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

The Lord's Prayer and Strong Drink.
concurrence or connivance, that kingdom is hindered,
that will is disobeyed, and earth rendered more like hell
than heaven. "Give us this day our daily bread" is a
request partially nullified in the asking if we sanction the
waste of bread-corn for that which is not bread, but a
deadly bane. " And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive
them that trespass against us "is not a prayer compatible
with a careless continuance in trespassing, or a want of
tender concern for the happiness of others. "Lead us not
into temptation" is a cry of conscious weakness not capable of being answered if we create or seek temptation
which (as in the case of strong drink) is superadded to
the temptations inherent in human nature and the constitution of society. "But deliver us from evil" is an entreaty which is dishonored when we fabricate causes of
evil, or refuse to aid in their suppression when laid bare.
" For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory," is
a sublime doxology which is best embodied in the earnest
effort tb labor with God, who refuses not the co-operation
of the weakest in the advancement of principles and
practices which illustrate the nature of his kingdom, the
grace of his power, and the glory of his all-glorious
attributes in the redemption of the world.
Much has been said upon the irincihle of "Christian
exiediency" as a motive to total abstinence; but, very unfortunately, this term has been turned aside from its apostolic meaning, and has been applied in a manner which
robs is of more than half its force. As commonly used,
it is taken to signify something different from or short of
Christian princiile, as if it might be expedient to abstain,
though Christian principle would not interdict, but permit of a continued use of intoxicating drinks, their presentation to others at the social board, and their common
sale under the sanction and protection of the law. It requires a very short examination of the New Testament
doctrine upon the subject to explode so untenable a dis
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