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INTRODUCTION.

It gives me much pleasure to announce to the friends of temperance and equal rights, that the first edition of the Bramble,

which one thousand copies were published, have been disposed of. Having been solicited to publish a second edition, with an answer to the celebrated "Hoe," and having been attacked uncharitably by certain Editors, and believing that I could not have the privilege of defending my sentiments in their papers, I have concluded to publish this small work, in self defence, and shew the public the abuse heaped upon me, for a mere expression of opinion. When I published the Bramble, I did expect that should be treated with respect, and that my arguments, in favor of Bible temperance, would be investigated in a candid manner, But experience has taught me, that I was mistaken, that I placed too much confidence in my opposers. May others take warning from the treatment I have received, and learn, that if they oppose any of the movements of the abstinence party, they must expect to be abused and slandered.

The Bramble has been attacked, and burlesqued, by the leaders of abstinence, and the public has been cautioned against its pernicious sentiments. We affirm that we have not seen one candid, fair argument, against it. And we are confirmed daily in the opinion that it cannot be answered by Bible testimony. Nothing short of the Word of God, will satisfy us-for to the Scriptures we have appealed, and shall stand or fall in that divine

oracle.

The Letter to the Rev. T. Whittemore, was sent to him, with

request that he would give it publicity. But REFUSED!! Having stated that I was opposed to

it was temperance

I felt it my duty to contradict the statement, in the same print that contained the assertion. But I was denied that privilege! I therefore take this method of showing the illiberality of the Editor of the Trumpet. If the time has arrived that a man cannot speak the honest sentiments of his heart, without being abused and insalted-then farewell to conscience and liberty of speech. For one man to assail another for opinions' sake-to blacken his character by affected misconstruction, and endeavor to prejudice his brethren against him, is not only base, but cruel. And then to deny him a small corner of his paper, that he might vindicate his sentiments, is too much like spiritual wickedness in high places. Mr. Whittemore has professed much liberality-yea, he has even called the Orthodox "stone-hearted bigots," for refusing to publish what he desired to have them. Often has this Editor laughed heartily, to see his opposing brethren manifest fear in publishing sentiments in favor of Universalism. Having retrograded in his liberality, and taken those he once condemned for an example, be now refuses publishing an article on temperance-'tis well

"The rod applied will make him laugh on 'tother side." We read in the good book, that "Jeshuren waxed fat, and kicked." We do not wish to apply this remark to Mr. Whittemore, but really hope that he can find some excuse for his illiberality. Mr. W. is doubtless a great man, but then, I do not believed he is infallible, nor wholly free from sin. Like other men, he has his failings; and if he intends to pursue the course he has lately taken, I hope those whom he calls rum drinkers, will not support him in his bigotry. If they do, they ought to consent to become his slaves, and wear collars about their necks. We do not believe the time will ever come that we shall bow the knee to man, especially to "a would be Bishop," or a self righteous Pope! At least we pray God that we never may, for we are commanded to call no man" Rabbi," for one is our master, even Christ!

66

As to that wonderful production called the "Hoe," designed to uproot the Bramble, we were some time at a stand whether it were best to notice it. After mature deliberation, we came to the conclusion that it was our duty to answer a fool according to his folly, lest he should be wise in his own conceit." They say that owing to the extensive patronage which the author has received, he has published a second edition. The Bostonians must be fond of good reading. We would suggest to the author the propriety of publishing in his third edition, the "Dream" of Mr. Cheever. That and the "Hoe" are as near alike, as are the "Siamese twins."

In the sermon on 66 temperance in all things," I have endeavored to set forth the great doctrine of temperance, as laid down in the Bible. I am sensible that my talents are incompetent to the task, but I labor in a cause to which I shall be proud to have contributed but little, and to promote the success of which, I should feel myself inexcusable if I did not contribute all in my power. Trusting, therefore, to the interest which every lover of temperance must have for so good and benevolent a cause, I sincerely hope that the imperfections that may be discovered in this little work, may not hirder the reader from examining with care and attention, the arguments here presented, in favor of a temperate, regular, and well ordered life.

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