ect contradiction to reason, whose
business it is to clear the mind of every vice which is crept into it,
and to guard it against all the approaches of any that endeavour to make
its entrance. But besides these ill effects which this vice produces in
the person who is actually under its dominion, it has also a bad
influence on the mind, even in its sober moments, as it insensibly
weakens the understanding, impairs the memory, and makes those faults
habitual which are produced by frequent excesses: it wastes the estate,
banishes reputation, consumes the body, and renders a man of the
brightest parts the common jest of an insignificant clown.

12. A method of spending one's time agreeably is a thing so little
studied, that the common amusement of our young gentlemen (especially of
such as are at a great distance from those of the first breeding) is
drinking. This way of entertainment has custom on its side; but as much
as it has prevailed, I believe there have been very few companies that
have been guilty of excess this way, where there have not happened more
accidents which make against, than for the continuance of it.

13. It is very common that events arise from a debauch which are fatal,
and always such as are disagreeable. With all a man's reason and good
sense about him, his tongue is apt to utter things out of a mere gaiety
of heart, which may displease his best friends. Who then would trust
himself to the power of wine, without saying more against it, than, that
it raises the imagination and depresses judgment?

14. Were there only this single consideration, that we are less masters
of ourselves when we drink in the least proportion above the exigencies
of thirst: I say, were this all that could be objected, it were
sufficient to make us abhor this vice. But we may go on to say, that as
he who drinks but a little is not master of himself, so he who drinks
much is a slave to himself.

15. As for my part, I ever esteemed a drunkard of all vicious persons
the most vicious: for if our actions are to be weighed and considered
according to the intention of them, what can we think of him who puts
himself into a circumstance wherein he can have no intention at all, but
incapacitates himself for the duties and offices of life, by a
suspension of all his faculties.

16. If a man considers that he cannot, under the oppression of drink, be
a friend, a gentleman, a master, or a subject; that he has so long
banished himsel