matters, which, while sober, they were desirous to conceal. Thus the old proverb, "Ingrediente vino egreditur secretum." As the wine goes in, so the secret goes out. This, however, must be viewed in a limited sense, and the popular phrase "in vino veritas," is decidedly not universal in its application. The general effect of stimulating liquor, no doubt, is in proportion to the amount of indulgence, to remove a man from the possession of his faculties, and very frequently, to infuse into him such feelings as are alien to his natural disposition.

Addison appears to have been of this opinion, for he remarks, that not only does the vice of intemperance betray the hidden faults of a man, and show them in the most odious colours, but it often occasions faults to which he is not naturally subject. 'Wine," adds this celebrated moralist, "throws a man out of himself, and infuses qualities into the mind, which she is a stranger to in her sober moments.

sure

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The use of intoxicating liquors is powerfully injurious to the moral faculties, and destructive of moral principles. The position of man as a moral agent, and an accountable being, is of the highest importance. He is susceptible of the most refined and exquisite feelings, which are capable of affording him the highest enjoyment. The happiness of human beings depends in a great meaon the proper discipline of the moral feelings. Happiness is essentially progressive. The mind is ever restlessly engaged in searching out new means of occupation or sources of enjoyment. Activity is necessary to preserve the mental faculties in a healthy condition. Intoxicating liquors enervate the moral powers, and weaken the stability of virtuous resolutions, and have a direct tendency, moreover, not only to blunt the acuteness of the moral feelings, but to decrease their activity. Disregard of veracity, violation of engagements, and extinction of shame and repentance, form the leading

*

* “Whether,” remarks Sir A. Carlysle, "the dissolution of moral integrity which so often accompanies drunkenness, be dependent upon the prevalence of undisguised selfishness, of hasty and crude judgment, or upon other changes in the moral faculties, I shall not pretend to decide; but it appears to me, the causes exhibited are equal to the stated effects.

characteristics of sensuality and intemperance. The drunkard is in general looked upon as unfit to be trusted in the several relations of life; his actions are ever viewed with suspicion and distrust. Swelling of the feet and legs is so characteristic a mark of intemperance in America, that the merchants of Charleston cease to trust the planters as soon as they perceive it. Industry and virtue are supposed to be extinct in the man, in whom that symptom of disease has been produced by habits of intemperance.*

The use of strong drink brutalizes the feelings, excites the passions, and destroys the natural affections. It thus forms the strongest inducement to the commission of every species of crime. Under its maddening influence, the passions obtain pre-eminence over reason. The vilest feelings of human nature are brought into active operation. Every successive gradation of vice removes its unhappy victim still further from his original and respectable sphere in society. Men, naturally humane in their dispositions, under the influence of intoxication, commit deeds, which in calmer moments, they view with horror and detestation. Strong drink, however, gradually hardens the heart, and renders it callous to every humane and generous feeling.†

Among the consequences of Intemperance, as exhibited by the late Parliamentary Inquiry, are enumerated the following:

Irritation of all the worst passions of the heart; hatred, anger, revenge; with "a brutalization of disposition that breaks asunder and destroys the most endearing

This writer then adduces, as one of the moral effects of Fermented Liquors, "A dissolute carelessness about right and wrong." Dr. Rush viewed this subject in a similar light. In regard to men "who are intoxicated in any degree, with spirits," he observes, that they "violate promises and engagements without shame or remorse. From these deficiencies in veracity and integrity, they pass on to crimes of a more heinous nature, which it would be to dishonour human nature only to name."

The Parliamentary Enquiry which has been previously quoted, shows the same results under the head of Extinction of all Moral and Religious Principle."-Parliamentary Report, p. 4. *Enq. into the Effects of Ardent Spirits, by Benj. Rush, M.D. + Appendix. Intemperance and Crime.

bonds of nature and society." Violation of chastity, insensibility to shame, and indescribable degradation; as proved by clergymen, magistrates, overseers, teachers, and others, examined by the committee on all these points.*

Mr. Poynder, whose opportunities of observing the deleterious influence of spirituous liquors on the morals of the people were great, states among their other effects, the obduracy and hardness of the heart which the habit induces. "With respect," he says "to its tendency to harden the heart, and extinguish the natural affections, I have observed that it engenders selfishness and unkindness in the poor, to an extraordinary degree." Mr. Poynder feelingly adverts to the brutality which husbands display to their wives, the desertion of their families, the utter carelessness and neglect of their own and relatives temporal and spiritual welfare; all of which are the natural consequences of indulgence in strong drink.+

Sir A. Carlysle, in his observations on the moral influence of strong drink, states that "they produce insensibility, unfeelingness, and inhumanity." The numerous instances, however, which present themselves in common life, render any further illustration unnecessary.

The pages of ancient history present innumerable examples of this kind, the narration of which excites the keenest feelings of pity, not unmingled with disgust. Cambyses, king of Persia, delighted to witness the tortures of his fellow-creatures. On one occasion, this nonarch commanded Prexaspes, a principal officer in his court, to disclose the opinions entertained of him by his subjects. "They admire, sir," said Prexaspes, "many excellent qualities which they see in you, but they are somewhat mortified at your immoderate love of wine;" "I understand you," replied the king, "That is, they pretend that wine deprives me of my reason; you shall be judge of that immediately." The tyrant then commenced drinking excessively, pouring the wine down his throat in larger quantities than he had ever done before. He afterwards commanded the son of Prexaspes, who

*

Report of Select Committee, page 4, 1834.

+ Examination before the House of Commons.

was his chief cup-bearer, to stand upright at the end of the room, with his left hand placed upon his head. The monster then took his bow, levelled it at the youth, and declaring that he aimed at his heart, actually shot him through that vital organ. Cambyses commanded the body to be opened, and exhibiting the heart to the bereaved parent, in an exulting and scoffing manner, enquired of him whether he had not shown great steadiness of hand?

Philopater (Ptolemæus) the 4th King of Egypt, is another example of the connexion between cruelty and intemperance. He was called Ziphan, because of his extravagance and debauchery, and Gallus

in

consequence of his having appeared in the streets of Alexandria, as a bacchanalian, with the gestures of a priest of Cybele. Philopater, weakened and enervated by intemperance, and continual debauchery, died at an early age.* He was possessed of none of the virtues which adorn man, and the news of his death was received by his subjects with rejoicing.

Prusia, King of Bithynia, who died about 149 B. C. is described by Polybius as the meanest of monarchs, without honesty, without morals, virtue or principle ; cruel and cowardly; intemperate and voluptuous, and an enemy to all learning.+

Tiberius, (Nero) emperor of Rome, was a most immoral character, conspicuous alone for cruelty, avarice, deceit, and ingratitude. During his retreat to Capreæ, this heartless monster held out suitable inducements to such as could invent new pleasures, or produce fresh luxuries, and abandoned himself to the most hideous and loathsome vices. In consequence of his excessive intemperance, Tiberius, in derision, was denominated Biberius, while his surname of Nero, was with equal appropriateness changed to that of Mero. Of this emperor, Seneca humor ously observed, that he never was intoxicated but once in his life, for he continued in a perpetual state of inebriation,

* Lempriere Bibliotheca Classica, art. Philopat. where reference may be made to ancient writers, concerning this and other monarchs, adduced by way of illustration.

+ Ibid.

from the time he gave himself up to drinking, till the last moment of his life.

Nero Claudius, another Emperor of Rome, was celebrated for his cruel and debauched habits. His burning of the city of Rome and other diabolical acts, are familiar to every reader of history. This tyrant was a most intemperate character. It was his usual custom to frequent taverns, and places of gross debauchery.

On

Sylla, a dictator of the same mighty empire, surnamed the Fortunate, was one of the most cruel and intemperate tyrants that ever existed. On his entrance into Rome, during the contest with Marius, he caused 7000 citizens to be massacred, to whom he had promised pardon. the Senate's inquiring into the cause of the dying shrieks of the citizens, Sylla coolly answered, They are only a few rebels whom I have ordered to be chastised. This was only the commencement of his cruelty. Each succeeding day exhibited a still greater number of slaughtered bodies. No less than 4700 of the most powerful and opulent citizens were slain.

After these proceedings, Sylla abdicated the dictatorship, and retired to a retreat at Puteoli. The remainder of his days were spent far from the noise of arms, in the eager pursuit of sensual gratification; hated by allbeloved by none. The companions of his retirement were the most base and licentious of the populace, and Sylla took pleasure still to wallow in voluptuousness, though on the verge of life, and covered with infirmities. His intemperance hastened his end. His blood was corrupted, and an imposthume was formed in his bowels. He at last died in the greatest torments, about 78 years before Christ, in the 60th year of his age. It has been observed, that like Marius, on his death-bed, he wished to drown the stings of conscience and remorse by being in a perpetual state of intoxication. The character of Sylla is that of an ambitious, dissimulating, credulous, tyrannical, and debauched commander."*

To this infamous list of intemperate rulers, may be added, Maximinius, also an Emperor of Rome, one of the most cruel and ferocious tyrants that ever lived.

*Bibliotheca Classica, art. Sylla.

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