f 266 ] 
Perfons addiéted to {pirituous liquors, by degrees 
lofe all fenfe of honour, virtue, and religion. Thefe 
ties once diffolved, they firive to ftifle the voice of 
confcience with inceffant drams. Having wound 
up their courage toa pitch of ferocity, they are 
prepared to engage in the moft daring enterprize 
of villainy and outrage, without fhame, fear, or re- 
morfe. Hence proceed blafphemies, robberies, 
conflagrations, and murders, attended often with 
the moft favage a€ts of barbarity! Hence the black 
calendars which periodically iffue from the Old- 
Bailey and other prifons, announcing the numerous 
executions which fhock our feelings, aftonifh fo- 
reigners, and difgrace our national police! 
SPIRITS—-WHETHER ALLOWABLE ON CERTAIN 
OCCASIONS. 
Tue advocates for ftrong liquors, would endea- 
vour to perfuade themfelves that fpirits are not 
only ufeful, but abfolutely neceffary to fortify the 
fyftem againft the vicifficudes of our climate, and 
alfo to enable it to undergo hard labour. That 
this, though plaufible, is a vulgar and dangerous 
error, is evident from numerous examples, not only 
among thofe of our own countrymen, who drink 
nothing but water, but alfo of entire nations who 
never tafte fpirits, and yet enjoy health and vigour 
in 
