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' . ;-, •..'iv. ft.'k^ \\ c VJ i \ 1 ^xb lWI, ...^il •.tii.,riki^.li'lfeLk^,liJfe 'i I ESSAY i "Abstain from all appearaiK;o of evil." -S?, I'aul. "Follow not that whicli is uvil, I'lit lliat whii-'i is pool." St. John. That all Cliristians are morally bound to iibstain IVoin tliat wlii'h is evil, and to follow that, which in good, no Christian will d't'iiy. Absoliitt'ly, this obligation prestes with equal I'orco upon all; but, relatively, it b.^ars with greater weight upon some than it ♦lo.'H u|ion others. Each individual's owrj condition is attt-eted tor good, by his adherenc-o to duty, and for evil, by his dereliction therefrom. But, bt^votid this, each one's conduct affects, for good or evil, all within tlie circle of his influence. It follows, there- fore, that the larger this circle is, the weightier is the obligation of him to whom it belongs, to refrain from evil, and to do good. ISome persons occupy exalted positions, and possess powerful and widely extended inlluences. I'pon those who are so distinguished, the obligation to set examples worthy of imitation rests with a force coinmensurit* with the height of their position and the wide tiWeep of their influence. Of the variou-t classes of (Christians, none occupy positio!;s so exalted, ami wield inHn^^nces so extensivt; as the clergy. Jt has pleased the ISupreme fiiuv-givcr, under all Dispensations for the ndmiidstration of His ^Vo^d and ()i'diiuinc(\s, to set apart a definite class of men to ''minister in holy thir-.gs ;" and upon those whom He thus sariv'tifies, He ever lays the respcuisibility of acting as guides and exemplars to others. Taking a firm sta;id ipon the apostolic injunctions to abstniu frcm evil and to follow good, the writer of these j)ages proposes to show : — First, — that drunkenness is an evil. tSecondh/, — that the moderate partakingof intoxicating beverages leads to drunkenness. Thinllij, — that, if clergymen and other niemb"rs of Christiati communities take no interest in the cause ( f Total Abi>tinence from all such beverages as induce intoxication — much more if they themselves partake of such beverages — their neglect and influence assist in perpetuating and extending that which is evil ; and they are held accountable for flu; consequences. When those propositions shall have been demonstrated, this inferential truth will follow, namely: that it is of the gravest importance to the suppression of evil and the promotion of good, that the Clergy, and Christians generally, by example and com- bined efibrt, aid the cause of Total Abstinence from all intoxicating .T->; bfvornges; niul that, pon«i»'qiiently, a woighty rospon.' Ibllity restu upon thorn in connection with that cnuso*. The truth of our first proposition — nimiely, DninkonneHs is an evil — might be a»8nin«;d, as no one will pr»?8nme to dispute it; but for the sake of orvler nntl consistonoy, a few iiicts, (li-nionstnitivc, even of what is thus beyond question, are licre addueed. Such facts are strown all along the stream of time, tliirk :i • autumn leaves upon the bosom of some mighty river flowing through a primeval forest. Turning up the faithfid ])ages of liistory, butli sacred and profane, we learn that drutdu-nness has utterly destroyed prince and beggar, rich and poor, learned and ignorant; all who have come under its baneful influence, utdess redeemed by a strong hand, have alike peri.>hed, alike sinik to ruin. From the same silent but impressive witnesses we further /earn that drunkenness has overturru^d thrones, dissolved kingdoms, and sunk nations from honour and power to degradation and weakness. Oh, how the luind recoils, overwhelmed and oppressed, from the uuspeakabio woes thus intlicted upon our race! Whether drunkenness was, or was rmt, one of the grievous sins .vliich brought Ood's heavy vengeance upon the antediluvian world, is an unsettled question ; though we are not without strong presiunj)tive evidence that this heinous vice had a prominent place amongst those aggravated crimes. IFowever this may have been, w< have direct testimony to the fact that the first curse uttere:d up.-.i the expurgated earth, was that which was deiuiunced against Jiam, in conseifttence of e.rcessire itufni-feinr in wine hi/ his father. The same oin has been followed by curses, deep an vice of drunkenness and of all who are guilty of it. Practical illustrations of the dire effects which follow such !i course, might also be brought forward. Lt^t one, of a character appalling beyond expression, suffice. The infamous Belshaz/.ar, King of Babylon, and his courtiers, were debauchees of the u>ost inveterate type; and drunkenness was the climax of their •Till' reuler will j)lpn-ie iiii'lentnnd that wlio-.-ever tln' pxprcislon "Tiifnl Ahstirieiice" i* nso«l in tluMe p:iK<'s, it i" iiitt'iuloil to nn'.iii tut.il abstinence fioiii inloxiiMtiiij! licvcra^tt' ^ I A •♦■'i! but tivc, Such IIIlM Jl A )iitli ••rly a lit ; IllOtl rom tliiit and tiiess. n the his kJ I A ilohaik'hury. luflanuul, and iiiiidt) ni-klcss by wiiit-, at hi.s last f^rarid revo!, the Hacrih-gioiis nianhu! crdwtu'd Ids impiety by hurling defiaiicH iti the face of Jehovah. JJiit his fall — a lalf so teri'ible that the report makes oiii* ears tingle — was ut hand. Wliih) Belsha/.zar, h\>i princes, his wives, and his concnbuies, wt-re in thw midst ot their utdiidlowed r>n'.lry, tht; appcaraiice of tliat uiyste- I'ious hand, traciii}^ thosl* stran<;e and ominous characters upon tho palace wall, broiij^dit their carousal to a suddm t^-rminaiion ; while the guilty king was convulsed in soul and body with horror aiul atl'right. On that same night tlm impious monarch met a deatli of violence; and soon his magnificent kingdom passed under a foreign yoke. Our second proposition now chdrr.s attention. The moiU'rato partaking of intoxicating beverages leads to dnmkentiess. In briefly discussing this proposition, we shidi, as in the first, have recourse to the severe logic, of facts; merely selecting from the overwhelming array, n few of tho.'-e which are transpiring around oin'selves. In 'vhat direction soever we turn our vyes, we behold midtitudes of the victim.s of intemperance j)assiiig on tlrougli degradation, wretchedness, and woe indescribable, to their dismid fiitiM'e. These are conlirnu'd drtnikards ; and, alas I the c.ise of most of them is hopeless. Their sun of hope has set; yen, the last glimmering star has gone down, and ra\ less night has settled U|)on their disnud path. Jiut see ! jiressing hard in the footsteps of these wntched ones, are crowds even greater in the various stages of modenile diirdving. Now, discerii, if you can, the dividing line between the van of the moderate driidvers and the rear of the dcuj.kanls. You cannot see it; so dillicult is it to determiiie where moderation ceases and excess begins. Whence caute these nndtitudes of drunkards ? I'Voin the ranks of moderate drinkers. Who dure iIcd;! it ! Whence came these greater nutl- titudes of moderatu drinkers? From all classes of society. Who can coittnidlct It ! lict us, in imagination, visit some of the scenes which lie around us, in order that W(! m:iy, pai'tially, at least, trace the course of many who are ])assing from stations of wealth, honour, and refniement, to the lowest depths of ]>overly, disgrace, and deliauchery. Although our visits are but imaginary, yet the scenes are terrible realities. Would to (Jod they had only an imaginary existence I l''irst let us visit this lordly mansion. Here luxury ami elegance seem to have established their tthrone. How courtly and fau-inating are tlu' manners of the residents I flow interesting and instructive is their conversation I Here is found a shining <'irfle of the virtues that adorn the cidtivated mind, and a still brighter circle of the graces which exalt the etdightened n»ornl sense. l}ut amoiigst so many excellencies otie defect appears. A very little cloud it seems, upon a sky serene and clear; but to tho experienced eye it portends a storm of sweeping ruin. AVine, tho cruel mocker, wearing, as usual, a smiling aspect, is found among the delicacies of this luxurious home. One member, at least, of 11... ;';.:::. A'iiiy iSI0^ this {)uri4ho i hiiml,, i» »ivil 'ilj,"* <•!' iIik conjugal atH',;fio:i of fon I ami Imppy piuviitM. Yoim^ man, with lofry bi'ow ami llashin^' cyo I tli;it (pit'nc'ic I ; fh;it coiiitfiianfi*, on which int.-lli^ •iicc n.»w beiins s) brii,'htly, ^\'\\\ b roin » cxpiVH- «ionle«s ii:ul i\'|)iil.'sivt) ; that nobli* b/nw, ii|) in which retlnemiMit Hits enthroned, will In- bow.-d in sh inn' to the virs' ilint. Mumm! tly (fxhoi'titii; the h ';t(ls ot'lliis hospitabln family to banish tho dt-Ntroyer tVoin their hiippy hoiiic, that it may iicwr bn " IhirkeiU'il with distresM and nil !iU'hi»," and commending' pan nts and cliildivn to the protection of heaven, we pass to another .sceiii'. Let 118 now enter this Irilliantly li'n, whose countrnanceH K'ar the impress of loftv intelligmce, should still bo foutul repeating the old, o'd tolly— "To i)ut an enemy into tlieir months to steal away tlieir brains I" Nor will the rapacious thief be satisfied with brains, Ifo must have prop.'rty, reputation, lite, soul I .Vll lieiM xeent joyous, an. I, doubtless, many te '1 so; while wit, and mirth, and son;j;, an I wine, sparkle, and (lash, a-id llo.v aiv)und. Th -y lo.ik with satisfaction upon th(! glistenint? serpent ; Jind ttiko him irlt'iin their b;)soms. not anticipating th t bit^ of lii'i de ith-eiiveno n -d fang;. () i, that thoy would turn awiy frjm th ; tem,)t -r ; an I so avoi 1 the iiMrful reality I S.'anning tlie co;npiny mo.'e closely, w\* perceive that HOtnL» have already pissd the hour;) of m;) lerate driidung, though, probably, they are uiicoms -ious of the fact; and, if charged with it, would give the c!iarg * an indignant denial. Sj insidious i., this enemy that his victims are in his power ere they tire fully awan^ of their perilous |)osition, Alre.ady are some of those who stand a grade or two higher, be^'inning to shrug th 'ir sh )uldrtrs and lo )k askaru'e at their companions who arj tlun going down tho declivity of inebriation ; and soon the latter will find themselves excluded from the circle of which they are now permitted to form a part. But hero we have linji Ted long enouji'i. Let us now visit, another scene. Here is a less ])rotentious establishment where tho beverages of death are vended. Jf the place and its appurtenances are a j,'i*ade lower than that which we have just left, so are most of the w < 'I-'? ^ V^' • ••• i • company. VVe porcoivo thafc the class whieh stands highest her© is idoiiticul with that which stuod lowest in the ibrnier cotnpauy. Those who have not decidedly overpassed the boundary ot moder- ation are in a minority. Most are far beyond that limit. Jlere the beverages ava Ibhs choice, th»i mirth more boisterous, the jests coarser, and oaths, seldom heard in the former company, are frequent in this. With saddened feelings we -ontemplate the descending tendency of the course, as we turn uwoy to view yet ttuother scene. What type of the " regions below" is this, whence soumls so dissonant and unearthly are issuing? Here all semblanee of respectability is ignored, and '• confusion worse confounded" reigns supreme. Songs, such as only drunkards can utter, with voicfes harsher than the grating of dungeon doors, the very mockery of laughter, such as demotis might be supposed to send forth, oaths, curses, and blaspht'iiiy, shouts and yells of fierce anger, the clinking and clashing and crashing of drinking apparatus, red e^'es, hideous countenances, tattered and filthy garments, — these nil commingled 'make up an assemblage of sights and sounds at which we stand aghast. While horror-stricken we gaze iipon this scene of madness Wti are borne backward in imagination to the times when these demoniacs wore ini\ocent children, promising youths, respectable young men, and moderate drinkers of intoxlcatintj beverages. Yes, like all drunkards, tluiy have passed through these various stages, and now — they are here! In tins vile company all social distinc- tions are sunk; but we catch a glimpse of more than one counte- nance which we have seen in higher circles, and we observe a few who seem less fatuiliar with these lowest degrees oF drunkenness than are others. Now, though wo have not reviewed nil the steps of the drunkard's downward lioUrse, yet wo have seen quite enough to convince us that there is u regular gradation even from homes of grandeurj where the sparkling champagne circulates amongst their coui'tly occupants, to such low sinks of vice as that upon which we last looked, where the vilest compounds are eagerly qualFed by a rabble of wretched tatterdemalions, " FaciUs descensus averni, ^r." Were it our design to produce an essay upon the evils of intemperance, we would ask the reader to accompany us to scenes immeasurably more soul-harrowing than any we have hitht^rto witnessed. We would go to the prison-vault and see the criminal who is doomed to a death of shame. We would listen to his agonizing confession, that under the power of the maddening draught, with murderous hand, he struck down his companion, his friend, his brother, his child, his wife! He would tell us of happy days in the past, when he was a man of sobriety and respectability, and, with burning words, he would entreat us to avoid the snare into which he fell — the snare of moderate drinking — which, step by step, brought him to drunkenness and crime. Unhappy man ! you row understand what Solomon meant when he said, "Wine \> k>>^,.. j.tJt.f.a.^„ . . . vV. <* %i ^■^iW^'^'^^^r^ W! '■*?"' ( is a mockor: stronsj tlrink is raging: whosoovor is deceived thereby is not wise"; though, ahis ! too hitu you have learned the lesson. AVe would also visit the -Irunkard's habitation — the sweet Saxon word " home" bdongs not to such a plnee — and there, in the unspeakable anguish which is crushing thu life from the hearts of his wife and little ones, would we behold more of the bitter fruit of the tree which grows from the seed of moderate drinking ! That liaggard wretch, whirh scarcely beirs the semblance of manhood, was once a man of sober habits, then a moderate drinker, and no'v — ho is a drunkard. Permit us, kind reader, to illustrate the gradation of thoBe who are treading the paths of the destroyer by an allegory : There is n large city called Muivlttn Uitlversm, through whi^h runs one long and winding street, named Ehrlefatin Via. This thoroughfare commences in the midst of pleasant scenes, but, as we pass aloiig, the views become less and less inviting, until they imperceptibly merge into repulsiveness. As we proceed, this repulsivenesH increases, until all that we belu^ld is ghastly, hideous, horrible. Finally, thib way abruptly terminates on the brink of a " black and awful gulf,'' called Vorat/o Nortis. Along the entire length of thin way of drunkenness, a multitude of persons of various ages and conditions are passing. Those who have arrived at the terminuM are going over the precipice into the gulf of death. Others ure pressing behind ; and thus it is all along the way. Soon the gay and careless passenger, who is now back amongst the s<'one8 of beauty, will have run his race over the various stages of the course and pass away into the blat^kness of darkness fonn'er! AV'o now pass to the discussion of oia* third projwsition, viz. : If clergymen and other members of christian communities take no interest in the cause of total abstinence from all such beverages as induce into.vication — much more if they themsf^Ives partake of such leverages — their neglect and influence assist in the perpetuatiou and extension of tliat which is evil, and they are held accountable for the consequences. In the enunciation of this proposition we place the clergy before other christians on account of their higher position and greater relative obligations; but, in our treatment of the subject, we shall not be careful to hvvp up a nice distinctiofi between the respective duties of the two classes, because, to a great extent, these duties are commou to both. AV^H '[ ive seen that drunkenness is a monstrous evil, and that the moderai-e partaking of intoxicating beverages leads to it ; hence, i:oi.;il nbst'neMce from all such beverages is the only means by uliich drui'keiv.n 3s, with all its terrible results, can be extirpated from the ^ orid. Now, as all christians, clergy and laity, art* 1 '.rail'' bu if. 'o labour earnestly for the suppression of evil and '-hi' |. o* .. *-ton of good; and as total abstinence is a sure remedy for th>) gre.. !: evil of drunkenni'ss, it follows that they are boutul to labour in this cause. It also follows, th;it, to whatever extent drui'.kennes.'i exists in cotixetitwace of t/teir nrfflect of fhls duty, to that extent tliey are guil'y of perpetuating it. fiot us suppose ft \ that thoro are, in a certain community, one liiimlrod diHinkarcIs, and that all of them mij^ht have Itoen saved by faithful, earnest labour ou tiie part of the clergy and the religious public, does not drunkenness, to the extent that is practised by these hundred drunkards, exist solely in consequence of neglect of duty by the parties who had the power to remove it, but failed to (k) so ? The principles involved in the proposition under discussion are virtually admitted by all who recognize the relation between means and ends. If a man remain in poverty, solely tiirough neglect of means within his power, and if his family sulfer want in consequence, is he not justly chargeable with his poverty and his family's destitution? If children grow up in ignorance and vic« in consequence of carelessness and neglrt't on the part of parents, are not such careless and neglectful parents justly chargeable with inflicting evils upon society through the vicious conduct of their children ? Suppose that one of our neighbors is ill of a dangerous disease, and we have the means of curing hiiu, and the ability to apply the remedy without risk to ourselves, but neglect to do so; suppos., further, that through this neglect on our part, the contagion spread through the community and hundreds die of it — are we not justly chargeable with spreading flisease and death ? Tlie principles for which wo are contending are also recognized in legislation, both human and divine. If a man permit a crime to be committed in his pres«'nco without an eftort to prevent it, and if he t;ike no measures to have the criminal brought to justice, is he not legally held an jvirticeps crhninin? Under divine law we are not held irresponsible it we see even an enemy's ox or his ass going astray, without bringing him back to his owner. It God is «o strict in reference to the animals or other property of an enemy, will he hold us guiltless if we see the property, the bodies, lh« reputation, innl the souls of friend and fue alike, go to destruction without an effort to save them ? .Still greater nmst bo our guilt nud condemnation, if by our influence we assist them on the way. Some writer has said truly, " He who cannot reason is a fool ; ho who can reason, and will not, is a bigot ; but he who can and will reason is a man." Now to every person of the latter class we cc ''dently appeal. Are not our propositions, thus far, fairly proven? Do not Scripture, History, Keason, and Experience all bear concurrent testimony to the truth of our aHirmatioii, that drunkenness is fraught with woes indescribable; that moderate drinking leads to this degrading vice ; and that all who refuse or neglect to assist in the promotion of the cause of total abstinence are guilty of the heinous sin of aiding and abetting the monstrous evil? We now proceed to elucidate the importance of combined efforts on the part of dergynuni of all denominations, and the religious public generally, in a cause fraught with blesfsings to the world — the cause of total abstinence from evervthinc that induces iuto.\ication. In estimating the value of anv kind of labour we \ li) must cousiiler the results of that labour. A man may labour hard and yet produce neither benefit nor injury ; such labour possesses no importance at all : that is, it has no force or weight. A man may also devote his powers to the production of mischief and harm ; such labour is important or forcible for evil. Again, a man may be active in that which is beneficial; such labour is also important ; but its importance is for good ; and the degree of importance corresponds to the amount of good effected. Now, we ask, is not the work of saving our neighbours, our friends, our families and ourselves from the destructive power of intemperate habits, a good and noble work? lie is a bold, bad man who answers " nay." Can this power be broken while its subjects continue to imbibe the intoxicating draught? We have proved that moderate drinking leads right on to drunkenness, and ends in destruction. Can total abstinence restore the drunkard, arrest the moderate drinker, and preserve the abstemious ? He is a fool who gives a negation. clergymen generally possess very great moral influence ; hence, it is in their power to accomplish mucli, very much, in the promo- tion of the cuuso which brings the poor drunkard back to virtue and peace, arrests the downward steps of him who has entered the way of ruin, and preserves the man of sobriety in his steadtiistness. Next to clerical influence, tliat of the lay membership of our various christian communities is greatest; wherefore the religious public generally can also do much in aid of the good cause. Let all work with a will, for God knows there is need ! Intemperance, with its hellward influences, surrounds us; men, women, and children — and, with the rest, some of the loved ones who cluster around our own hearts — are falling like leaves in the autumn gale. Every newspaper brought to our tables records acts of violence, cruelty, and wrong, at which the heart sickens, committed by those whom alcoholic drink has changed from men to fiends. Eed- handed murder stalks abroad, oven in Nova Scotia, and the gallows casts its .shadow over the land. Shall clergymen, or christians of any class, view those appalling facts with indifierence, and make no oflbrt to arrest the progress of the great Destroyer? God forbid I To sweep away the cause of so much crime and woe is, indeed, a work of overwhelming importance; and in-order to its acconiplishment, the united eflbrts of all christians must be pressed into the service. What grand results we should behold if all clergymen, of all denominations, woi.dd enter into this great moral Hnter|)nse with zeal couunensurate witi: its importance ! If the labours of a Father Matthew, and a few other kindred spirits, which have from time to time sprung up here and there, have been so greatly blessed, what glorious effects would follow the united, earnest, and well directed labours of all the ministers of religion throughout the world ! Happy are we to bear testimony to the fact that many, very many, arc standing nobly up for this good cause. From eve.y denomination of christians comes forth a band of earnest, zcalou't ministers, who fullv recognize their -*■"*■■■• ^ Mi I i our Let obligations in reference to the work in which they are engaged. They know that intemperai.ee is a deadly foe to Christianity, and that it is, therefore, au important duty, which they are solemnly bound to perform, to direct the full force of their influence against this great evil in the land. Eight manfully do they come up to the work, and great success is, even now, crowning their labours. But what we need, in order to a full measure of success, is the concentration of all our christian forces, with united and deter- mined efibrts, agiiinst the common foe. It must not be supposed that because the clergy are morally bound to labour in this, as well as in every other good cause, the laity of our christian commu- nities are exonerated froui the same obligation. Neither must it be thought that because magnificept results would be produced by the zealous efibrts of thi clergy, the laity can aflord to sit idly down, or stand with "rusty blades." Xo; each has his own work to do, and no other can do it for him. Each has his own talents to improve, and for these no other is responsible. While the heroic Joshua was fighting against Amalek, Moses, with holy hands uplifted, was praying for the success of Israel's champion. Joshua now prevailed, and now Amalek, as the hands of Moses rose or fell; but when those heavy hands were sustained and steadied by Aaron and Ilur, the success of Joshua was uniform, and his victory soon comph-ted. Just so are all christian ministers and christian peoj)le needed in the mighty war against a foe immeasurably greater tlian was Amalek. Let all be vigilant, active, and faithful, each at his post, and as Israel's ancient enemy was bi^acen, and eventually destroyed, so will our more potent adversary, "old king Alcohol," bo overthrown and driven from the land. " In mighty phalanx joined," with total austixexlb emblazoned upon our banners, dad in panoply and equipped with implements and munitions drawn from the armories and arsenals of heaven and, above all, with the Invincible Commander at our head, let us advance to the battle in full assurance of victory. Yes I let us attack the devil's stronghold, Fort Inteniperauce, and tiiough it be desperately defended and otter the most stubborn resistance under its infamous commanders, liuin, Brandy, Whiskey, and Git), aided by their little less infamous subalterns. Wine, Ale, Porter, and Culer, yet, under this simultaneous onslaught of all our forces, it must \ield and fhll. But we cannot too earnestly and emphatically insist upon the importance of unanimity in council and union in action, in order to the achievement of the grand triumph at which wh aim. Let there be this oneiift-.t ofmliul, and this combination of effort; but let each warrior strike as if victory depend upon his single arm, and success is certain. Tould the largest aruiy of the ablest soldiers ever take an enemy's strung position, if officers were recreant to duty, and men in a state if inactivity? Under si.ch circumstances would it not be absurd to expect success? Stdl more hopeless would be the case, it one general officer should give a comuumd ami anollicr a coinitermaiKl ; if a part should fight, a l\ part remain in camp, and a part go ovor to the onemy, and assiat in strengthening his already strong position. Is not this too accurate a picture of the conduct of christians in reference to the i'ouflict that, for many years, has been raging between the oppo- nents of total abstinence and the advocates of this grand moral reform ? King Alcohol is a powerful enemy, and he occupies a position of gieat strength. Habits stronger than death, holy scripture wrested and perverted, the potency of example, the force of erroneous teaching, and the protection of legislative enactments form some of his defences. From behind these he hurls iiisoltmt defiance at all who threaten his position. Now, are not some of the clergy active in the good cause, while others are quite indifferent, it not opposed to it? Ts not the army weakened by the absence of harmony ? Are not many aiding to strengthen the ene'iiy's position, by the traitorous practice of moderate drinking? Painful truth it is that candour must extort an affirmative to these questions. " These things ought not so to be." AVe repeat that it is of transcendant importance that there be neither recreants, nor sluggards, nor traitors in this army ; for, if there be — not failure, merely, but defeat, inglorious and disastrous, will be its doom. Said the Great Teacher, " Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation ; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand ;" and thousands of facts confirm the testimony. Hitherto the Cause of Temperance has been weakened and retarded by divided councils and conflicting action on the part of clergymen and christians generally ; hence, intemperance is alarm- ingly prevalent, not only in the world but within the hallowed pret'incts of the church. Are clergymen especially bound to labour for the downfall of sin and error, and for the upraising of holiness and truth ? To this work they are called, and for these purposes tliey are sanctified. Are all christians bound under the same obligation? vScripture arid reason, with united voice, answer, " Yf s." Our blessed Lord said to his disciples, " Ye are the light of the world"; and again, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in hea\eii." If private chri-.tians, as well as clergymen, are not so bound, then, there must be division in the chu.-cb, and division causes desolation and downfall. Now, it has been placed beyond question or cavil, that the partaking of intoxicating beverages, whether moderately op immo- derately, is productive of evil, and destructive to good. It is equally undeniable that all christians are bound to labour for the suppression of evil and the advancement of good. The conclusion is, therefore, irresistible, that there should be united efforts on the part of clergymen of all d(^nomiiintions, and the religious public generally, in the cause of total abstinence from all intoxicating beverages. But the obligation thus resting on the parties will be more fully considered and enforced in its own place. Hero we must further elucidate the importance .>f this combination of etVort. wir be\ th€ th.J whl '♦■J ■^^'.^^r' ^m. d assist ihis too ) to the e oppo- 1 moral 'upies a rh, holy he force ictments itisoUtnt d cause, Is not ot many I practice )ur must »ught not ance that s in this nglorious , "Every ind every thousands cened and le part of is alarm- hallowed to labour )f holineHB purposes the same answer, e the light )efore men ther which sn, are not od division '» that the or imrao- noA. It is )our for the conclusion 'orts on the •ious public intoxicating •ties will be Hero wo on of etVort. The universal experience of ages proves that united and deter- mined efforts are important to the success of any cause, whether good or bad. Let us take, for illustration, one example of each. The propagation of the christian religion, with all its sublime interests, was entrusted to the combined efforts of twelve very humble men. With burning zeal tempered with heavenly know- ledge, they entered upon their grand mission — that of revolu- tionizing the world. Crowned heads and sceptred arms in vain opposed their progress. Their mission was accomplished. The most stupendous effects that the world has ever witnessed, crowned their cotnbineil efforts. Would the cause have so prospered if there had been disunion between its advocates? Our Lord's own teaching, already quoted, answers — " no." Let us next see what that arch apostle of a false religion, Mahomet, with a few followers, eft'ecred, by their united efforts. By them were Idolatry and Christianity alike uprooted over a large portion of the world. The existence of 330,000,000 of Christians and of 160,000,000 of Mahometans in the world to-day attests to the truth of the affirmation, that united efforts are important to the success of any cause, either good or bad. We might also cite history to prove that the progress of both Christianity and Mahometanism has frequently been retarded by disunion between their respective subjects ; but our limits do not allow further amplification. Thus have we again evoked the testimony of Scripture, of Reason, and of History to prove a proposition which, in itself, is fairly inferential from previously established truths, and, consequently, needed no furtlier demonstration. These faithful witnesses, with united voice of resistless authority, declare that combined efforts, on the part of the clergy, and of christians generally, are important to the great Cause of Total Abstinence. Last in order, comes the responsibilities which rest upon clergymen of all denominations, and upon the religious public generally, in connection with the cause for which we contend. These responsibilities have incidentally ajjpeared throughout the whole course of our extended remarks. But little more need be said. It is a logical deduction, tiiat if a cause is gootl, all men, and christians, par excellence, are morall}' bound to support it. Hefrain from evil and do good is the purport of many a scriptural injunction. Partaking of intoxicating beverages being evil, and efforts to promote the cause of abstinence from such beverages being good, it follows that the obligation of all christians, in connection with this cause, is two-fold : — First, — Christians of all classes and conditions should begin with themselves, and abstain, in toto, from all those harmful beverages. Secondly, — They are under the weightiest obligation to exert the full force ot their influence to induce others also to practise the like abstinence. Xo one, as has been shown, is, himself, safo while he indulges in tb*; iiabit ot partaking, even moderately, of \- 14 tho (Iniiikard'a drink. The warning which comes up from the graves ot myriads ol' vietiraa, and that which comes from the vast Jiuiititudos of drunkards, over whom the grave has not yet closed, alike bid all beware of the intoxicating cup. Let all heed the warning and iind i)rotoction from the " sparkling devil," under the '.Tjgis of total abstinence. But not only on their own account are christians, at least, bound to I'eject everything that causes intoxication ; they are likewise bound to reject it on account of others. The force of example is most powerful, and guilt n)ust hang heavy on the soul of him through whose example others stumble and fall. Could weeping be in the celestial abodes, it would cause angels to weep, to see many whose high vocation it is — "To point to heaven and lead tlie way," leading many in a contrary direction, through the power of unhal- lowed example. What a weight of responsibility rests upon all (Christians, and, especially, upon all christian minist*?rs, on account of the power which they thus possess of influencing others ! The great apostle of the (ientiles, recognizing to the utmost his duty to his weak brethren, and acting upon th(; deep solicitude which he ever felt for theii" welliire, declared, not his willingness merely, but his lixed determination, to abstain from even tiiat %vhich in itself was harmless, lest through his example any of those weak ones should olfend. Hear him : " Wherefore, if mi-at made by brother to offend, I will eat no meat while the world standeth." Oh, that all christians, and especially all clergymen, would drink ilee[)ly of the noble sentiments of St. Paul, and, with like generosity of spirit, practise, his severe self abnegation ! Would to (rod that all could s;iy, as said that exalted christian hero : " Wherefore, I take you to record this day that 1 am pure fh-m the blood of all nu>n I" Were the illustrious apostle now on earth, witnessing the stumbling and falling of so many, through the example of professed christians, wo.ild lie not, as of old, plead the cause of the weak brother? But thouen hiuulied years ago, yet his pleading voice comes down to us thvinigh ;ill th(!S(> ages. " lie being dead yet speaketh." Listen to his emphalic teaching : "Let no man put a stumbling block, or an occasion to fall, in his brother's way." "It is good neither to oat meat, nor drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother is ollended or made weak." Again, in accents of melting tenderness, he exhorts: "Destroy not him with thy meat for whom Clirivt died." But, it nuist be noticed that these exhor- tations and expostulations were given in reference to acts which would tiot injui'e the actors themselvt^s, but might cause others to ♦■rr. Doubly resj)onsible, then, are tluy who, at the same time destroy ihemselves, as well as others, by their acts. Thus, it is ilcar, that all christians, whether clergymen or laymen, are under Tiv \\el<_litic,sl ((bligiition, both on their own account as well as on till- ncciiint i)f (ithers, toabstai;i fVciu intoxicating beverages, which 15 n the B vast losetl, id the ,er the , least, ey are breo of he soul Could weep. f unhal- upon all accoutit s! The his duty de which 9 merely, ,vhieh in lose weak made hy itnndeth." viUl drink renerosity 'dod that lert'fore, I ood of all essiiig the • professed the weak ijior« than en down to .;' liisten jiing block, od neither it-reby thy of nielti'ii^ ^ meat for liesH exhor- , nets which se others to same time Thus, it i» n, are under ,8 well as on trages, whicb Ij \ cause both the lenders and those who are led, literally and figura- tively, to fall into tb;? ditch. If any upon wcom God has laid these g'*eat moral responsibilities, either by precept or example, or both, influence ctheis to do that which is evil, and thus destroy them, upon those false teachers and bad exemplars rests the damning guilt of that desfuction. Let us hear the testimony of (Jod. by the prophet Ezekiel. upon this point : "But if the watch- man see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned ; if the sword come and take any from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." Now, if the Righteous Judge exact penalties so severe at the hands of tb« watchman who merely neglects his duty — merely neglects to give warning of approaching danger — may we not safely infer that His severity will be even ejreater towards those mce unfaithful watchmen who positively lead others to ruin ? Let us now ofler a word upon the second part of the moral obligations under consideration. It is the duty of all christians, of what rank soever, to exert their influence to induce others to pniclise total abstinence from all intoxicating beverages. The commandments first in importance according to the teaching of our blessed Lord Himself, are those which inculcate love to God and our neighbour. This is the main-iipring — the governing prin- ciple of the christian's actions. Every one whose heart is warmed into activity by this love must recognize the responsibility which rests upon him, in connection with the great christian duty of doing good, as far as in him lies, to all men. He mup^ stretch forth his hands to save those who are in danger of falling; he must n.ake vigorous efforts to bring back to the paths of virtue those who ha^e unhappily strayed therefrom; he must succour the weak and console the afllicted ; itJ a word, he must evince his love to (lod, hy nets of love to man. Now, in tliH cause of saving his fellow-men from the degra- dation and ruin of drunkenness, the christian can find ample scope for the exercise of this strongest of all principles — that of love. The young, even those who liave not taken the first inebriating draught, are in danger of being seduced into evil paths. Many have commenced the downward career, and every step they take accelerates t lie speed with which they travel ; vast numbers have sunk to deep degradation, and are just upon the brink of everlasting ruin. Here, then, is something an enrth for christians to do. Let us take a glance at the consequences of neglecting this work, on the one hand, and those of performing it on the other. If clergymen and members of christiar communities gewerally, take no care to protO( t the young ; if they remain inactive while so many are going down to drunkenness, over the deceitful declivity of moderate drinking; if they pass heedlessly by the fallen and wretched drunkard ; and, if any perish in their iniquity through such neglect, their blood, as we have seen, will be required at the hands of those unfaithfid watchmen. Upon the souls of such as shall be found ( 10 guilty of this lieai'tloss nogioct, all its consequences must fall with crnsliing weight. Not the IwiHt of these wHl be the widow's sigh, the orphan's tear, and the broken hea''t of the drunkard's wife and mother. Having neglected to perform acts of nercy and kindness to their brethren, will be the eondeniing charge against those on the left hand of the Judge, on the " Great JJay."' " Inasnuiel as ye did it not to one of fht; l^ast of these, ye did it not to ine." On the otlier hand, if professed Christians " show their faith by their works ;" if they discharge with faithfulness their threefold dulii's, lirst lo their (Jod, secondly to tl>eir I'ellow beings, and lastly to themselves ; if they labour to secure those who stand, save those who are ialling, and raise up (he fallen ; if they assuage the widow's sorrow, wipt? away the orplian's tear, and bind up the broken heart ; — what a glorious rewai'il will be theirs ! Tiieso acts will be ac- cepted by tlu; (treat .ludg'^, as though tiKn' h;ul been done to him- self. " Liiasuuich as ye did it. to one of the leasi of these, my brethren, yo did it. unto nie." Jn conclusion : — Jiet us nil be wise to scciu'e our own salvation, not only from the sin of drunkeiuiess, but from .ill sin; from its j)o\ver, its guilt, atid its puiiishim.'iit. I^et us also be wise to win the souls of others. " They that be wise shall shine as t\w bright- ness of tlu! firmnuent: and tliev th.'it tur.i UKUiy to righteousness as the stars of the liruKUutnt, forever and ever.'' If