Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ... men heard of a death by intemperance, or by lightning, it was with similar emotions. They saw no way of averting the fatal necessity. The credence of the many had called alcohol a luxury, and the coincidence between faith and practice was complete. That reform had not yet been inaugurated, that has since gladdened so many homes, and lighted beacons to guide the young past the breakers of dissipation. An occasional warning would be given, but the true remedy was not seen. The clergyman, who should have pointed out the woes of the drunkard's life, was himself a victim. The teacher, who should have guided his pupils along the sunny path of healthful Temperance, was whelmed in the malstrom of excess. The press that has since scattered so many facts, God's hand-writing against iniquity, was then silent, or the medium of Anacreon's songs in praise of wine, or the songs of modern poets, who have wreathed their laurels around the brow of Bachus. But a better day was dawning. The generous voices that spoke for the drunkard had an echo in Burrillville. When that reform began that has been linked with the name of Washington, there were few in our "outland" town to speak in its favor. But strangers came to help us. Reformed drunkards told us their story, and we crowded the old school houses to hear them. Then we talked the matter over in the bar-rooms, and at the corner of the streets, and at the singing school, and the quilting. We differed in opinion. Some thought it was all a speculation. Some saw their silver shrined goddess in danger and shouted lustily against the movement. But we all loved to hear the reformers sing, so we went in great crowds to every meeting, and concluded if-they could do the miracle...