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PREFACE.

THE author of this work has observed with deep regret an apparent decline of interest in the temperance enterprise for some time past. As there is a close connection between enlightened zeal in moral and religious causes, and the diffusion of principles, information, and facts, in connection with such causes, he was induced to undertake the preparation of this volume, with a view of awakening greater interest in this movement. No one can doubt the utility of diffusing correct intelligence in reference to the temperance question. All who have had experience in promoting this cause, will admit the force of the following testimony of that indefatigable and philanthropic laborer in the temperance enterprise, E. C. Delavan, Esq., in relation to the matter of circulating temperance reading. He says "I have always considered that a dollar judiciously expended, in circulating good temperance documents among the people, produced one hundredfold the cost, in direct or indirect pecuniary advantage to the public. A temperance document, for a series of years, was placed in each family of a town; and I was assured it occasioned the saving of ten thousand dollars a year, in the cost of ardent spirits alone, not to mention the many and great incidental advantages."

From a conviction that a small history of the temperance movement was needed, and would subserve the interests of the cause a work which should embody the more important facts in this cause in a connected shape, and which should bring before the mind the evils of intemperance, the causes of the same, the

remedy, and the present demands of the cause-the author was induced to prepare this little volume. The Poem, which follows the History, on "The Life and Death of King Alcohol," which my friend the benevolent author consented to have published in this volume, is calculated to interest every reader. A few choice anecdotes have been furnished separately. Anecdote has been one of the efficient instruments in promoting the temperance reform: what could not be effected by powerful argument, has sometimes been achieved by illustration and striking facts. Some in this selection have been widely circulated; but they may be read or repeated the hundredth time with pleasure and advantage.

In the preparation of "The Mirror of Intemperance," the author, in order to increase the value of the work, has made use of the facts, arguments, and views of those writers who had preceded him, which were within his reach, and which seemed adapted to contribute interest to the work in hand. Should this little volume subserve the cause of temperance, encourage and strengthen its friends, and be made in the Lord's hands the instrument of reclaiming inebriates, its name will then be written in heaven, and its unworthy author will not have laboured in vain.

M. E. C.

ROSE HILL MANSE, (Darby,) April, 1849.

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