TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7366, 18 January 1902, Page 4

TEMPERANCE COLUMN.

\PublAshed, by arrangement with the Temperance Party.}

NINE REASONS FOR TOTAL ABSTINENCE ( BY Dr. J. J. Ridge, 8.8., 8.A., B.So. :— 1 Because alcohol is a narcotic drug which prevents the proper performance of the functions of the nervous system, weakens the will, warps the judgment, " reduces the power of self control over thoughts, words, acd action?, and thus promotes moral evil. 2 Because it creates, in c mmori with other narcotics, a craving or desire for itself, which, under unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances, may become irresistible. 1 3 Because its habitual use exposes the body to disease, leads to premature degeneration, and shorten life. 4 Because small (so-called moderate) doses have the earns kind of action a3 large ones, and a greater effect than can be perceived at the time, especially by the uo aided and alcohol-injured senses of the drinker. 5 Because alcohol injures the due performances of work, is not able to take the place of food, and injures the body in proportion to the quantity taken. 6 Because ib is capable of so altering the body by its habitual use as to seem necessary for the maintenance of ordinary health, thus giving rise to those fallacious sens tions by which so many are deceived. 7 Because the assertion that alcohol is necessary for some constitutions, or under some circumstances, rests on no well ascertained or uncontrovettible facts or figures, but is a mere assertion, rendered more than doubtful by the same claims being made for other narcotics, and by the ignominious failure of false prophets of evil. Further, it is totally disproved by the experience of liiillions of total abstainers, of all ages, of both sexes, and under every conceivable circumstance. 8. Because the greatest feats of skill, hard work, and endurance are performed more easily by those who are habitual total abstainers, or who become so for a time for the very purpose of steadying their nerves and increasing their strength. 9. Because the advice of Solomon the Wise and of the Apostle Peter (Prov, xxiii, 31, 32, xxxi. 5, 6 ; 1 Peter v. 8), "Do not drink wine and strong drink," agrees with the results of experience and the latest teachings of ecience, and, if followed, will prevent the lessening of temperance or self-control, will diminish vice, crime, and misery, and recder this world a happier and holier place. Our readers will please read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.