It had been shown, by the most conclusive evidence, to be poison; and proved by the experience of millions, that men are in all respects better without it; and that it cannot be taken without leading multitudes to ruin? How certain is it, that he would not, under such circumstances, take any while the world standeth. Apostolic in principle, and millennial in effects, will be the efforts of Christendom, when all her ministers and deacons and church members, shall be governed in all things, by the same high and holy motives. Yours, Reverend and respected Sirs, is the privilege, the honor, and, as we most solemnly believe, the duty of setting this high and holy example. As captains of the Lord's hosts, and pioneers in the emancipation of the world, you are bound to lead in those measures which are to fill it with light, purity and love. But, ah, should the light which is in you, be darkness, that darkness will be very great; and the consequences, to multitudes, will be overwhelmingly dreadful.

. But we hope and expect better things, though we thus speak. We cannot but hope and expect, that you will take such a course as not only to be convinced that the drinking of ardent spirit, and the traffic in it, to be used as a drink, are morally wrong, but that you will feel it to be your duty, by preaching and practice, to show this to your people. And if the truth on this subject is proclaimed from the pulpit, in demonstration of the Spirit, it will be embraced by the churches. And by walking in the truth, they will be sanctified by it, and they will become free from the guilt, under which they have long groaned, of being accessory to the perpetuating of intemperance. They will find the way of truth to be a way of pleasantness, and a path of peace. And that mighty obstruction to the efficacy of the gospel, being removed, and the Gospel proclaimed with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, Zion will arise and shine, her light being come, and the glory of the Lord will rest upon her.

IV. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST, OF EVERY DENOMINATION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, we would also address a few words.

The church, in its character and object, is but one. It was established by the God of Heaven, to be on earth, the pillar and ground of his truth. Its members were designed, by their principles, profession and practice, to be the means of extending the knowledge of his truth to all people, and perpetuating it to all ages. If what is shown in his word and his works, to be truth, is viewed and treated as such by them, it will be by others. Thus its influence will be extended and perpetuated. They are the divinely appointed instruments for producing such effects. And although weak and insufficient in themselves, through him they are mighty,

even to the pulling down of the strongest holds of sin and Satan, and to the rearing upon their ruins the king lom and throne of the Redeemer.

If, on the other hand, they view and treat as moral, what God has shown to be immoral, it will, under the full blaze cf revelation, and amidst all the splendors of Providence, be viewed and treated as moral by others. The world will grope in darkness; and men go down in sin, to hopeless death. Without the examples of members of the church, we have not the divinely appointed instrumentality, for reclaiming the world; and vair will be our efforts to do it. Hence, the importance, and even the necessity, if they would comply with the will of their Lord, of acting, each one, in accordance with his truth. It is not enough for them to have in theory, or profession merely, a scriptural creed; nor is it enough that they should have a minister who in speculation, or the inculcation of doctrine, should preach according to it. He must show them also, from the word and providence of God, what practices are allowed, and what are condemned; and they must treat them accordingly. Nor is it enough that the principles of the Bible should govern them in their devotions, and religious duties merely; they must govern them in their eating and drinking, in their buying and selling, in all the business, and in all the concerns of life.

And as the buying and selling of ardent spirit, to be used as a drink, are manifestly immoral, and have been shown to be immoral; we earnestly beseech all members of churches, of all denominations, and in all parts of the world, to treat them as immoral. If they do not, they are not, on this subject, the pillar or ground of the truth; but of error; and are instrumental in upholding, extending, and perpetuating that error, with all its destructive consequences to the character, happiness and prospects of

men.

And the fact that some church members are now speaking and acting as if the traffic in ardent spirit, to be used as a drink, is moral; or not, as it is in truth, manifestly immoral, is one of the greatest hindrances to the triumphs of temperance; and one of the most operative and powerful causes of perpetuating intemperance. While members of churches continue this course, they act against the great object for which the church was established; for which the Saviour died; for which the Gospel is preached, and all the means of grace were appointed. They oppose the reign of the Redeemer over the minds and hearts of men; and exert a mighty influence to render sinning and suffering eternal.

We renewedly beseech each, and every one of them, therefore, to abstain entirely from the drinking of this poison, and from the furnishing of it, in any way, to be drunk; and do all in his power,

by the dissemination of information, and by the exertion of a kind persevering moral influence, to extend and perpetuate this course throughout the world.

To you, Beloved Brethren, in so doing, we look, as the means, and to God as the cause, with sure hope and unwavering expectation of this mighty destroyer, this aggravated immorality, this foul abomination, and deep disgrace, being for ever done away.

The temperance reformation, which has scattered the darkness and broken the slumber of ages, and is now travelling in the greatness of mercy over the length and breadth of the world, was begun by the influence of the Bible. It was undertaken in prayer, and for the purpose of delivering souls from sin and death. It was to remove that mighty obstruction to the efficacy of the Redeemer's kindness, which, while continued, will keep millions in spiritual bondage; and to open the way for the speedy and universal triumphs of his grace. This it is, we believe, which has led Him to favor it, and by his mighty power to crown it so extensively with his blessing. And this it is, which inspires us with the continually growing expectation, that if his friends do their duty, it will never stop, till drunkenness has ceased from under heaven.

To friends of Christ and of man, therefore, of every name and in every place, we would say, brethren, go forward. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Take unto yourselves the whole armor of God. Pray with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watch thereunto with all perseverance. Be not weary in well doing. In due time ye shall reap abundantly, if ye faint not. And to Him who is the author and finisher of all good works, and who is able and willing to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, or think, according to the riches of his grace; and to his continued benediction, we would devoutly commend this great concern; saying in humility, faith, and action, "Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands. establish thou it."*

*It was expected, when the above Report was written, that this, together with the Appendix, would form the close of the first volume of Permanent Temperance Documents. But it has since been thought best, to add another Report, "On the nature of Alcohol, the manner in which it causes death, and the utility, as illustrated by examples, of abstinence from the use of it;" to which we would invite the special attention of the reader.

APPENDIX.

A. (P. 9.)

Ar the first annual meeting of the American Congressional Temperance Society at the Capitol in Washington, February 25th, 1834, the gentlemen whose names are inentioned, offered the following resolutions, which were adopted.

Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, Attorney General of the United States.

Resolved, That Temperance Associations, formed on the plan of entire abstinence from the drinking and furnishing of ardent spirit, in view of the evils they are designed to suppress and to prevent; the means by which they propose to effect this end; the good already accomplished; and the beneficent results which may be expected from their future triumphs, deserve to be ranked among the most useful and glorious institutions of the age, and are eminently entitled to the active support of every patriot and philanthropist.

Hon. William Hendricks, Senator from Indiana.

Resolved, That we view with lively interest the formation of Legislative Temperance Societies, and hope that the time is not distant, when such a Society will be formed, and will number among its members all Legislators, in each State throughout the Union.

Hon. Henry L. Pinckney, Member of Congress from South Carolina.

Resolved, That the abolition of the use of ardent spirit in the Army, is highly auspicious to the great interests of our country; and that its abolition throughout the Navy, while it would increase the health, the respectability and the happiness of the seamen, would also tend greatly to strengthen the arm of national defence.

Hon. George Grennell, Jr., Member of Congress from Massachusetts.

Resolved. That literary men, and men in public life are under peculiar obgations to promote the cause of Temperance, and that it be recommended that Temperance Societies be formed in all literary and scientific institutions throughout the country.

Hon. Arnold Naudain, Senator from Delaware.

Resolved, That the abandonment of the sale and use of ardent spirit in steamboats, public houses and groceries, is highly conducive to the public good; and that the friends of human happiness, by encouraging, in all suitable ways, such establishments as have adopted this course, will perform an important service to the community.

Hon. Daniel Wardwell, Member of Congress from New York.

Resolved, That as the universal diffusion of knowledge and virtue is essential to the purity and permanence of free institutions, we recommend to all friends of their country, to supply themselves with some Temperance publication; and in all suitable ways to spread the knowledge of the facts on this important subject, as extensively as possible.

Hon. Samuel Bell, Senator from New Hampshire.

Resolved, That essential aid has been given to the cause of Temperance, by the united example and energetic action of young men; and should it enlist in its favor the whole of tha interesting class of our fellow citizens, its blessings would be extended not only throughout our land, but we might hope, through

out the earth.

Hon. Harmer Denny, Member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

Resolved, That the adoption of the principle of abstinence from the use of ardent spirit, by the superintendents of manufactories and public works; the proprietors of railroads, steamboats, stages, &c. with regard to all in their employment, while it would increase the value of their services, would add greatly to their comfort, as well as to the convenience and safety of the public.

Dr. Edwards, Corresponding Secretary of the American Temperance Society. Resolved, That the effect of American example and effort, in the promotion of Temperance in foreign countries, ought to inspire us with a high sense of our obligations to the Author of all good; and encourage us to make new, and ever growing exertions to become still more eminently benefactors, not only of our own country, but of the world.

Hon. Felix Grundy, Senator from Tennessee.

Resolved, That the practice of not using ardent spirits, at the celebration of the 4th of July, the great day of American liberty, is truly republican; and tends to prevent that corruption of public morals, which is the deadliest foe to the prosperity of our country.

Hon. George N. Briggs, Member of Congress from Massachusetts.

Resolved, That the influence of Temperance on the intellectual improvement, the moral purity, the social enjoyment, the civil prospects, and the eternal destinies of man, is such as ought to secure for it the united example and the active, persevering exertion of all the Christian and patriotic, the philanthropic and humane throughout the world.

Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, Senator from New Jersey.

Resolved, That the influence of woman, is essential to the triumph of every great and good cause; and should that influence which God has graciously given her, be universally, and perseveringly exerted in favor of the Temperance reformation, its triumphs would be certain and complete; and its blessings, while richly enjoyed by herself, and those whom she loves, would be extended to all people, and perpetuated to all ages.

B. (P. 9.)

Extracts from the Address of Hon. Benjamin F. Butler.

The great objects of the Temperance reform are so patriotic, benevolent and useful, and the leading means by which they are proposed to be effected, so Just in themselves, that I feel no apprehension as to the ultimate result. But to ensure a speedy growth, and an abundant harvest, even to the seeds of truth, they must ever be scattered by the hand of love. To every laborer in this field of duty, I would therefore, say, in the language of inspired wisdom-" Let not MERCY and TRUTH forsake thee: bind them about thy neck: write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favor and good success in the sight of God and man!"

And now, sir, in view of all that has been said, I submit it to the enlightened judgments of those who hear me, whether the Temperance Associations, in the language of this resolution, do not “deserve to be ranked among the most useful and glorious institutions of the age?" Whether they do not really deserve the approbation-the active support-of every lover of his country and his kind? If there be any present, who have not yet given to this effort their approbation and support, let me respectfully conjure them, by all the ties that bind them to this blessed land-by all the endearments that encircle the domestic hearth-by all they possess, or love, or hope for-no longer to give to folly, vice, and crime, the support of their example. If they do not see it to be their duty to enrol themselves publicly, under our banners, let them at least abandon the use of spirituous liquors, and cease hereafter to furnish them to others, or to encourage those who are engaged in doing so. Methinks, to every reflecting and benevolent mind, this little self-denial-I will not dignify it with the name of sacrifice-this little self-denial would be but the merest trifle, when put in competition with the good which even a silent example of abstinence, may effect. Think, sir, of the blessings you confer, when you save but one man from the drunkard's life, the drunkard's death, and the drunkard's retribution! You raise from the degradation to which it would otherwise have sunk, and you restore to its appropriate rank in the scale of being, an immortal mind—an emana