The word temperance, in these days, is coming to the signification of abstention from intoxicating drinks. A special rather than its broader, and more general and accurate meaning; and it is in this more limited sense that I use it.
There are in the world all shades of thought on the subject, and perhaps it would be entirely accurate to say that no two persons hold precisely the same opinions about it. Not long since a very eminent divine, Dr. Crosby, went before the young men of one of our leading institutions of learning, and advocated the use of wine and beer in moderation. He denounced as fanatics those who advocate the entire exclusion of these articles from use; but it was notable that he condemned alcoholic or distilled liquors in very strong terms. He said there was a vast difference between the two and probably no one who advocates prohibition or total abstinence would dispute him on this point; but the difference is only in degree. Beer and wine derive their pleasurable and enticing qualities from precisely the same sources —the alcoholic, stimulating qualities, and the so-called social surroundings and developments which have been connected with each. These are verily the beginnings of evil. Without these "inoffensive," fashionable, genteel practices of moderate indulgence there would be, and could be, none of the horrors of drunken debauchery, degradation and misery.
Without the seed there would be no tree. It is the moderate drinker solely who makes drinking in any way endurable. It is the countenance which he gives to his weaker brother which causes that brother to go down the way which leads to destruction. And even he should take heed to himself, even in his vaunted strength, lest he fall, for many as strong and proud have suddenly wakened from the dream of security, and found themselves in the snare of the fowler, from which there was no escape.
