Page:Dialogue between John and Thomas, on the corn laws, the charter, teetotalism, and the probable remedy for the present disstresses (sic) (1).pdf/4

 that we a' hae in our power, and I think every living man and woman should mak' a trial o't to see what effect it wad hae, there's naebody I speak to but confesses that there is a world of evils in connection with it, and for that reason I think it is our duty to try it, and that is to abstain from all intoxicating drinks, and I cannot think that any man can be a sincere Chartist or Reformer, unless he be a Teetotaler, for the drinking o' thae drinks completely counteracts his own schemes.

T. Ah, noo John, are ye really gaun to tak' a the hair o' comfort us puir bodies hae left? if it wasna for the dribble o' dram I get noo and than, I wad sink un'er my affliction athegither; ye canna deny, I'm sure but it raises the spirits and mak's us cheery mony a time, when nae ither thing will do't.

J. O yes, Thomas, I must confess it raises the spirits, and that to an awfu' degree, sometimes to 80, but next morning you will find them sink to 40, being 20 below par, and then what state do ye fin' yoursel' in? do ye fin your purse ony benter? do ye fin your head ony healer? your character ony better, or your conscience ony sounder, after wallowing in that sinfu' drink? I trow no, Thomas.

T. Tuts man ye're takin' the very warst look o' the thing, ye can tak; its weel enough kent there's mony a ane tak's a bit suck that disna drive themsel's to thae extremities ye talk about, our Ministers, and Elders, and Magistrates, and Councillors too; indeed, the maist o' folk that reckon themsel's upish can a' tak' their moderate dram and no rin to excess.

J. Their moderate dram! dinna tell me about moderate drams, I ken baith Ministers, and Elders, and Magistrates too, hae gaen far aglee wi' their moderation, but independent o' a' that, is't no a shamfu' bad example they set before workin' folk, (for poor folk maun aye be imitating the rich if they can ava) to drink thae drinks