subject. It is not for your own sake that you should join in this work, but for the sake of the cause, and for the welfare of society. Do you ask how this can help the cause? I need only point you to the glorious results of the temperance movement. What have men done by combining in this great reform? They have imbodied more than two millions on the principle of total abstinence in the United States; and more than fifteen millions in the world. They have thrown an influence over as many more, who practice on the same principle. Temperance organizations have waked up the nation to its danger; have carried an influence into the army and navy ; have raised to sobriety and virtue hundreds of thousands of degraded drunkards; have enlisted a host of able advocates. Their tracts are in circulation, their temperance periodicals, and their addresses. A great mass of facts and statistics have been collected and spread out before the public.

Do you ask then, "What is the benefit of my becoming identified with this movement?" If you join in good faith, you strengthen the cause; if you stand aloof, you weaken it. Here then is a way to do good. And what says the law and the testimony? "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.".

5. But says another objector-"I plead for my fellow men. It would be dangerous for some to abstain suddenly." Let experience be our teacher upon this subject. Says Dr. Mussey: "A wealthy farmer in Sullivan County, N. H., had been in the habit of drinking spirits for a number of years,

and quite freely in haying season. Possessing a vigorous constitution, he attained the age of seventyfive years; much broken down and decayed, however, under occasional attacks of gout, which he called rheumatism. At this period he broke off suddenly and wholly from the use of spirit; and within two years-that is, at the age of seventy-seven-he was so much recruited, as to appear several years younger. He expressed himself in the most decided and energetic manner, when remarking upon the effects in his own case of total abstinence from spirituous drinks: he had not only not been injured, but had been an unspeakable gainer by the change.

Says the agent and keeper of the Penitentiary at Auburn, N. Y.—“During several years residence in that institution, I have never known an individual whose health has not been benefited by the total abstraction of spirit, and every other stimulant drink and narcotic from his diet." This testimony is very important, inasmuch as a large proportion of the whole number of convicts, when admitted to that establishment, are drinkers of alcoholic liquors, from tippling to beastly drunkenness.

Joseph John Gurney, Esq., a member of the society of Friends, and a distinguished friend of suffering humanity, declared as follows-"I am persuaded, from experience, that total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors is exceedingly beneficial to the bodily health of mankind. I was one of those, who, in a delicate state of health, believed it was scarcely possible to get along without the use of some strong drink in moderation. I took wine moderately; but

being conscientiously persuaded that it was my duty to abstain from the use of these things, I did so— simply because I thought my example might possibly be beneficial to my friends, and fellow citizens, and fellow men. And after a trial of a year and a half, I am enabled to say, and to say with thankfulness, that I enjoy much better health and spirits than I did before. I find every thing going on with me at a regular, comfortable trot. This I believe the proper and natural result of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks."

Dr. Miller, of Princeton Theological Seminary, says: "More than six years ago, when I was approaching my sixtieth year-hearing so much said about the mischiefs of stimulating drinks-I determined to go beyond those around me, and abstain not merely from ardent spirits, but make the experiment, for at least three months, what would be the effect of an immediate and entire abstinence from wine and all intoxicating beverages. Accordingly, I broke off at once; and from that day to this have not tasted wine, except at the sacramental table. I have also abstained during the same time from cider, beer, and every species of drink stronger than water. The experiment had not proceeded more than a single month, before I became satisfied that my total abstinence was not only distinctly, but very strikingly beneficial. My appetite was more uniform and healthful; my digestion decidedly improved ; my strength increased; my sleep more comfortable, and all my mental exercises more clear, pleasant, and successful."

These testimonies, confirmed by the experience of millions of teetotalers, prove that sudden total abstinence is not dangerous; but perfectly safe, and highly beneficial.

6. But says another, "I do not like the idea of signing a pledge; it looks mean spirited to sign a pledge that I will be temperate." But look at this matter. Almost every step in life is attended by a "pledge." The best men among us cannot have a month's credit without a pledge; a man cannot take a wife, nor a wife a husband, without mutually pledging themselves. A business firm will not be satisfied with a simple promise to pay, unless the promiser gives his name in pledge. Now since pledges are so generally employed, in commerce, morals, and politics—and evidently to advantage,— why should they be objected to in this case? There is great advantage in the pledge. Says a clergyman

"My object in joining the temperance society, was purely to assist in reclaiming the drunkard; but I have found it much more easy to resist the importunity of friends to drink, since I joined the society, than I did before." This is the experience of multitudes. The pledge strengthens the resolution to abstain. And further, it adds an interest to the principle espoused. It links together those who hold it in common, and thus strengthens the power of each.

7. But says another, "Total abstinence, I think, is carrying the matter too far." "Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you,' is the eternal law. But suppose your own child, your brother, your sister, the wife of your bosom,

were in imminent danger from the example or temptation of others would you be pleased with this? No. Well the example of those who use this poison moderately, you admit has ruined multitudes. Can you then justify such by the golden rule the eternal law? Ah! let the burning tide actually desolate your own family: and then answer.