The bases of the temperance reform: an exposition and appeal./ With replies to numerous objections. By Rev. Dawson Burns.

172 Verdict of Science and Christianity.
avoidance of the useless, the dangerous, and the hurtful.
Christianity is so much superior to philosophy that while
the latter could define temperance to consist in a preference of the profitable over the merely pleasant, the
former not only inspires men with a passion for the truly
profitable (though to the sensual nature unpalatable), but
so extends the application of that term as to include
what is profitable to others as to one's self; hence he
who, in order to benefit others, abstains from intoxicating
liquor which habit may have made agreeable, exhibits
the virtue of temperance illuminated with a heavenly
charity. The Christian man is such, and is worthy of the
name in proportion as he is possessed and ruled by the spirit of Christianity-and no further; hence the Christianity
of our times is so imperfect, because this spirit operates
so imperfectly in the hearts and lives of its professors.
Still, if their profession be genuine, they must desire
that this spirit may have its "perfect work," and they
must be prepared to " try every spirit" and every system
by the genius of their divine religion. We do not unchristianize those who are not acting against the drinking system; but if that system is anti-Christian in all its
parts and operations, the true Christian will be best discharging his duty and justifying his name by ceasing his
connection with it, and exchanging that connection for
an attitude of resistance and opposition. Every etition zin
the Lord's Prayer is in contradiction to the drinking system,
and in equal contradiction should be the Christian's spirit,
example, and endeavor. " Our Father who art in heaven"
teaches us that we should love aiia do good to one
another as children, as our Father loves and does good to
all of us. "Hallowed be thy name "is a petition which
should inspire all who hallow the holiest name with horror of that system which incites man to blasphemy and
vice. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as
it is in heaven" is an empty supplication if, through our
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