The use of this liquor is _inconsistent with the proper influence of Christian example_. The Saviour says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." But will men esteem Christians the more for _drinking_, and thus be led to glorify God on their behalf? Or will the Saviour praise them for this, "when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe?" Rather, will not their drinking lead some to excess, and thus sully the Creator's work? Nay, is it not certain, that if the religious community indulge, the example will lead _millions_ to drunkenness and perdition? And, on the other hand, is it not morally certain, that if they abstain, their combined influence will save millions from infamy and ruin? How, then, in view of that day when all the bearings of your conduct shall be judged, can you hesitate on which side to give your influence? It is not a little matter; for who can conceive the results of even _one_ impulse, among beings connected with others by ten thousand strings! The use of this liquor _is inconsistent with, that harmony and brotherly love which Christ requires in his professed followers_. He requires them to "love one another with a pure heart, fervently;" to "be all of one mind;" to be "of one heart and one soul." But who does not see the utter impossibility of this, if some continue an indulgence which others regard with abhorrence? Since public attention has been turned to the subject, thousands have come to the full conviction, that to use intoxicating liquor is a sinful as well as foolish practice. The most distinguished lights of the church, and such as peculiarly adorn human nature, embrace this sentiment. And how can you associate with these, and yet continue a habit viewed by them with disgust? Ah, the man, however decent, who "will have his glass, _not caring_ whom he offends," _must have it_; but he must also "_have his reward_." "Whoso shall _offend one of these little ones which believe in me_, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck." The use of intoxicating drink, in this day of light, _is incompatible with the hope of receiving any general effusion of the Holy Spirit_. Christians are allowed to hope for the Spirit to be poured out only in answer to prayer--true, spiritual, believing prayer. "If they regard iniquity in their heart, the Lord will not hear them." If they wilfully cherish sin, they cannot have faith. Indeed, how odious the spectacle of a company looking towards heaven, but in the posture of devotion breathing forth the foul, fiery element--literally "offering strange fire before the Lord!" We are not, then, to expect divine influence to come down "like showers that water the earth," till we put away that which we know tends only to wither and consume all the "fruits of the Spirit."