Page:Dialogue between John and Thomas, on the corn laws, the charter, teetotalism, and the probable remedy for the present disstresses (sic) (1).pdf/8

 keppit mony a Back Bill; I hae nae doubt but mony o' ane o' thae Win' Bills were drawn and accepted under the influence o' the Bowl; and I am quite satisfied that if a' our trading men had been teetotalers for ten years back, there would neither have been dull trade nor bankruptcies amang us, and our present sufferings are only a just judgement for a' our sinfu' drinkings and horrid abominations that spring from that source; and so wide is the evil effects of the drinking system, that it has seized upon almost every fibre of commerce, and so long as Alcoholic drinks are encouraged and countenanced by the upper ranks of society, and by our Ministers and Magistrates, I never expect to see things much better, for all classes sink under its demoralizing influence. Our Cabinet Ministers, our Pulpit Ministers, our highest gifted Literary Men, down to our humblest Artisans, all have suffered, all have gone astray through strong drink. I wish you a good night, Thomas— I hope you'll go to-morrow and sign the Pledge, and I trust we'll soon see better times.

T. Good night John.