TO THE FRIENDS OF TEMPERANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS. BY JUSTIN EDWARDS, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. BOSTON: SETH BLISS, 5 CORNHILL, AND PERKINS & MARVIN, 114 WASHINGTON STREET. INTRODUCTION. The following letter, although it was occasioned by the appearance of a late publication, is not designed merely for the readers of that pamphlet, but for the friends of temperance, of every description, throughout the State. And the object of it, is, to exhibit those views and considerations, which are believed by the writer, to be of special importance at the present time. Not only has there been a great and extensive change of sentiment and practice, among the sober, with regard to the use of strong drink, but many drunkards, and those who were fast becoming such, some of whom may be found in almost every town, have been reformed. And this reformation has been as "life from the dead," to their families, and to a wide circle, of once afflicted and mourning, but now blessed and joyful friends. But it is found by experience, that their reformation cannot be expected to be thorough and permanent, unless they continue wholly and forever, to abstain from the use, as a beverage, of all intoxicating liquor. Nor can our children be free from the danger of becoming drunkards, unless they shall adopt and pursue the same course, throughout their whole lives. And one of the most important means of leading them to do this, and of securing the infinitely momentous results at which we aim, is the example and kind moral influence of the temperate, the respectable, the aged, and especially of the mothers and daughters of our land. And as it is proved, not only by medical testimppy, but by facts almost innumerable, "THAT INTOXICATING LIQUOR OF ANY SORT", Aš ́A BEVERAGE, is Neither needful, OR SALUTARY, FOR MEN IN HEALTH;" and as thousands of all ages, conditions, and employments, who have made the experiment, have found both their health and happiness to be greatly increased, by abstaining entirely from the use of it; and as it is certain, that not an individual who takes and continues this course will ever be a drunkard, and that should all adopt, and perseveringly pursue it, intemperance would speedily and universally it is earnestly desired that it should be thus adopted and pursued, by the whole community. And the object of this letter, is to induce as many as possible, of the inhabitants of this commonwealth, and of other States, to set the example; and thus, while they promote their own good, and that of their children, and friends, add the weight of their example, and influence, for the removal of intemperance from our country and the world. cease ; Each person, therefore, to whom this pamphlet is sent, or who may cast his eye upon it, is respectfully and earnestly requested, attentively to peruse it; and especially, that part of it, which is written by those philanthropic and distinguished men,* who speak from experience; and with a warning and friendly voice, which must secure attention. * See letters from Dr. Pierce, Rev. Professors Miller and Potter, Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, and Hon. Walter Lowrie, on pages 15, 21, 94, 25, 27 and 28. |