Chapter 26

THE TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.

Beginning of the total abstinence movement--Nat espouses the cause--talk with his companions about forming a society--James Cole opposes--making a beast of one's self--the gutter theory--customary for youth to drink then--drinking usages--the decision to organize a society--preparations--evening of the organization--Nat's speech and presentation of constitution--the choice of officers--Frank Martin president, and Charlie Stone secretary--important event for that time--sensation in the village--scene in a grog-shop--signing away liberty--Nat invited to give a lecture before the society--the decision and firmness required then to advocate total abstinence 266-276