D. Nature of the Traffic in Intoxicating Drinks, and THE design of this work is to set forth, with clearness and succinctness, the principal grounds of the Temperance Reform, with the hope that, by securing the reader's enlightened assent, a stronger public sentiment may be called forth against all the causes-personal, social, and legalized-of Intemperance. There are many opponents who, if better informed, would be converted into friends. There are many inquirers to whom an Essay like the present will be acceptable, as furnishing, within a brief compass, answers to questions by which they have been perplexed. There are also many personal abstainers, who, having become such from benevolent impulse, will be confirmed in their course by an acquaintance with the argumentative bases of the Temperance system. The mission of this work is in the highest degree practical, since nothing can be more eminently practical than the promotion of perfect and universal sobriety-one of the most important of all conceivable ends in reference to the material and moral interests of mankind. How this end can be reached most surely and speedily, is a subject of transcendent and urgent moment; and the writer makes his confident appeal to those who are prepared to conduct this inquiry in a candid spirit, and to carry into effect, faithfully and resolutely, the line of action best contributive to the highest good of the individual and of society at large. D. THE BASES OF THE TEMPERANCE REFORM. CHAPTER I. PROPOSITION: THAT THE DRINKING SYSTEM IS THE GREATEST SOCIAL EVIL IN OUR LAND. A FAMILIAR adage tells us that the knowledge of a disease is half its cure; but this proverb must be taken with due qualification, or it will lead to false security and folly. To know something about an evil may still leave unknown what is essential to its successful treatment. Neither will simple knowledge insure a remedy, for the passive. contemplation of great evils often deadens a suitable anxiety for their removal. It is when full-orbed knowledge rouses the moral forces of a man or a community that hope may be entertained of efficient exertion. Partial knowledge, leading to inadequate or ill-advised action, will tend to little but waste of energy and grievous disappointment. And it is not too much to say that for want of a larger knowledge-in connection, in some quarters, with an indifference calling for the severest censure— the drinking system has continued, down to this time, the weakness, the burden, the curse, and the shame of the British people. In everyday language, drunkenness is the greatest evil of our social life; but who does not feel, on reflection, |