FARM ECHOES. 67 



If what are called "rectified spirits" would only 

 " rectify " those who partake of them too freely, I should 

 at once cease to be a total abstinence man. Do what we 

 may, we can accomplish but little for others, as compared 

 with what has been done for us by the good Master 

 above ; and the more we deny ourselves for the sake of 

 others, the more closely we shall resemble Him, and the 

 more obedient shall we be to His command to follow 

 Him. 



As to the men on Echo Farm, I tell all before engag- 

 ing them that they are free to act as they wish ; that they 

 can drown their bodies and souls in liquor if they prefer 

 to do so, and are prepared to take the consequences, but 

 that I am equally free to do as I wish, and that no 

 drunkard will be employed by me. 



None of my men are required to sign any total absti- 

 nence pledge, though I am glad to say that several have 

 voluntarily done so. They know full well that it is per- 

 fectly useless to come to me with any excuses, however 

 plausible, if found guilty of having imbibed too freely. 

 Not even the plea that they had " taken a little whiskey 

 to keep their feet dry, the roads were so wet," could 

 satisfy me that a pair of water-proof boots would not 

 have answered the purpose quite as well. We understand 

 each other now, and it is due to all of them to say that 

 they are temperate, though not all total abstinence men. 

 I not only refuse to employ drunken men, but will not 

 purchase drunken cows. I once sent a trustworthy per- 

 son to examine a valuable cow that had been offered me 

 for sale. The report of her was highly favorable, with 

 this one important exception : she was found " almost 



