Night frae hame/Oration on Teetotalization

ORATION ON TEETOTALIZATION.

Ye friends of moderation, who think a reformation,
Of moral renovation, would benefit our nation;
Who deem intoxication, with all its dissipation,
In every rank and station, the cause of degradation;
Of which your observation gives daily demonstration:
Who see the ruination, distress, and desolation,
The open violation of moral obligation,
The wretched habitation, without accommodation,
Or any regulation for common sustenation;
A scene of deprivation, unequall'd in creation:
The frequent desecration of Sabbath ordination,
The crime and depredation, defying legislation;
The awful profanation of common conversation;
The mental aberration, and dire infatuation,
With every sad gradation to maniae desperation:
Ye who, with consternation, behold this devastation,
And utter condemnation on all inebriation;-
Why sanction its duration—or shew disapprobation,
Of any combination for its extermination?
We deem a declaration that offers no temptation,
By any palliation of this abomination,
The only sure foundation for total extirpation,
And under this persuasion, hold no communication
With noxious emanation of brewer's fermentation,
Or poisonous preparation of spirit distillation,
Nor any vain libation producing stimulation.
To this determination we call consideration,
And without hesitation, invite co-operation;
Not doubting imitation will raise your estimation,
And by continuation, afford you consolation.
For in participation with this association,
You may by meditation, ensure the preservation
Of future generation from all contamination.
And may each indication of such regeneration,
Be the theme of exultation till its final consummation.