This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ... Fellow Citizens: As I come before you, a stranger, io discuss an important subject, I deem it proper to tell you who I am, and what relations I have sustained to the Temperance Reformation. I am a Congregational clergyman, still employed in my first pastorate, on which I entered more than a quarter of a ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ... Fellow Citizens: As I come before you, a stranger, io discuss an important subject, I deem it proper to tell you who I am, and what relations I have sustained to the Temperance Reformation. I am a Congregational clergyman, still employed in my first pastorate, on which I entered more than a quarter of a century ago, in a Massachusetts manufacturing village near Lowell. I am a temperance man of the "strictest set," of more than twice "fourteen years' standing," having begun to abstain from distilled spirits, as a beverage, in 1827, and, a few years later, from all other intoxicating drinks. In addition to practicing, I have preached temperance, and have labored to persuade others to adopt this virtue. When "moral suasion" was the great and effective "weapon of our warfare," I endeavored to use it to the extent of my ability; and when the "Maine Law" was recommended for adoption by our Commonwealth, I circulated documents, and talked privately and publicly, and obtained others to talk to my townsmen, in favor of this adoption; and, when it was adopted, I went, with others, into Faneuil Hall to rejoice in the triumph we had achieved. And we had our rejoicings there, notwithstanding the mob-violence, which, for a time, prevented the speaking of Neal Dow, Dr. Beecher, and other champions of the cause, who were present to. tell what had been accomplished by our triumph. Believing that the law would not execute itself, I counseled, and aided in its execution, and, for a time, was encouraged by the effects produced by this new agency in carrying forward the great Temperance Reformation--my interest in which has continued, without abatement, to the present time. I love the temperance cause and my love for it increases as its enemies become more and more...
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