inconsistent with the proper influence of
Christian example_. The Saviour says, "Let your light so shine before
men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is
in heaven." But will men esteem Christians the more for _drinking_, and
thus be led to glorify God on their behalf? Or will the Saviour praise
them for this, "when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to
be admired in all them that believe?" Rather, will not their drinking
lead some to excess, and thus sully the Creator's work? Nay, is it not
certain, that if the religious community indulge, the example will lead
_millions_ to drunkenness and perdition? And, on the other hand, is it
not morally certain, that if they abstain, their combined influence will
save millions from infamy and ruin? How, then, in view of that day when
all the bearings of your conduct shall be judged, can you hesitate on
which side to give your influence? It is not a little matter; for who
can conceive the results of even _one_ impulse, among beings connected
with others by ten thousand strings!

The use of this liquor _is inconsistent with, that harmony and brotherly
love which Christ requires in his professed followers_. He requires
them to "love one another with a pure heart, fervently;" to "be all of
one mind;" to be "of one heart and one soul." But who does not see the
utter impossibility of this, if some continue an indulgence which others
regard with abhorrence? Since public attention has been turned to the
subject, thousands have come to the full conviction, that to use
intoxicating liquor is a sinful as well as foolish practice. The most
distinguished lights of the church, and such as peculiarly adorn human
nature, embrace this sentiment. And how can you associate with these,
and yet continue a habit viewed by them with disgust? Ah, the man,
however decent, who "will have his glass, _not caring_ whom he offends,"
_must have it_; but he must also "_have his reward_." "Whoso shall
_offend one of these little ones which believe in me_, it were better
for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck."

The use of intoxicating drink, in this day of light, _is incompatible
with the hope of receiving any general effusion of the Holy Spirit_.
Christians are allowed to hope for the Spirit to be poured out only in
answer to prayer--true, spiritual, believing prayer. "If they regard
iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not hear them." If they wilfully