"THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY."

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 33, 11 October 1882, Page 3

"THE BLUE RIBBON ARMY."

On Sunday evening last, the Rev. jVIt Murray gave his monthly lecture in the Presbyterian Chuich. Tlie subject was, "The Blue Ribbon Army." This is the latest manifestation of the Temperance movement at Home. The lecturer introduced his account of it by a short sketch of the Total Abstinence movement from its commencement in 1832. The lecturer then described the commencement and progress of the so-called Blue Ribbon movement. Mr Francis Murphy, an American gentleman, begun his addresses at the beginning of this year. His advocacy of Temperance is distinguished by its earnest religious character, hence the name Gospel Temperance which has been applied to it. He also recommends that all who take the pledge should wear a* badge, the particular badge being a bit of blue ribbon worn at the buttonhole or front of the dress. He has been immenseLy successful and his addresses are followed by hundreds taking the pledge and donning the badge. The blue ribbon is now seen everywhere — ia the street, at Church, and in private houses. It adorns the bre sts of high and low, rich and poor, men and women. It is not from a desire to be singular that the ribbon is worn, but for a practical purpose. They do it as a testimony lo the truth and value of Gospel Temperance. They think this open witness- bearing will strengthen the cause they have at heart. All who wear the badge are 'thereby making a personal declaration that in presence of the terrible evils the country is suffering from drink, it is the duty of all Christians to abstain The Blue Ribbon Army is the most aggressive part of the total abstinence host — the va' guard of the movement — those who have gone to the front, so to speak. A beautiful feature of the movement is its catholic character. All christians, of whatever name, have joined heart and hand in it, and have felt drawn together by it. The lecturer said it would be a great omission not to mention the last but very effective ally of the Temperance Reformers — the Life Insurance offices. Of course it was well known they would not "take" a drunkard's liferisk. Tlie Government Life Insurance has also proved that moderate drinking is less favorable to length of days than total abstinence. It is a duty we owe to ourselves to abstain. But much more should religious men abstain for the sake of example to others. The lecture, which was well attended, was listened to throughout with marked attention.