OBSERVATIONS 
ON 
THE CUSTOMARY USE 
OF 
spirituous Hictuors, 
PARTICULARLY ADDRESSED TO 
THE INHABITANTS OF PENNSYLVANIA, 
OF ALL DENOMINATIONS; 
AND ALSO TO 
THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES GENERALLY, 
JOHN WATSON 
PHILADELPHIA : 
PUBLISHED BY KIMBER & CONRAD. 
NO. 93, MARKET STREET. 
Brown & Merritt, Printers, No. 24, Chn rah-alley. 
1810. PREFACE. 
SoME parts of the following observations were first 
published in a periodical paper, called the Evening Fire 
Side, in the year 1805, and soon after were taken into 
the Port Folio, and other papers. 
Some new arrangements have been made in the work, 
and some additions thereto. It is now offered to the 
public, for more general usefulness, in the form of a 
pamphlet, and affectionately recommended to the serious 
perusal of all ranks and classes of people. 
If some of the sentiments and illustrations should be 
thought new, and expressed in the language of plain- 
ness and impartiality, it is hoped that the importance 
of the subject will be a sufficient apology. 
Confident that the patronage of a generous public, 
can in no instance be better employed, than in the en- 
couragement of every laudable attempt to investigate 
the causes of human misery ; and thence to illustrate 
the most probable means of diminishing the sufferings 
of our fellow creatures ; the author of the following 
pages is induced to solicit the attention of all who have 
their own real welfare, and that of the community at 
heart, more attentively to consider a subject, which in- 
volves in its calamitous effects the comforts and happi- 
ness of multitudes of the human race. IV 
It is presumed that in almost every neighbourhood, 
or within the sphere of every man’s acquaintance and 
observation, there are persons of various descriptions, 
who are enslaved by the deliterious habit of using ardent 
spirits, in a greater or less degree ; and it is also known, 
that from small beginnings in vice and immorality, some 
have thereby proceeded to great lengths, to the ruin of 
themselves and families, and often to the injury of 
their neighbours. If the exertion of individuals could 
be directed towards arresting the progress of this migh- 
ty destroyer, there is no doubt but that, under the di- 
vine blessing, many might be rescued from its destruc- 
tive effects, and instead of being nuisances to society, 
might pass their days in comfort to themselves and fa- 
milies, and be useful in the world. 
Thus, if men would but look around themselves, and 
consider how much they might benefit their poor neigh- 
bours by acting as friends and guardians to those, who 
appear to have no might of their own to withstand the 
torrent of custom and habit in the use of strong drink, 
every one might find employment in some way or other 
tending to promote the welfare and happiness of his fel- 
low creatures. 
Can there be any person so ungenerous that he would 
refuse to assist in raising his neighbours creature out of 
a pit, or to divert it from certain danger ; and can it be, 
that less regard should be shown to the interest and wel- 
fare of an immortal fellow creature, than the beast that 
perisheth. OBSERVATIONS, &c. 
SECTION I. 
INTRODUCTION OF THE USE OF SPIRITS INTO THE COLONIES ON 
DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, PROMOTED BY A VARIETY OF MISTAKEN 
PREJUDICES AND OPINIONS. 
IT may be difficult to eradicate opinions commonly received, especially when they 
go to support a practice or custom generally followed. But the many valuable refor- 
mations from gross errors that have heretofore prevailed in the world, affords a plain 
evidence of the fallibility of human reason, in having freely submitted to what was 
certainly wrong. 
THE first adventurers who settled in Pennsylvania, 
and parts adjacent, having been generally accustomed 
to the use of beer or ale, in Europe, were possessed of 
a habitual aversion to the drinking of water. They 
apprehended that the air of this hot climate was un- 
healthy, and that the water contained some noxious 
quality. In these opinions they were confirmed, by 
observing that some persons died suddenly, who had 
drunk freely of cold water, when oppressed with heat 
and fatigue ; and that severe fevers and agues prevailed 
in the autumnal season. 6 
Hence, through the influence of erroneous prejudices 
and opinions, the early settlers of this country adopted 
the practice which prevailed in the West Indies, and 
introduced the common use of rum, imported from 
thence, or of an inferior kind, from New England, dis- 
tilled out of molasses. 
It is admitted that cold water, drunk in large quan- 
tities, when the body is overheated, is indeed hurtful; 
but spirituous liquors are not a proper preventive when 
brought into common use ; and both in a physical and 
moral respect, they are highly improper. 
The natural small-pox being frequently severe, and 
the most proper treatment of the disorder altogether 
mistaken; rum administered in various forms, was 
esteemed absolutely necessary for the unhappy patients. 
The nurses and attendants in all disorders, were recom- 
mended to use drams, either raw, or sweetened, or mix- 
ed with bitters, as antidotes against offensive and in- 
fectious smells. 
In the early settlement of the country, agues, and 
fevers of the season were common in the latter part of 
summer, and in the fall of the year; and either for the 
purpose of relief or prevention, spikenard, centaur}', 
and other articles infused in spirits, were much used as 
domestic medicine. Hence an idea of the medicinal 
usefulness of spirits, almost universally prevailed among 
the first settlers of this land. 
The sentiments of the people being thus predisposed, 
common opinion, common custom, generosity, and hos- 
pitality, all concurred with the natural influence of ha- 
bit, to favour the general use of spirits ; and from the 
combined effect of these causes, spirituous liquors be- 
came an indispensable article in hay-time and harvest. 7 
at raisings of buildings, at frolicks of every kind, and 
also at vendues: and as it had been customary in the 
parent country to give hot and spiced wine, or ale and 
cakes, at funerals; so, hot rum and water, sweetened 
with sugar, became the substitute here. 
All this free use of spirituous liquors, had a power- 
ful effect on the minds and manners of the people, who 
being more or less inflamed, and elevated with strong 
drink, frequently behaved in a rude and disorderly 
manner; and this becoming common, was the less re- 
garded as a blemish of character. Actual drunkards 
and sots were alone considered as transgressors, and 
every inferior degree was deemed only the necessary 
use. 
Thus common opinion and common custom, ruled the 
subject with sovereign authority, and without much in- 
terruption, until the large quantities given at vendues, 
became so manifest an evil in its consequences, that pe- 
titions were presented to the legislature, and an act was 
passed on the subject in the year 1750, prohibiting the 
practice of giving spirits in future, under a penalty of 
four pounds for the first offence, and for the second, and 
every other offence, the sum of five pounds. But for 
many years, the good effects intended by the law were 
frustrated, and the penalties evaded, by adjourning the 
vendue, to drink rum. The reason of this was, be- 
cause the power of habit had become so strong, that the 
general opinion of the people did not then sufficiently 
coincide with the intention of the law, to render it effi- 
cient. To such a height had this abominable practice 
arisen, that an instance might be mentioned, where 
twenty gallons of rum were actually drank, when less 
than two hundred pounds worth of goods were sold. 8 
In one year, nearly a hogshead of spirits, by the gal- 
lon and quart, has been sold by a shopkeeper to one man 
for his own use. But even in cases of this kind which 
have occurred, opinion and custom have afforded a ready 
excuse for the real evil in selling, and charged the blame 
wholly to the unhappy persons, who became victims to 
their own intemperance. 
It was certainly owing to the tvant of a due regard to 
right principles, that these evils were permitted to ar- 
rive at such an extent, before a remedy was applied. 
The sober and more considerate part of all religious 
societies, being affected with concern, on account of the 
inconsistency of giving spirits at funerals, and the so- 
ciety of Friends taking such measures about the year 
1760, as in a short time put an end to the practice 
among themselves, the example has been pretty general- 
ly, but not universally, followed by others : and at 
places where spirits continue to be used, the effects are 
obviously unsuitable, and unbecoming the nature of these 
solemn occasions. 
As a very extraordinary and striking instance of the 
influence of custom, in full contradiction to the die- 
tates of decency and common sense, it may be proper 
here to relate, that in some parts of the state of New 
York, it has been usual, in conformity with ancient cus- 
tom, for the company attending a funeral, to return 
after the interment, to the late dwelling-house of the de- 
ceased, and perhaps to other houses in the neighbour- 
hood, employed for the purpose, where a plentiful din- 
ner being provided, with wine, spirits, pipes, and 
tobacco, the scene of mourning soon became changed 
into the opposite extreme ; and the ensuing evening, 
and sometimes two or three days, were spent in the 9 
usual manner of intemperate indulgence. And what is 
still more surprising, persons in making their wills fre- 
quently assigned a certain specific sum to defray the 
expense of their own funerals, with an intention that 
they should be conducted in the customary way. 
This appears, at first view, to be the extent of incon- 
sistency in the practice of a people professing Christi- 
anity, or aiming at the useful improvements of civili- 
zation : but the whole may be no more than some 
remains of the rude and ignorant manners and customs 
of antiquity, not yet reduced to the standard of use and 
propriety. And here we might fairly state the ques- 
tion, What better authority is there for the use that is 
now made of spirituous liquors on many other occasions, 
than merely the customs and manners of former times, 
which the experience of their effects do by no means 
recommend ? 
The above practices at funerals are recited, principal- 
ly for the purpose of illustration; but as more light has 
prevailed by degrees, and clergymen have refused to 
officiate at interments designed to be conducted in such 
a manner ; it may be stated with pleasure, that more 
decent order, and suitable decorum, is now generally 
observed among the better rank of society, who regard 
strict discipline of conduct as a necessary part of reli- 
gious profession. SECTION II. 
CHECK TO THE GROWTH OF THIS EVIL IN VARIOUS INSTANCES, 
TENDING TO DEMONSTRATE THE PRACTICABILITY AND ADVAN- 
TAGE OF DECLINING THE USE OF SPIRITS. 
WHEN a selfish spirit prevails in the minds of the people, it has a tendency to pro. 
dace darkness, and manifold confusion in the world ; but a better understanding of 
things, and more regular order are the natural effects of pursuing those measures 
that evidently promote the general interest and happiness of mankind. 
In the time of the revolutionary war, when spirituous 
liquors of any kind were not easily obtained, many sober 
persons, who nad been attached to the use of those li- 
quors, only by custom, found by experience that they 
were not only not unnecessary, but in every respect 
were actually hurtful. Since that period the number 
of farmers, labourers, tradesmen, and others, who either 
wholly or in great part have declined the use of spirits, 
has gradually increased, to a degree far beyond what is 
generally known or apprehended. 
From the sensible benefits which such persons have 
found by the change resulting to themselves, their fami- 
lies, their hired labourers, and the business in which they 
have been employed, they can individually unite in re- 
commending their example herein to general imitation. 
Spirituous liquors are not now generally given at ven- 
dues as formerly ; and the consequent improvement in 
the behaviour of the people at such public gatherings, 11 
affords a certain evidence of the great advantage of 
sobriety. 
At several iron works in the United States, where 
much business has been done, no kind of spirits wrere 
used by the workmen. They were wholly banished 
from the place, and sufficient experience has fully proved 
that large quantities of iron may be made without the 
use of ardent spirits, and with much greater advantage 
and satisfaction both to the labourer and employer. On 
the contrary, many proprietors of iron works have failed 
because of drunkenness and disorders prevailing among 
the workmen ; and many of the workmen themselves 
have been ruined by intemperance and bad habits, and 
their families reduced to want. 
The practice of drinking spirituous liquors by the 
workmen in paper mills, in Pennsylvania, was formerly 
universal, being reduced by ancient custom into a regular 
system ; but a reformation being begun a few years since, 
by some individuals, the subject has been taken up by an 
Association of Master Paper Makers. The valuable ef- 
fects of their influence has fairly shown, that great things 
may be done by adopting right principles, and pursuing 
proper measures to support them. 
Every friend of mankind must be pleased with the fol- 
lowing communication from a respectable member of that 
society, and it is hoped that the publication of it may 
prove an excitement to others, and that the example may 
be generally followed in manufacturing houses. 
u Reformation in paper mills from the practice of ex- 
cessive drinking has been very considerable. It will be 
necessary to know what this practice was, as well as what 
it now is, before wre can ascertain the extent of the re- 
formation. 
u It was formerly the custom for the employer to fur- 12 
msh each journeyman in the mill, with a half pint of 
spirits at eleven o’clock, by way of ration. Of this the 
apprentices partook; and were thus initiated into the 
practice of regular tasting. 
“ In addition to this there were a variety of occasions 
which furnished excuses for the introduction of spirits ; 
such as the arrival and departure of a tramping journey- 
man....the commencement of work upon any new imple- 
ments, and the well known practice termed footing, were 
all most scrupulously and faithfully observed by pouring 
out libations in honor of the bacchanalian deity. These 
privileges were guaranteed by a custom so forcibly, that 
no employer could attempt to controul them, without 
incurring the imputation of tyrant and usurper. 
“ I he remnant stipend of by far the greater part of the 
journeymen, and the perquisites of the apprentices, 
were uniformly put in requisition on Saturday afternoon, 
to enable the crew to enjoy the succeeding day : several 
of whom would become so happy, as to require a taper- 
off on Monday. It did not require a very long practice 
of this kind to excite an unquenchable thirst for strong 
drink, which could not be allayed with less than from a 
pint to a quart per day. It is almost unnecessary to 
add, that apprentices educated in such a school, would 
not fail to become as journeymen. 
“ The above, with but little variation, would have 
answered for a picture of every paper mill in the United 
States, twenty years ago. 
“ The practice of giving rations has been generally 
abolished in Pennsylvania for nearly that time. It was 
not, however, succeeded by any other effort, and its ten- 
dency was not felt as a general discouragement to the 
excessive use of strong drink. 13 
“ About ten years since, the attention of several per- 
sons belonging to the trade was directed to this object; 
but the attempt was by no means general, and, like most 
other beginnings in good works, met with so many dis- 
couragements, that every hope of success was nearly 
given up ; while noxious habits continued to increase in 
many places with unabated ardour, until the evil had 
become so great as scarcely to be endured. 
“ At length a renewed effort was made ; and with 
the assistance of some persons connected with religious 
societies, who were employed as journeymen, in a few 
places, the principles of humanity have evidently gain- 
ed a partial ascendency over this instrument of univer- 
sal corruption. 
“ About this period, 1805, a number of persons in- 
terested in the paper manufacture, associated them- 
selves together for the purpose of improving their art, 
and ameliorating the condition of worthy unfortunate 
journeymen and their families. The latter object natu- 
rally led to a consideration of the causes of misery and 
poverty among those people; and it was soon discover- 
ed that objects of charity which had not become so by 
the excessive use of strong drink, were so rare, that 
this humane part of the institution would remain a dead 
letter, or be so seldom exercised that its usefulness could 
never be realized. 
w The fatal consequences of immoderate drinking were 
evident to all. And although it had hitherto been de- 
precated as an evil to be endured rather than submitted 
to, the absolute necessity for reformation was universal- 
ly acknowledged, the moment its practicability was dis- 
covered. The benevolent disposition with which the 
association was formed, could not hesitate to lay hold of 14 
so favourable an opportunity for effecting so great and 
essential a good both to the journeymen and employers. 
With one heart and one voice, all agreed to use every 
possible endeavour to restrain and prohibit the use of 
ardent spirits in their respective mills; not by formal 
resolves and arbitrary rules, which would only require 
to be known to be evaded; but by a constant and perse- 
vering endeavour to use such means as circumstances 
would permit, to resist and check the progress of this 
vice wherever it might prevail. 
“ The effect has been various, according to a variety1' 
of circumstances, under which the attempts have been 
made, but it has been fully ascertained through the 
bounds of their association, that rum is not essential to life, 
health, or even conviviality. The rations are not heard 
of. The greeting and the valedictory dram have been 
dispensed with. The implements will work without 
wetting, and the footing is even more solid without a 
foundation in grog." 
<c The most powerful obstacle to the progress of this 
good work, is the contiguity of a certain description of 
stores and taverns, properly stiled dram shops. 
w The quantity of liquor drunk by those who have a 
propensity for it, will always bear some proportion to the 
facility of getting it. This fact is sufficiently proved by 
daily experience, and will refute that silly plea, by which 
retailers attempt to justify themselves, viz. ‘ If a man 
wants liquor, he will have it, and if I don’t sell it to him 
another will!’ An argument that might as well be used 
to justify selling opium or arsenick to a lunatick. 
“ But returning from this digression, I will conclude 
by observing, that although much remains to be done, and 
in some instances, scarcely any thinghas been done,yet it 15 
may be boldly asserted that all-powerful Bacchus is now 
fast retreating from the paper mills of Pennsylvania, af- 
ter an undisturbed possession of more than sixty years ; 
and we look forward confidently to the time when he 
will be banished from all our manufacturing houses.” 
We shall here adduce some other facts relative to a 
reformation on the subject of spirituous liquors. At a 
large store of goods lately kept in a neighbouring state, 
a hogshead of spirits had often been retailed out in a 
day ; and on those called holidays above double that 
quantity. But the owners, observing the mischievous 
consequences arising from the use of such vast quantities 
of intoxicating liquors, and considering themselves ac- 
cessary thereto, determined to decline the practice of sell- 
ing those liquors. Accordingly they have nobly sacri- 
ficed the means of obtaining a clear profit of several hun- 
dred dollars annually, with a view of promoting the real 
interest and happiness of mankind. 
How truly philanthropic does this conduct appear, and 
especially when contrasted with that of licensing or keep- 
ing a tavern near to a place of public worship for the 
purpose of accommodating the congregation!! And yet 
it is a fact that such an instance as the latter has occur- 
red in Pennsylvania, where the circumstances was fully 
explained to the court. 
Since the yellow fever has so frequently visited Phi- 
ladelphia, a considerable number of the citizens have 
declined the common use of spirituous liquors, and their 
drink is either beer, or Schuylkill water, rather than 
punch or grog. This direct change of custom is much 
promoted by the advice of Doctor Benjamin Rush, and 
the principal physicians of the place, as well as by the 16 
concurring sentiments of the first characters of the facul- 
ty in other places. 
The president of the United States, agreeable to an 
act of congress, does not admit that any kind of spirits 
should be sold to the Idians, in those trading houses 
that have been established for their use. Many of the 
Indians now living in the western parts of this state have 
voluntarily refrained from the use of spirits . At their 
settlements on the waters of the Allegany, they have 
erected a saw-mill, and have built handsome log houses. 
They keep cattle, raise grainv and live in a much better 
condition than formerly, when they drank freely of spi- 
rituous liquors. 
Some of the tribes who reside farther to the west- 
ward, have entered into a national agreement not to per- 
mit any of the. mad liquor to be sold in their country by 
the traders ; and if any is discovered there by the sa- 
chems, they break the kegs with their tomahawks and let 
the contents flow on the ground. 
Colonel Hawkins, to the southward, has also been very 
successful in his philanthropic labours, and has made 
great advances in introducing agriculture and the useful 
domestic arts among the natives ; which certainly could 
not have been done, if they had not been first reclaimed 
from their usual habits of intemperance ; and if the prac- 
tice of temperance and sobriety is a necessary prelimina- 
ry to the civilization of the native Indians, it is equally so 
among the white people. 
It is not to be understood that all the Indians are 
about to be reformed at once; but rather that many 
valuable effects are resulting from their disuse of spiritu- 
ous liquors, and acquiring habits of industry and mo- 17 
rality; and that the various exertions of humanity for 
their real benefit, have thus been the means of meliorating 
their condition, and introducing them to the blessings of 
civilized life. 
Thus it appears that the disuse of what the Indians 
so justly stile the mad liquor, is gradually advancing 
both among them and the white people exactly on the 
same principles ; that is, by individuals acting at once 
agreeably to a present and eternal interest; and that in 
full contradiction to the calls of appetite, self-interest, 
popular opinion, and self-will, those grand supporters of 
every evil habit and custom, which usurp a despotism in 
ruling the manners of society on the bare authority of 
general prevalence. 
“ Custom, that all mankind to slavery brings, 
“ That dwll excuse for doing silly things,” SECTION 111. 
ARGUMENTS SHOWING THE NECESSITY OF A GENERAL REFORMA- 
TION, AND THE PROPRIETY OF WHOLLY ERADICATING THIS EVIL. 
A great advantage M ould arise from adhering to correct and just principles, with a 
firmness proportionate to their importance; and by following the precepts and example 
of the best, and most enlightened part of mankind. 
ITH respect to the use of spirituous liquors, it may 
be stated, as undeniable facts : 
1. That drinking spirits in the heat of summer, tends 
to inflame the system: and though the animal spirits 
may be raised by a temporary excitement, yet the gene- 
ral strength or ability to labour, and bear the heat, is 
not increased, but lessened by it. 
2. That it produces a sense of thirst, which is not 
diminished by drinking more, but is rather increased. 
3. That the sense of weariness, on any degree of ex- 
ertion, is greater afterwards, and sleep has not a natural 
and refreshing effect. 
4. That although spirits may in some cases be pro- 
perly employed in a medicinal way; yet those cases oc- 
cur so seldom, and require such critical judgment to 
distinguish, as by no means to justify a common, and 
customary use. 
5. It must be highly improper for persons otherwise 
in health, frequently to sip such efficient articles of a 
stimulating nature, as may be stiled powerful medicines, 
rather than suitable aliment to nourish the body, or re- 19 
pair its strength ; and which must tend to introduce an 
occasion for their being continually repeated in aug- 
mented quantities, to produce the same effect. 
6. The habit of using spirits is contagious, and is 
mostly acquired ; rather than originally occasioned by 
the cravings of a natural appetite. 
These things being premised, let all the supposed 
advantages to be derived from the use of spirits, be 
candidly compared with the vast and real evils they 
certainly produce. 
Let us consider that every degree of intemperance to 
which men arrive in the use of strong drink, does gene- 
rally proceed, by the nature of habit, out of what is 
deemed the moderate use. 
That the advances from the frequent use of spirits, 
under the idea of a casual necessity, or of their being- 
helpful to the constitution, towards a continual use : 
and from that to a fatal intemperance, is almost certain : 
and that it is often the gradation of those who are em- 
ployed to labour in hay-time and harvest, and in other 
business where spirits are commonly used; and also 
that the progress of intemperance, often proceeds so 
slowly, as scarcely to be perceived in a short time. 
That drunkenness tends towards a complete depriva- 
tion of every degree of religious sensibility and duty, 
and to destroy all the noble feelings and faculties of a 
rational being, rendering him wholly unfit to fulfil the 
important duties of domestic, social, and civil life. 
That habits of intoxication greatly extend the degree 
and prevalence of vice and immorality, especially pro- 
faneness and vulgarity, not only at the present time, but, 
by the influence of example, to future generations. 
Are not these effects of the custom of drinking spi- 20 
rituous liquors, and the magnitude of the various evil 
consequences resulting therefrom, sufficient to excite 
the serious attention of every sober minded person to 
the merits of the subject, and to demand the employ- 
ment of all his power and influence towards putting a 
stop to its prevalence. 
But some may say, What can I do towards reform- 
ing the world? It may be answered, A great deal. The 
use of spirits is not supported by any direct authority, 
either civil, religious, or experimental; but rather by a 
number of individuals making, importing, vending, and 
using them by common consent. Now it is very clear 
that any one who wholly withdraws from anv, and all 
of these practices, which he has been actively aiding to 
support, will, with respect to himself, have completed 
the whole business of reformation. He will then be in 
a capacity to persuade others to follow his example. Or, 
the powerful influence of his steady upright conduct, 
will induce them to consider the subject more attentive- 
ly ; and at length, they will join hands in so good a 
a work ; a work in which the welfare, the comfort and 
happiness of thousands, are concerned, and every man 
who heartily unites in its support, eventually contributes 
to advance the best interests of society, and to lessen 
the sum of human misery. 
That a general and particular reformation, in regard 
to the use of spirituous liquors, is certainly necessary, 
no one can deny. It is therefore highly proper for each 
one to examine himself, and consider how far this per- 
nicious custom is supported by the share he has in it, 
or in any of its relations : for it is only by a uniform 
and conscientious compliance of each individual with 21 
his particular duty in the case, that such a reformation 
is to be expected. 
But this desirable business cannot be effected, either 
by individuals, or collective authority, in any other man- 
ner, than by totally abstaining, not only from the cus- 
tomary use of distilled spirits, but from any con- 
cern, or traffic in them; and the object in view will 
appear to be fully worthy of such a sacrifice, when we 
duly consider that the use that is made of spirituous 
liquors, is one of the greatest evils prevailing in the 
United States ; affecting, in various respects, a large por- 
tion of the people ; operating directly against the wel- 
fare, peace and happiness of individuals and families ; 
against the promotion of religion, learning, and good 
manners, and threatening to frustrate the happy enjoy- 
ment of a good government, and even its very existence. 
The foregoing arguments may be grounded on these 
foundations: 
1. That it is individual example and participation 
that make up, and continue the general prevalence. 
2. That great numbers of unhappy men of valuable 
talents and amiable dispositions, by yielding too easy a 
compliance with custom, and through the bewitching 
influence of habit, become lost to themselves, to their 
families, and to society. 
3. That every succeeding generation is introduced 
into the deplorable evil by the force of example ; of 
which the frequency tends to lessen the abhorrence of 
its guilt. 
4. That the degrees evidently tend towards the ex- 
treme, and the mass of depravity and corruption in the 
minds and manners of the people is greatly increased. 
And, therefore, that religion, reason, and experience 22 
unitedly call for, and would undoubtedly justify a spee- 
dy reformation, and a total abstaining from the cus- 
tomary and common use of distilled spirituous liquors : 
and especially inasmuch as sufficient experience has 
fully proved that they are not really useful; but on the 
contrary that they are the original root of drunkenness, 
and have a very intimate connexion with it, in produc- 
ing so many evil consequences. 
The important duty of promoting a reformation rests 
principally upon the collective bodies of religious soci- 
ties ; upon persons whose precepts and example may be 
the most impressive, such as ministers of the gospel of 
every denomination, influential members of religious so- 
cieties in their several stations, civil magistrates, and 
persons employed in government; teachers of public 
schools, and in every neighbourhood persons of influ- 
ence among the people. 
The female sex of every class and degree, might' be 
prevailing instruments of doing much good, by kind 
and affectionate persuasion against the dangerous and 
insinuating evil. And then, if they should ever become 
unhappy sufferers through its destructive effects, in 
their own families, or among their connexions, they 
would not have to blame themselves for having given 
too easy a countenance to its introduction. SECTION IV. 
PARTICULAR CLASSES OF MEN INSTRUMENTAL IN PROMOTING THE 
DESTRUCTIVE USE OF SPIRITS....CONSEQUENCES ARISING THERE- 
FROM. 
WHERE cunning people pass counterfeits, and impose that on others which is good 
lor nothing, it is considered as a wickedness; but for the sake of gain, to sell that to 
people, which we know does them harm, and which often works their ruin ; or in any 
way to promote such doings, manifests a hardened, and corrupt heart, and is an evil 
which demands the care of all true lovers of virtue to suppress..., W'oolman. 
X HERE are particular persons, who are specially 
concerned in relation to the use that is made of spiritu- 
ous liquors, whose responsibility must be in proportion 
to their respective degree of agency and influence in the 
subject. 
Those who are in the practice of making or retail- 
ing spirits, have a great share of responsibility. It is 
through them that the great monster of intemperance 
receives a continual supply in all its degrees of growth; 
and they cannot be ignorant of it. Some may be more 
to blame than others; but those who continually sell 
spirits to persons who they know are advancing to 
ruin by the use of them, are certainly culpable for being 
active in the cause ; as they are in a strict sense accessa- 
ry to the consequence. Many excuses are advanced 
to evade the guiltiness of such practices ; but they are 
all alike futile and inconsistent, unless self-interest be 
admitted as the fundamental principle of conduct. If profit be the onlyr temptation, such a deliberate pursuit 
of gain in contravention of so plain a point of duty, 
must be a more reprehensible evil than the gratification 
of a natural appetite, that had gained ground by habit; 
notwithstanding the self-interested customs and maxims 
of a depraved world may not favour such an opinion. 
The comparative estimate of difference between a 
person habituated to excess, and one who sells him the 
drink either in a tavern or a store for the sake of gain- 
ing a few cents, may be fairly explained in this way : 
The first is always an object of pity, and frequently of 
compassion, and may be otherwise a person of correct 
principles and conduct; but the latter cannot lay claim 
to such a generous sympathy, or degree of character 
in the particular case ; having no motive but avarice 
alone, to induce him in promoting the deplorable misery 
and debasement of a fellow creature, and perhaps of a 
poor suffering wife and children, who depend upon his 
earning for their support. But if we believe, that man 
is immortal and accountable for his actions ; then the 
criminality of drunkenness, and also of uniting in pro- 
moting it, must at once appear in a higher point of view, 
and with a degree of importance far beyond the de- 
structive effects of a temporary evil. 
It might be readily proved by such evidence as the 
subject is capable of, that the countenance afforded to 
support the customary use of spirits, by the sentiments 
and example of persons of substantial characters and 
temperate habits, has had a more extensive and im- 
pressive effect to promote intoxication, than all the un- 
guardedness of the vulgar, and the sensuality of sots 
united together. 
If persons in authority were to unite in executing the laws, agreeably to their plain intention, and the import- 
ance of their object, especially in granting tavern licences, 
and effectually punishing transgressors, so as to raise 
the standard of legal morality into public view : and if 
persons of temperate habits and respectable characters, 
who are in the practice of using spirits in the customary 
way, could be prevailed upon to reduce the employ- 
ment of those pernicious and dangerous articles to their 
proper degree of restriction, it is not a vain estimate to 
presume, that such a rational and exemplary reforma- 
tion in the first ranks of society, aided by a proper edu- 
cation of the youth, would, by degrees, discourage and 
prevent a great proportion of the intemperance, and its 
consequences, that now prevail in the world. 
It has been justly observed by a late writer, that, 
“ The multiplication of inns, taverns, and dram shops, 
is an obvious national evil, which calls loudly for legis- 
lative interference ; for in no country are they more 
numerous, or more universally baneful.”* 
The great number of public houses, and their inferior 
condition, inadequate for the purpose intended, have long 
been subjects of serious complaint in the interior parts of 
Pennsylvania; and they appear to be still increasing. 
Licences are granted to keep public houses, where, 
either from their local situation or nearness to each 
other, they are not necessary for the entertainment of 
travellers, or the accommodation of persons employed 
on business. They are frequently granted to persons 
of bad principles and disorderly conduct, who from a 
kind of necessity are in the practice of speculating by 
the vices and follies of mankind : and hence as a natural 
• Davis’s Geography. 26 
consequence, such taverns become perfect nuisances in 
the neighbourhoods where they are situated, being 
generally places of resort of idleness, poverty, and dissi- 
pation, and influential schools of vice and immorality. 
The laAV of this state which assumes public houses 
keeping under legal restraint and regulation, bears a 
plain eyidence, that it was not intended merely for the 
purpose of raising a revenue ; but rather to be a guard 
to preserve the morals of the people, as is so clearly ex- 
pressed in the preamble to the act against vice and im- 
morality. And for the greater security, the whole 
povrer is vested in the hands of persons in the respec- 
tive counties, vrho are likely to be of the first rank of 
society, and by the tenor of their appointment, they 
are rendered completely independent of every kind of 
undue bias and influence. But the root of evil strikes 
deep, and is nourished by too much respecting the spi- 
rit and practice of the world as it is; rather than regu- 
lating the sentiments and conduct agreeably to the letter 
and spirit of the law*, and to the fundamental principles 
of right and wrong as they really are : and hence our 
country is disgraced by a number of licenced tippling 
houses, and our penal laws are become almost a dead 
letter. 
It is certain that vicious habits promote bad principles ; 
and these will have a continual and reciprocal effect 
upon each other: and this will be the case while ever 
evil customs, erroneous opinions, complaisant self inter- 
est, and habits of intemperance, prevailing among a cer- 
tain proportion of the people, unite in forming the cur- 
rent criterion of what is right and wrong on the subjects 
under consideration ; a criterion far below the standard 
of real truth and right reason. This is evidently the 27 
case with respect to the practice of distilling spirits 
from grain, which appears balancing between principle 
and self interest in the minds of the people ; and if it 
were not for the natural and blinding influence of the 
latter, the former would certainly prevail. Iron, sulphur, 
and nitre, are originals in the composition of the uni- 
verse, and of primary use and importance. But if men 
assume the liberty of employing them, for the purpose 
of cruelly wounding and killing one another, it can 
be no marvel, if they should also convert grain, which 
is the material of bread, into ardent spirits. Now it is 
well known that these in their effects promote and in- 
crease the miseries of human life, and in numerous in- 
stances, actually shorten the period of its existence. 
Grain is evidently adapted to the purpose of nourishing 
and supporting the great family of mankind, and is the 
most valuable natural blessing that they are favoured 
with by a benevolent Providence ; and there never was 
a surplus of it, or more than was necessary for the nour- 
ishment of animal life in the natural and substantial 
manner of using it; and therefore to distil spirits from 
grain, or any way to participate in the business, is an 
unwarrantable exercise of that free agency in which men 
may so easily transgress, when the lucre of gain offers 
the temptation. 
A financier of state, or a distiller of grain, with a cold 
indifference, may calculate upon the amount of revenue 
arising from the importation of spirits, or the actual 
saving to the country by their domestic production ; but 
this in the present state of things would be a kind of 
deceptive arithmetic, if the consequent loss sustained 
in the morals and virtues of the people was not placed 
on the opposite page to balance the account. 28 
When we take a review of the whole subject intend- 
ed to be elucidated by the foregoing observations, what 
melancholy reflections must fill the feeling mind, to see 
the frailty of human nature on the one hand, and the 
mischievous influence of avarice on the other. The 
whole portraiture is not mere idle declamation, or fan- 
ciful amusement; but relates to a subject of first rate 
importance, in which the welfare of individuals, and 
also of society in general, is concerned. It relates to 
no less than the clesti'uction of the bodies and souls of 
men....to derangement and discord in families. Inno- 
cent wives variously afflicted, and helpless children 
sorrowfully abused and neglected in various respects, 
but especially in the material point of their religious 
education; and the family often sinking into abject 
poverty and a final dependance upon private or public 
charity for support. Or if the means of living remain, 
it is obvious that such a life, without hope of amendment, 
is not worth enjoying. 
It is too general that these kind of serious evils pre. 
vail more or less in almost every neighbourhood, as the 
effects of intemperance ; especially where taverns, stores, 
or distilleries abound, kept by persons who rule their 
conduct by these erroneous or misapplied principles, viz. 
That every person has a right to do as he pleases with 
his own ; that they keep spirits to sell as a common ar- 
ticle of trade ; and that it is not the concern of the seller 
what use is made of them by the purchasers, who, being 
free agents, are alone responsible for their own intem- 
perance ; that such persons will get strong drink some- 
where, and they may as well supply them as another.... 
That every thing is good in its place, and that spirituous 
liquors are good when properly used. It is with this kind of deleterious reasoning, that self interest endea- 
vours to defend itself. But, one single instance of the 
practical consequences of selling spirits to an unhappy 
person, who renders his life miserable, and shortens the 
period of its existence by intemperance, contains sufficient 
evidence to refute it all; and if all the effects that had 
arisen from the use of a single hogshead of spirits, could 
be brought to pass in review, the spectacle would be suf- 
ficient to settle the point of right and wrong on the sub- 
ject. 
There can scarcely be a more deplorable object of 
human misery than a drunken sot, who has arrived at 
such a state of intemperance that it appears as if he must 
drink spirits to keep himself alive; and yet it is also 
certain, that he must die a miserable death by continuing 
the practice. This is often the case towards the latter 
end of the tragedy. But the first beginning, and every 
succeeding step in such a gradation, must also be 
dreadful, as it is evidently travelling on a road that leads 
to such a period. But there are very few retailers of 
spirits, of any description, who are not supplying those 
who are in some point or other, in this progressive scale. 
And those who use spirits to excess appear infatuated; 
scarcely one in a hundred wholly abstains, although 
such abstinence is the only experiment that will afford 
perfect security. 
“ If not so frequent, would not thi9 be strange, 
« That ’tis so frequent, this is stranger still.” 
A tender mother may deplore the state of an intem- 
perate son, an afflicted wife may lament for the partner 
of her life, and the unhappy father of her children, an 
innocent daughter may feel for the dissipation of a parent, 
and for the sufferings of a neglected family ; but in 30 
vain are the tears of sympathy and distress, as there are 
such slender hopes of success in the deplorable case, 
while an avaricious spirit, prevailing in many of those 
who keep spirits to sell, induces them to supply their 
customers with the means of self destruction, even on 
credit, while ever the prospect of payment remains ; and 
while the fear of giving offence, to the detriment of their 
own interest, supercedes every duty of a humane or a 
religious nature. SECTION V. 
PARTICULAR ADDRESS TO YOUTH, ON THE SUBJECT OF WHOLLY 
DECLINING THE CUSTOMARY USE OF SPIRITS. 
May you so raise your characters, that you may help to make the next age a better 
thing, and leave posterity in your debt for the advantages it shall receive by your 
care and example Lord Halifax 
TT HE foregoing description of the evils resulting from 
a free use of spirits, has been extended and varied, in 
order to give a full picture of its real depravity, and to 
strike the mind with forcible conviction. But little 
hope need be entertained of convincing, or at least of 
converting, those who are grown old in custom, or hard- 
ened in principle, or those who have an interest or ha- 
bitual inclination to continue in their former practice. 
It may therefore be proper, finally to close this short 
essay, with a serious address to the hopeful rising 
youth of our country, and especially to those of generous 
dispositions, who are favoured with a good degree of a 
liberal education; and hence are likely, in the progress 
of a few years, to become ranked in the most substantial 
and respectable class of society, and therefore, will be 
the more responsible for the example set by their conduct. 
Purity of principle, correctness of sentiment, and ge- 
nerosity of disposition, are valuable traits of the human 
character, tending to promote the interest and happiness 32 
of individuals, and the benefit of society in general; and 
therefore, are worthy to be cultivated in the youthful 
mind: But depravity of principle, inconsistency of sen- 
timent, and selfishness of disposition, produce degenera- 
cy in practice, and depreciate the true dignity of human 
nature. 
The general consequences arising from the customary 
use of spirits, is highly deserving your serious attention. 
Some of its various evils have been remarked: But the 
practice of using spirits in hay time and harvest, and at 
carrying on buildings, occasions a vast consumption of 
them; in which, as far as you may become active agents, 
you will be responsible for the effects of the general habit 
of drinking to excess, which is much promoted by it. 
And be assured that the difficulty of breaking the cus- 
tom of giving spirits to labourers, would not be so great, 
as is commonly supposed, if the employers themselves, 
and their families, were wholly to abstain from the unne- 
cessary use of them at all times, and on all occasions; 
which will be the best and only method of doing the 
business effectually. And, therefore, if it may be so 
readily done, let the experiment be fairly tried; you 
will thereby feel yourselves released from a bondage, not 
only with respect to the enslaving custom itself, but also 
be placed in an impartial condition, capable of judging 
correctly on the merits of the subject. And although the 
number who wholly decline the use of spirits, may be but 
few, compared with those who are in the practice, vet 
the principles of their testimony, in the case, are respect- 
able, and the certain evidence of their being right, will 
always appear every where from the subject itself. For 
it is surely a righteous testimony, which has begun with 
a few, and is advancing by degrees, and would greatly 33 
spread and prevail, if those who are in the first and mid- 
dle ranks of society would but unite in earnest, each one 
in regulating himself, and in promoting a reformation in 
others. But perhaps the question may be asked, why 
sober people ought to deprive themselves of the use of 
spirits, because others use them immoderately ? But if no 
manner of benefit arises from the common use of spirits, 
especially in hay-time and harvest, when the greatest 
quantity is consumed; but rather a great damage at all 
times, and in various respects; then the whole argument 
implied in the query is lost at once, and needs no further 
reply. But even if a benefit were admitted in the use, 
yet it is certain that thousands of all classes, by degrees 
have become drunkards, who must have been preserved, 
if they had never commenced the practice of taking 
a little ; and who doubtless began with every flattering- 
assurance of moderation and temperance; and there 
are multitudes who are much hurt by the free use of 
spirits, who never became fairly intoxicated. Idleness, 
dissipation, and vice, are much promoted by the levity 
and indiscrimination of principle and conduct connected 
with it, as is evidently shown by the example of neigh- 
bourhoods where it most generally prevails, and it 
operates as a deadly poison, destroying every thing that 
is good and valuable in religious, civil, and social society. 
When the father of a family is lying on his death bed, 
it must be an afflicting circumstance if any of his off- 
spring, whom he is about to leave behind him, should be 
in the practice of using strong drink to excess. But his 
reflection on the sorrowful subject must be more painful, 
if in those serious moments he should find that he had 
not done all in his power to prevent it: which could not 
be the case, if he had introduced in his family the use 34 
of spirits, and set the example by using them himself; 
employing frivolous reasons to defend it; or more es- 
pecially if he had been instrumental in directly supply- 
ing those who he knew were intemperate. Perhaps in 
such a trying moment it will be plainly seen, that there 
is no real security but in perfect sobriety, and in a reli- 
gious principle that governs it; and that those cannot 
be clear of the general evil of intemperance, who are 
actively aiding in promoting the means of its prevalence. 
But if the great idol self be made the first principle and 
leading motive of action and sentiment, it is sufficient to 
poison every thing that is either great, generous, or va- 
luable in the human heart, by means of a refined and 
fashionable policy, which greatly forms the charac- 
teristic manners of the present age ; and while ever men 
confine their views and energies within the narrow and 
dark circle of selfishness, they feel but little concern for 
the general benefit of mankind, or sense of duty result- 
ing from it; and consequently are more inclined to 
unite in the customary use of spirituous liquors, or to 
make a gainful traffic of them, than to adopt any such 
effectual measures to prevent it, that may affect either 
their pecuniary interest, present convenience, or general 
popularity. 
This is a remarkable age for valuable improvements, 
in which the young and rising generation are greatly in- 
terested. But no subject requires their close attention 
more than that of forming such sentiments and opinions, 
to be regarded as general rules of conduct in life, as di- 
rectly result from the plain fundamental principles of 
the Christian Religion, and consequently acting agree- 
ably thereto, without yielding an improper compliance 
with the corrupt maxims and customs of the depraved part of the world we live in. The practice of using 
ardent spirits in a customary way, is far from being in- 
different or unimpressive, as it certainly produces a 
great variety of deplorable and destructive consequences, 
without being counterbalanced or paliated by any cer- 
tain and real benefit resulting from it. On this summa- 
ry view of the subject, if those who are now advancing 
on the stage of active life, would endeavour to promote 
such a degree of reformation as the present depraved 
state of morals in society, and the misfortune of indi- 
viduals require, there can be no doubt but that every 
proper exertion, and every sacrifice they might make, 
would redound to their own benefit and ultimate satis- 
faction ; and although the effects might be slow in their 
progression, yet as the important interests of mankind, 
both temporal and eternal, would be advanced by it, the 
experiment must be highly worthy of being made by 
every friend of mankind. 
The young and rising generation of this highlyfavour- 
ed land of America, have the choice freely to make for 
themselves, whether they will implicitly follow a hurt- 
ful custom, that has destroyed so many thousands of 
their fellow creatures, and may lead many of them to 
ruin; or rather determine to act with a firmness of re- 
solution, suitable to the importance of the occasion, and 
in a manner becoming the dignity of men, and the cha- 
racter of Christians. 
TIIE END.