314 INTEMPERANCE. Intemperance, timely death, and everlasting ruin. Can any greater or more terrible calamities befal a human soul? On this subject, our bills of mortality, our courts of justice, our prisons, and even our streets and wharves, speak a language too painful to be repeated. effects of intemperance, in compariIf, with so quaint a title, we may son with which, the loss of property hope for a moment's attention, we is scarcely worthy of consideration. would earnestly inquire whether the Among these may be reckoned the philanthropists of this age and nation loss of reputation, domestic wretchedhave given over, as incurable, theness, the corruption of morals, the thousands and thousands of our coun-commission of heinous crimes, untrymen who are perishing under the ravages of this disease. Or, if all these must perish, is there no hope for future generations; no means by which they may be secured from the contagion of this vice? Quaint or not, this is a great question; and one which will be answered, if in no other way by the blood of hundreds of thousands of our citizens.-The physician tells us that intemperance under-ing sin obtrudes itself upon our notice. mines the constitution; the clergyman, that it destroys the soul; the moralist, that it corrupts the fountains of social life; the minister of justice, that it fills our poor houses and prisons. With all these testimonies sounding in our ears-nay, with the very victims of its ravages before our eyes, what are we doing to stay its desolating progress. It we search for the fountains, which have let loose this sweeping deluge upon our country, another cry Nearly all the imported liquors, and a considerable portion of the domestic are prepared by the toil and sinews of SLAVES! This is economizing vice, with a witness. It is questionable whether the arch-deceiver himself could have suggested a more artful device, than to subject one portion of our race to the horrors of slavery, for the sake of converting another portion into beasts. It is estimated, from data, which cannot essentially mislead, that FOR- Now, turning the enemy's weapons TY MILLIONS GALLONS of ardent spir-upon himself, is it not possible to reits are consumed in this country an- verse the process, and make intemnually; or about four gallons to an in-perance pay its way, by effecting the habitant. The average daily consumption, then in the United States is more than one hundred thousand gallons. What a comment is this upon the extent and aggravation of evil! gradual abolition of slavery? We think it is possible: and that by the same process, imtemperance itself may receive a considerable check. It is well known, that, as liquors are now sold, a man may reduce himLook next, at the enormous tax, self, for six or eight cents, to the lowwhich is thus paid by our citizens, to est depths of intoxication. Nor can appease the hankering of a diseased it be doubted, that with many, the appetite. At fifty cents per gallon, cheapness of the article is a reason for the cost of 40,000,000 is twenty mil-procuring it more frequently, and in lions of dollars-equal to the ordinary greater quantities, than would otherexpenditures of our national govern-wise be done. Particularly is this the ment for a year. As much, there- case with a numerous class of youth fore, is paid by our citizens to sup-and children; who, not choosing to port the most arbitrary and bloody reject an acquaintance offered on so tyranny, as to maintain a government easy terms, and which, at least, is of freedom. likely to be the source of some festivBut this is not all. There are other "ity and merriment, are gradually in Tract on Intemperance. veigled with its charms, till finally they are overcome by its power, and enrolled on the list of confirmed drunkards. If men question the correctness of this principle, viz. tha intemperance is more prevalent in consequence of the facility with which the elements of intoxication may be obtained, let them suppose that intoxicating liquors flowed in rivers, like water, and were free to all. Is it not to be feared that, in such a case, a very great portion of our race would become amphibious? 315 of his own destruction? Besides, if Boston Telegraph, TRACT ON INTEMPERANCE. To strike at the root of the evil, therefore, or at least to lop off some of its branches, let an additional duty of fifty or more per cent. be imposed on all intoxicating liquors, whether foreign or domestic. In that case, The American Tract Society, it apthe drunken tax might be a little in- pears, have it in contemplation to creased, or it might not. Supposing publish a Tract on the subject of init to remain the same as now, twenty temperance; and among the donations millions dollars a year, the consumpof the last month, we notice several tion of ardent spirits in our country which were made with an express view would be diminished one third; and of aiding this object, amounting in the a new revenue raised, to the amount whole to $19. Considering the aof six and a half million dollars. On larming increase of evils attendant on this supposition, intemperance is di- the beastly habit of intemperate drinkminished, while the drunken tax re-ing, the disorder and confusion in somains the same. If, however, it is insisted that the consumption of spirits would not be diminished by this expedient-then, instead of six and a half million dollars, our additional revenue would amount to ten millions. The truth doubtless lies between the two extremities. By imposing such a duty, a less quantity of spirits would be consumed than now,but the amount of expense might be somewhat increas ciety, the increase of pauperism, the distruction of family peace, and the bitter pangs and accumulation of misery, which is brought upon virtuous and dependent families, it is cause of wonder that something more effectual is not immediately done to stop the further progress of this enemy to our country. The general circulation of a Tract calculated to expose the sin and horror of this practice in all its deformity, would with a divine Now it appears to us but just, that blessing, have a salutary influence, men, who voluntarily bring so much and with the assistance which might mischief upon society should do some-be rendered by eivil authority, might thing, if possible, to atone for it. The be made the means of checking an thief is fined or imprisoned, the mur-evil which, in many places, destroys derer forfeits his life; and shall he the peace of society and plunges mawho is taken in the very act of sui-ny souls in everlasting ruin. cide, and who, by his example, is exhorting others to do the same, shall he be furnished gratis with the weapons ed. New Hampshire Repository. Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. 316 From the (London) Baptist Magazine. BENCOOLEN. Bencoolen. In the quarterly letter from this station, dated in Jan. 1823, there is a paragraph, which will interest many of our readers, as tending to shew the gradual effects of the establishment of a Malayan press, and as introducing a very favorable specimen of their ethical compositions. porary bridge in the road to eternity, and whoever erects a dwelling on this bridge, for the sake of enjoying pleasure, is ignorant and foolish. If a wise man erects a building on this bridge, he considers that he must soon leave it; and he does not encumber himself with ornaments and luxuries; but his mind is set on making preparations for his journey to another world; a journey which is both long and difficult. He does not wish to load himself with useless burdens, for the more of the business of life, the more thought, anxiety, and trouble while he lives, and at death, impatience Some of the natives seem desirous of employing the press in printing some of their favorite books. Proposals are now in circulation for printing, by subscription, a very popular native work, called "The Crown of all Kings." It is in reality a trans-and regret that he must resign his lation from the Arabic; but it is one life, and leave his property to anothof the best books,both in point of style er. If his property has been lawfully and morality, which the Malays have obtained, it causes him trouble while among them; and it would, we believe, he lives, and impatience and regret be helping them to advance a step in at death; and if it has been obtaincivilization to print it for them, if a ed unlawfully, it causes anxiety sufficient number of subscribers can in this world, grief at the hour of be procured. The proposal originat-death, and exposes him to punished with the natives, and is one of ment in the world to come. those slight indications of improve- "Some wise men have said: "This ment, which we cannot behold with-world is like a dream, and all the inout pleasure. That you may form some idea of the kind of morality contained in this work, we will subjoin a few extracts for your perusal. Extracts from a Malay Book called The Crown of Kings. "The vehicle of human life never stops; it is always moving, but man does not know it. Every breath of man is like a step in his journey; every day is like passing a valley; every month is like a mile; and every year is like a league. habitants of the world are like persons asleep; and when they awake, they find that nothing remains of all those things about which they have been dreaming.' "Some wise men have said: "This is seen it disappears. world is like lightning; as soon as it world is like an old woman, profusely "Some wise men have said: "This ornamented, and arrayed in beautifully colored garments; seen at a distance her appearance is captivating, and mored with her, but those who know those who do not know her are ena "Every breath that is emitted from the body of man, is like a stone brok-her, despise her.' en down from the house of his life; for every breath diminishes the time which he has to live. By another mode of reckoning, every breath is like a step, by which we recede farther from the world, approach nearer to eternity. "This world is in truth like a tem world is like an inn on the road, with "Some wise men have said: "This two doors; those who come to this inn to-day, enter at one door, and to morrow when they leave, go out at the other.?" Religion! the soul of happiness. Dissolution of Partnership-To the Patrons of the R. M. CARLISLE, JUNE 4. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. The partnership heretofore existing between Fleming & Geddes is this day dissolved by mutual consent. The Religious Miscellany will hereafter be conducted by Wm F. Geddes. All subscribers in arrears for subscriptions, &c. will pay the same to Geo. Fleming, who is authorized to receive them. This should be done immediately. The creditors of the late firm are informed, that their dues will be discharged as soon as the outstanding subscriptions are collected. Persons rendering their accounts will please present them to G. Fleming for settlement. June 1, 1824. GEO. FLEMING. Dear Patrons.-By the above notice you will perceive that I have resigned the relation. ship I have heretofore held towards you. In so doing it is sufficient for me to know that I have not done it unpremeditatedly; or without considering the ties which the execution of it would sever. I am fully conscious, that it will cut me off from the participation of many privileges which numerous associations conspire to render doubly dear. But I have many reasons for so doing, some of which are of a private nature, and the rest are withheld for the best of reasons. It is some consolation to me in retiring from the station I have occupied, to know that the Religious Miscellany will "not be rendered the less interesting by this circumstance. In retiring from this station, dear patrons, I cannot help calling your attention to the many enterprizes now in actual operation;--to Missionary, Bible, Tract and Education Societies; and to instant prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit of grace on these measures for the spread of the Gospel and on the children of men. The cause of Missions is the cause of God;-instituted by his special command, and should therefore receive your serious attention. I shall not advance arguments to prove this assertion, it is unfolding in its progress many stronger ones than language can enforce. There is only safety in moving with these stupendous operations, for it is death to oppose them. The arm that is raised against || Jehovah shall not prosper.-Because the heathen are deep sunk in ignorance, do not 317 leave them hopeless, for nothing is too hard for God. rer Dear patrons, be united in your conflict against the arch enemy of souls; he is a crafty one, full of lying devices, and quires the combined skill and energy of all the soldiers of the cross to foil him in his wiles. Be reconciled to one another;— "Let love in one delightful stream And union sweet, and dear esteem Then will you resemble the church above; then will you fufil the new commandment to love one another;-then will you show to those around you who are watching to discov er what effects the religion you profess has on your conduct, that it is not a vain thing to serve the Lord. That the day is not far distant when the followers of the Lamb will be of but one mind; --when the wilderness will bud and blossom as the rose;--and when the word of God, will be in the hand of every person who can read it, is the sincere desire of, dear patrons, your humble servant, GEO. FLEMING. TO THE PATRONS OF THE RELIGIOUS It will be seen from our columns this day, has been dissolved by mutual consent, and that that the co-partnership of the present editors Wm. F. Geddes having become sole proprietor of the establishment, the conducting of the paper will devolve upon him alone. The undersigned contemplates with the com. mencement of the next volume, that is, from and after the 1st of July next, to make some change in the form and style of his paper with a view to render it both more useful and interesting. He is encouraged by the liberal patronage which it has obtained while as yet in its infancy, to enlarge it to a super royal sheet and alter the arrangements of its columns so that without increasing the price of subscrip tion he may furnish to its readers a greater quantity and variety of matter. He assures the patrons of the Religious Miscellany that they need be under no apprehensions of the paper being discontinued but that he will exert himself to the utmost of his abilities, and endeavor in every way to render it more worthy of their patronage than it has been in 318 Rev. Dr. Wilson-General Conference-Anniversaries. The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States, commenced its session time past. He solicits the friends and patrons of the establishment to continue their confidence and subscriptions, and promises very shortly to apprize them more fully of the na-in Baltimore on the 1st inst. All the ture and design of the contemplated change, with the character also which he hopes to give to it. He can only for the present remark, that his main design will be to make it subserve the interests of truth and piety, and that for that purpose he will endeavor to put its readers in possession of all such information on all subjects relating to the condition of the church, the progress of civilization, the moral improvement of mankind, and the glo-years of age, venerable in his appearry of God, which it may be either important or interesting for those to know who with care and prayerfulness observe "the signs of the times." WM. F. GEDDES. The Rev. Dr. Robert G. Wilson, of Chilli. cothe, O. has been elected President, of the University at Athens, Ohio, three Bishops were present; and of 134 delegates, only 18 were absent. The Rev. Richard Reece and the Rev. John Hannah, the representatives from the British Conference, were introduced to the Episcopacy, and after their letters were read, the former addressed the Conference in a very handsome manner. He is about 60 ance, and his head covered with hair nearly as white as snow. Mr. Hanah is about 30 years old, and is said to remind one of Elisha attending on Elijah. The Rev. Dr. Emory of Bal timore was appointed Secretary of the Conference. Standing Committees were appointed on the following subjects: Episcopacy; Itinerancy; BounThe Chillicothe Times, of the 19th daries of Conferences; Book Concern; inst. contains the following favorable Local Ministry; Education; Churches notice of Dr. Wilson's Valedictory and Parsonages; Missions; Revivals. Sermon, preached to the people among Important business was expected to whom he had labored in the Gospel come before the Conference, of which for many years, and who were great-we hope to give some account herely attached to him as their pastor and after.-Family Visitor. their invariable friend. Presbyterian Education Society was De Witt Clinton, Esq. one of the held in New-York on the 13th inst. Vice-Presidents in the chair. The "The Rev. Robert G.Wilson preached his valedictory sermon on Sunday last, to a crowded and much affected audience. There is an inexpressible feeling, of which we can better conceive than express, in parting with those from whom we have been accustomed to receive religious instruc-al Seminary, Rice of the Theological tion. Perhaps no minister ever pos- liams College, Professor Monteith of Seminary in Virginia, Griffin of Wilsessed the affections of his people) more eminently than Dr. Wilson. Hamilton College, the Rev. Messrs. Indeed such are his talents, his piety Peters of Vermont, Henry of Newand his zeal, in the promulgation of Jersey, and Nott of New-York, took the divine preceipts, that he has ex-part in the exercises.-The collection cited the esteem and veneration of amounted to $240, besides several all classes and denominations of this gold rings. Speeches were delivered community. While we lament his by De Witt Clinton and others, which departure, we congratulate the Uni-gave interest to the meeting.-ib. versity at Athens on the acquisition of a President so well qualified to honor The Fifth Anniversary of the Aand add to the celebrity of that in- "merican Society for Meliorating the stitution.' |