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

A Great Advanlce iin Plubic Sobriety.
and ordinary trade. It by no means follows that, because
after-dinner excesses are less common than they were,
domestic and personal insobriety has decreased in a
corresponding ratio; but, even if it had, and if drinking
habits and the drinking appetite were less frequent
among " respectable circles" than they are known to be,
the proper inference would be that advantage should be
taken of changes already induced-whether by fashion,
refinement, enlightenment, or legislation-and a strenuous effort made to broaden the basis of reformation, and
to carry it to the fullest extent, in order that all the evil
still prevailing may cease, and the calamities so long and
needlessly endured be for ever done away with.
(3.) The suggestion that "fpresent effort should be liinz'tea
to reforms of a descrption more mzoderate" than those advocated in this essay, is one which, for reasons before indicated, cannot be admitted. Whatever might have been
the duty of those who had less light than ourselves, it
cannot be either just or expedient that those who have a
fuller knowledge and a more extensive remedy should
conceal the one and withhold the other. The expulsion
of intoxicating drink is the one policy which, in proportion as it is practised by the private citizen, by the family,
and, as an article of traffic (under legislative arrange ment), by the district, will never disappoint, but will
yield augmenting testimony to the wisdom which has in spired it, and the patriotism which has carried it to a
happy consummation.
2. It is objected by some, that " the temierantce movement
is itself a failzre, since it has e.ristedfo'r forty years wil,iout
removi)If- drunzkenness, while the sale and consumfition of in toxicatizo, drinzks have continted to increase." But relative ly to population, the sale and use of intoxicating liquors
have not increased, though, in the consumption of many
other articles, and in the general commerce of the coun try, the proportionate increase has been very great. The
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