ing sin to sin,
and only provoking the Most High. His mandate is universal: "Be ye holy,
for I am holy."

To this end you are charged to "abstain from fleshly lusts, which war
against the soul;" to "mortify your members, which are earthly;" to
"exercise yourselves rather unto godliness;" to "be kindly affectioned
towards all men." But who does not know that "strong drink," not only
"eats out the brain," but "taketh away the heart," diminishes "natural
affection," and deadens the moral sensibilities, while it cherishes
those very passions which the Holy Spirit condemns? And how can one
aspiring to the divine image, drink that which thus tends to destroy all
that is pure, spiritual, and lovely, while it kindles the very elements
of hell?

The use of such liquor _is utterly inconsistent with any thing like high
spiritual enjoyment, clear spiritual views, or true devotion_. A sense
of shame must inevitably torment the professor who in such a day cannot
resist those "fleshly lusts which war against the soul;" his brethren
will turn from him in pity or disgust; and, what is infinitely more
affecting, the Holy Spirit will not abide with him. Thus, without an
approving conscience, without cordial Christian intercourse, without the
smiles of the Comforter, how can he enjoy religion?

Abstinence from highly stimulating liquor or food has ever been regarded
indispensable to that serenity of soul and clearness of views so
infinitely desirable in matters of religion. Hence, the ministers of
religion especially, were commanded not to touch any thing like strong
drink when about to enter the sanctuary. Lev. 10:9. And _this_, it is
added, _shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations; that ye
may put difference between holy and unholy_; clearly showing God's
judgment of the effect of temperance on spiritual discernment.

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