THE DRUNKARD'S DEATH. A few years ago we had a smart looking shoe-shop opened in our neighbourhood. It appeared a respectable concern, and a good stock of boots and shoes were temptingly ticketed at the door and in the large bright window. All seemed to go on prosperously for a time; the master of the shop, a civil young man, was very attentive, and his articles gave general satisfaction. At length, however, he was to be seen but seldom, and a quiet looking woman, who was his wife, took his place in the shop. It was evident too that the stock was lessening, for the customer found it no easy matter to get himself comfortably fitted. Then the window was dirty and ill arranged, and it was altogether uninviting. What had caused this change? "Is your husband ill?" was the general and reasonable question put to the wife. "Oh no he is not ill, but—but -he is from home a good deal now," was her usual reply. He was indeed from home a good deal, but he had left that home to spend his days and a great part of his nights too, at an ale-house. His poor wife did the best she could in the business, and many persons continued their custom from kindly feelings towards her. But she could not wholly supply her husband's place; and besides that, her poor children were of course obliged to be neglected when her time was taken up with other duties. Some years passed on in this manner, and little notice was taken of the once smart shoe-shop, except an occasional remark from some passer by, on its dirty and deserted appearance. But one morning the shutters were closed, and then, either from interest or cnriosity, there was a general question as to the cause, and all sorts of reports were circulated. The truth was, the master of the shop was dead, he had died in the previous night. But how? die? He died drunk, at his own door ! Where did he At a little past midnight—his accustomed hour of return -his wife had answered his well-known knock, and dear as he had once been to her she could not help looking at him with feelings bordering on disgust, as he reeled into the house. It is impossible to do otherwise than shrink from even the dearest relatives when they are in such a condition, for there is something worse than beastly in their manners and appearance. The shoe maker had evidently taken more liquor than usual that night, and he was more than usual stupid and helpless. There were four or five steps from the outer door to the level of the shop, and he contrived to ascend them, though with great difficulty, but on reaching the top he staggered, and fell backwards. Forgetful of all his neglect and unkindness his wife hastened to his assistance; she raised his head upon her knees, and untied his neckcloth ; but it was too late-he was dead! What a death to die! We read, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord," but no where can we read "Blessed are those who die drunk." By giving way to a desire for strong drink, this man threw himself out of a flourishing business. He lost the respect of his neighbours; he robbed his children both of a mother's care and a father's protection and support; he destroyed the health and comfort of his affectionate wife, and reduced his family to almost beggary. In fact, by drunkenness he lost his self respect, the respect of 'others, the love of his dearest connexions, and what is infinitely more in value than all that is precious in this world, he lost his own soul. This is a fearful thing to say of a fellow creature, but we have the warrant of God's holy word for such an assertion; and we are not pointing to these our brother's faults with the finger of scorn, but as a beacon to warn others from pursuing a similar course. Who amongst those who indulge in intemperate habits, would wish to die in such a state? yet who can say, I am sure I shall not? Life is at all times uncertain; we see men, in apparent health and strength, cut off in a moment; and to how many dangers does the drunkard expose himself from accidents, besides the poisonous effect of the liquor. Our Lord tells of one man who was saying within himself: "Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry!" But what did God say of him? "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee." Luke xii. 19, 20. But perhaps some one may urge an excuse for his own sins; he may say, "I was led into evil by such and such companions; had I been left to myself I should never have fallen into such habits." God will not receive that as an apology: "If sinners entice thee, consent thou not." Prov. i. 10. Another will say, ""Tis true I do spend my evenings at a public house, but it is not often that I get drunk!" Is drunkenness a sin? If so, your plea will not avail at the bar of God, for he declares, “The wages of sin is death." Rom. vi. 23. A third will acknowledge that he is in fault in many things, "But," he will add, "I have always had the character of a generous, good-hearted fellow, and surely God is too merciful to punish for ever." He is merciful, and we delight in telling of his goodness; he is described in his holy word as "The Lord merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy." Psalm ciii. 8. But this mercy must be sought through Christ, or it will not extend to you; for by the same Divine authority we are told, that "He will in no wise clear the guilty." Exod. xxxiv. 7. "Thy soul shall be required of thee." Every man is accountable for his own sinful actions, and in the day of judgment, it will be useless to try to palliate our offences, or to throw the blame on others. The only plea that man can urge and God will accept, is, that the Lord Jesus Christ died for sinners. “Christ is both able and willing to save to the uttermost all who came unto God by Him.” Heb. vii. 25. One word of caution. Reader, beware how you touch the intoxicating cup. Pause ere you raise it to your lips, lest in time it bring on you the miseries of a drunkard's life, and the still greater horrors of a drunkard's death. A FEW CLEAR THINGS. It is very clear that if I never drink intoxicating liquor, I never shall become a drunkard. It is very clear that if I drink intoxicating liquor frequently, I may learn to like it, and in the end may become a drunkard. It is very clear that all drunkards were once moderate drinkers, and only became drunkards by degrees. It is very clear that moderate drinking is the fountain from which all drunkenness flows, the school in which all drunkards are trained. It is very clear that if there were no moderate drinking, there would be no drunkenness. It is very clear that if the drunkard would be reclaimed, he must abstain from that which has made and which keeps him a drunkard. It is very clear that if the drunkard thus abstains, he will be reformed. It is very clear that if I would set him a good example in order to reform him, I must myself abstain. It is very clear that if all men abstained, there would be no drunkards, and no drunkenness. It is very clear that if men continue to drink as they do now, drunkards will abound, and drunkenness continue. What thing can be clearer, then, than this, that it is my duty to abstain? And next to this, is it not very clear that I ought to try and get all my companions, friends and playmates to abstain too, that they, though now drinking moderately, may never be led on to drunkenness? Stereotyped and Printed by J. M. Burton and Co. Ipswich. Inland Revenue Office, Broad Street, February, 1850. the last Fifteen Years, ending 5th January, tained for Home Consumption in the United Kingdom in each of AN ACCOUNT of the Quantities of COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, FOREIGN and BRITISH SPIRITS, BEER, MALT, and WINE respectively, reIMPORTANT STATISTICS. 1850.—From the Lbs. Gallons. Gallons. Gailons. Barrels, Bushels. Gallons. 30,625,206 Lbs. Lbs. 1836 23,295,046 1837 24,947,J90 1838 1839 1840 Yrs.ended 1841 1842 5th Jan. + Calculated on the quantities of Malt and Sugar used by Licensed Brewers, and deducting the Beer Exported. ad valorem. { 1,416,613 3,184,255 1,240,210 24,493,539 15,988,035 40,551,049 6,391,531 35,127,287 1,606,800 2,830,263 1,195,154 25,190,843 15,883,311 39,930,941 7,000,486 32,252,628 2,041,678 2,512,960 1,131,450 21,859,337 15,769,434 42,456,862 6,553,922 |