On the principle of abstinence we may account, in part, for that holy ecstasy, that amazing clearness of spiritual vision, sometimes enjoyed on the deathbed. "Administer nothing," said the eloquent dying Summerfield, "that will create a stupor, not even so much as a little porter and water--_that I may have an unclouded view_." For the same reason, Dr. Rush, who so well knew the effect of strong drink, peremptorily ordered it not to be given him in his last hours. And it is recorded, that the dying SAVIOUR, "who knew all things," when offered "wine mingled with myrrh," "_received it not_." The truly wise will not barter visions of glory for mere animal excitement and mental stupefaction. Equally illustrative of our principle is the confession of an aged deacon, accustomed to drink moderately: "I always, in prayer, felt a coldness and heaviness at heart--_never suspecting it was the whiskey_! but since that is given up, I have _heavenly communion_!" O, what an increase of pure light and joy might there be, would all understand this, and be _temperate in all things_. The use of such liquor _is inconsistent with the sacred order and discipline of the church_. A venerable minister, of great experience, gives it as the result of his observation, that _nine-tenths_ of all the cases calling for church discipline have in former years been occasioned by this liquor. This is a tremendous fact. But a little examination will convince any one that the estimate is not too high. And can it be right to continue an indulgence that brings tenfold, or even fourfold more trouble and disgrace on the church than all other causes united? Do not these foul "spots in your feasts of charity" clearly say, "Touch not the unclean thing?" Can we countenance that which is certain to bring deep reproach on the church of Christ? "It must needs be that offences come, but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh." The use of alcoholic liquor by the religious community _is inconsistent with the hope of reforming and saving the intemperate_; and thus shows a _want of love to souls_. The Christian knows, that _drunkards cannot inherit eternal life_. He knows also, that hundreds of thousands now sustain or are contracting this odious character; and that if the evil be not arrested, millions more will come on in the same track, and go down to the burning gulf. But the man who drinks just so much as to make himself "feel well," cannot reprove the drunkard who only does the same thing. The drunkard may say to him, "My appetite is stronger than yours; more, therefore, is necessary, in order to make me '_feel well_;' and if you cannot deny yourself, how can I control a more raging appetite?" This rebuke would be unanswerable.