alert herself; but now it’s as
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OX SERMON.
THE OX SERMON.
Among the laws given by the divine Lawgiver through Moses to the Jews, was the following: “If an ox gore a man or a woman that they die, then the ox shall be surely stoned; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but he hath killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.” Exod. 21: 28, 29. The principle of this law is a very
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter