PREFACE. IN answer to many calls from various quarters for a new and inexpensive collection of first-class articles and selections for readings and recitations, both public and private, and encouraged by the reception which has been given to the "National Temperance Orator," we send this little pamphlet forth upon its mission of love. The increased interest in the cause of temperance, and the great awakening all over the land, brings the question more prominently than ever before the people, and new phases and thoughts are constantly presenting themselves. The public mind needs to be aroused and a public sentiment educated upon every aspect of the drink question. Public readings form one part, and a prominent part, of this work. In places where it is not convenient to secure the services of an "able and eloquent lecturer," some good reader may be selected to read extracts, which will not only afford entertainment for the company, but instruction upon every phase of this question. Our object in the following selections has been to present earnest appeal, able argument, striking and pleasing story; the thoughts of the ablest and best speakers and workers of the age. We send it forth in the hope that it may meet the wants of temperance workers in all parts of the field, trusting that it may be in some degree instrumental in bringing about the blessed day when this righteous cause shall triumph and victory shall be ours. CONTENTS. POETRY. BOY AND THE THRUSH (THE)—Clara F. Loomis, BRING OUT YOUR DEAD-Ellen M. H. Gates, CLEAR THE WAY-Charles Mackay, 64 18 71 47 CREEDS OF THE BELLS-George W. Bungay, CRY OF THE WOMEN (THE)-Mrs. Caroline A. Soule, DARE TO DO RIGHT-Dr. C. V. Rivenburg, DRINK DEMON's Song (The)-Edward Jenkins, HARVEST OF RUM (THE)—Dr. Charles Jewett, -A. Mc Wight, 22 SALOON (THE), 49 13 SOUL PIRATES (THE)—Rev. C. W. Denison, ABSTAINER AND HIS ASSAILANT (THE), BAND OF HOPE STANDARD (THE)—Rev. J. Monahan, BEER DELUSION; OR, DRINKING FOR AN APPETITE (THE)-7. W. Kirton, BILLY'S FIRST AND LAST DRINK of Lager -Mrs. J. McNair Wright, 32 93 CALL TO LABOR (A)—Rev. James Smith, M.A., CRY FROM THE DEPTHS (A)—Charles Lamb, - IS WINE A BLESSING?— John B. Gough, Lighter DRINKS (THE)—Rev. A. F. Bourns, OUR DUTY AS CITIZENS-James Black, OUR PLATFORM-Rev. T. L. Cuyler, ΙΟ 87 69 15 9 25 56 PROHIBITION (AN APPEAL FOR)-John B. Gough, SPIKE THAT GUN! THERE IS DEATH IN THE CUP-Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, WARNING AGAINST WINE (A)—D. L. Moody, WHAT AN ARMY!-B. F. Jacobs, WHAT INTEmperance DoeS-Harper's Magazine, READINGS AND RECITATIONS. TURN BACK, OH! TURN BACK. FROM the way of destruction, From misery's track, From the wiles of the tempter Turn back, oh! turn back. No longer unheeding The conflicts and fears, The anguish of loved ones, Their prayers and their tears, So gloomy and black, To a harbor of safety Turn back, oh! turn back. See, demons are waiting Thy soul to secure ; Their touch is corruption, With proud resolution Resist their attack, And from their allurements Turn back, oh! turn back. (7) |