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

Objcc/ion froois Jicdicizal Use A nzszercd. 8 i
The supposed failure in the analogy cannot be sus tained, and if it could the core of the argument would
remain untouched. During periods of epidemic plagues,
all do not die, all are not seized; nor, in reference to
the seeds of zymotic disease in general, can it be said
that the same conditions affect all alike. Medical science
does not support the theory that all w,lho receive the
poison-germis are equally poisoned. The evidence rather
tends to show that in various states of the body these
germs are neutralized, or exert so partial an effect that
the system suffers slightly, and recovers its balance by
vigorously ejecting the intruders. To this extent, then,
the analogy holds good-that in neither case is the full
measure of possible injury generally realized; the worst
effects are limited in extent; but in neither case is the
connection of the effect with the cause doubtful or ob scure, nor can any one person guarantee beforehand his
own immunity from the gravest and most fatal results.
The plague does not strike all; but who can be sure that
it will not strike him? Alcohol does not excite in all who
use it the intemperate appetite; but who can foretell
that he shall be exempt? Nor can it be pleaded that
those affected are so few as to make the danger individually small. A much smaller proportion of seizures spreads
intense alarm in a time of pestilence; and were half as
much reasonable fear excited by the diffusion of the alcoholic pest, the employment of the best preventive measures would not be delayed.
2. It nmay be argued that " The disAse of alcoholic driznk
is nol essential lo the security of socielyty, and that zwith the
spread of knowledge, education, refinement,.and rcliion Ithe
~laffue of intent.erance will die ozut, as it has almost died oul
already in some classes of society."
Were this remark much better founded than it is, it
would not impeach the wisdom of securing perfect and
indisputable safety by excluding the actual originator of
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