Excerpt from Correspondence on the Principles of Right Reasoning, Applicable to Temperance, and to the Effects of Fermented and Distilled Liquors, Vol. 1: Between Samuel M. Hopkins and Gerrit Smith, Rev. Dr. Justin Edwards, and Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Cox

I believe you are very nearly right in your position, that it was universally understood, in the first stages of the tempe rance reformation, that we were to combat the use of distilled liquors only. There is, however, reason to believe that a few men, even at that early day, descried enemies to our cause he yond distilled liquors. I admit the change in our plan of operations; and that we have adopted a plan little thought of when we began the war against intemperance. You speak of this change as if you thought it morally wrong; and morally wrong, not only because it is rash or unwise or otherwise improper, but because it is a change. Here we differ. I do not see why the old pledge, and the principles of action corresponding with it, should be deemed, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, un alterable. If the change is for the worse, then, indeed, we are to lament it, and, perhaps, to blame its authors; but if it be for the better, then we are to rejoice in it and to thank those who promoted it. I am aware that there is a numerous class of minds which have a great dislike of change and doubtless the pride of consistency often contributes to this dislike: but I be lieve God requires far more frequent changes at our hands than We perform. Only let us see to it that these changes are all improvements, and then they cannot be too numerous. If our old principles of temperance do not meet the necessities of the drunkard, then, in the name of humanity, let us substitute prin ciples which do; and let us not be ashamed to own that the developments of Providence, in the course of the temperance reformation, have instructed us.

You are doubtless right in saying that it was originally intend ed to embrace in the temperance societies, men of all sects, parties, denominations and Opinions, religious and irreligious And I am amazed, my dear sir, at your declaration that these societies have become the property of a sect or a party in morals. I assure you that it is not so in respect to the tempe rance societies of this county. They are, as much as ever, made up of men of all sorts of religious and irreligious opin ions.

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