The prelates whose laudable zeal for the promotion of virtue has
prompted them to distinguish themselves on this occasion by an
uncommon warmth of opposition, ought, as they appear fully sensible of
the calamities which intemperance brings upon mankind, to consider
likewise the consequences of refusing to examine, in a committee, a
bill professedly drawn up to restrain intemperance. They ought to
remember, that by rejecting this bill without a particular examination
of the several clauses which it contains, and without those particular
objections which such examinations necessarily produce, we shall
discover a contempt of the wisdom or virtue of the other house, which
may incline them in their turn to obstruct the measures of the
government, or at least to neglect that evil, however great, for the
redress of which they have no reason to expect our concurrence.
Those whose particular province it is to inspect the lives of the
people, to recal them from vice, and strengthen them in virtue, should
certainly reflect on this occasion, that the safest method ought to be
chosen; and, therefore, that this bill ought to be promoted; because,
not to affirm too much, it is possible that it may produce some degree
of reformation; and the worst that can be feared is, that, like the
present law, it will be ineffectual; for the corruption and
licentiousness of the people are already such, that nothing can
increase them.
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