TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 108, 30 May 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

«, :< THE GLORIOUS CHARTER OP TOTAL ABSTINENCE." In all things, when the one in ijuestion is beset with peculiar perils, is it not our duty to avoid indulgence therein aa far as we can for our own jakss 1 With regard to the moderate use of intoxicating drinks (setting iside the question of the intrinsic avils thereof, or even admitting their use "within the scope of Christian liberty "), is it right and safe to iniulge therein in view of its evident perils and a consideration of our own safety? On what grounds can any one claim that he may count himself 3afe in their moderate use ? Would it not be well for us all to weigh carefully the exceptional risks run in such use by persons of our peculiar jharacters, temperament, and circumstances, as illustrated in the course jf those who have gone before us in the paths of life we are taking, and then to decide for ourselves as to the claims on ourselves of total abstinence from them 1 Can any one reckon himself sate in their moderate use? If he relies on hin brain power and bis intellectual attainments and vigour, have not men vastly superior to himself in this very matter been often overcome by temptation, when they only intended moderation ? Is it not asserted by high medical authority that brain workers are peculiarly liable to be swept into the vortex if they venture upon the use of alcoholic Btimulants? Has not the world of intellect been full of instances of ruined genius through inability to resist temptation of excess in drinking? If it be the power of his own strong will that he rests upon for his control of appetite as he ventures on a limited indulgence in such drinks, are there not before his eyes men, of much stronger marked will-power than he would think of claiming as his own, have been openly proved to have been incapable of moderation in drinking when they departed from the path of total abstinence ? Are there not wellknown histories, examples of men of iron will, found helpless in the struggle with the foe which this man thinks can be safely grappled with by himself? If a person rests on the grace of a Supreme Being to strengthen him, does he not deliberately incur a special risk without a commandment thereto, and must he not admit that those who have seemed even purer, holier, more godly, and more reliant upon Divine help than himself, have been overtaken even in his own day and generation ? Should not God be praised that the Bible leaves us free to "look not . . , upon the wine," that we each have a conscience given us which if directed aright may assure us that to do so is perilous? Is there not one way by which we may make safe of not being ourselves victims of intemperance? and is not that way by letting intoxicating drinks entirely alone *' in the exercise ot our Christian liberty!" Is there any other sure way save " the glorious charter" of total abstinence ?