f from all that is dear, and given up all that is sacred
to him, he would even then think of a debauch with horror; but when he
looks still further, and acknowledges that he is not only expelled out
of all the relations of life, but also liable to offend against them
all, what words can express the terror and detestation he would have of
such a condition? And yet he owns all this of himself who says he was
drunk last night.

17. As I have all along persisted in it, that all the vicious in general
are in a state of death, so I think I may add to the non-existence of
drunkards that they died by their own hands. He is certainly as guilty
of suicide who perishes by a slow, as he that is dispatched by an
immediate poison.

18. In my last lucubration I proposed the general use of water-gruel,
and hinted that it might not be amiss at this very season: but as there
are some, whose cases, in regard to their families, will not admit of
delay, I have used my interest in several wards of the city, that the
wholesome restorative above-mentioned may be given in tavern kitchens to
all the mornings draught-men within the walls when they call for wine
before noon.

19. For a further restraint and mark upon such persons, I have given
orders, that in all the officers where policies are drawn upon lives, it
shall be added to the article which prohibits that the nominee should
cross the sea, the words, _Provided also, That the above-mentioned_ A.B.
_shall not drink before dinner during the term mentioned in this
indenture_.

20. I am not without hopes that by this method I shall bring some
unsizeable friends of mine into shape and breadth, as well as others who
are languid and consumptive into health and vigour. Most of the
self-murderers whom I yet hinted at, are such as preserve a certain
regularity in taking their poison, and make it mix pretty well with
their food:

21. But the most conspicuous of those who destroy themselves, are such
as in their youth fall into this sort of debauchery, and contract a
certain uneasiness of spirit, which is not to be diverted but by
tippling as often as they can fall into company in the day, and conclude
with down-right drunkenness at night. These gentlemen never know the
satisfaction of youth, but skip the years of manhood, and are decrepid
soon after they are of age.

22. I was godfather to one of these old fellows. He is now three and
thirty, which is the grand climacteric of a young drunkard