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 That the habitual use of distilled liquors should sap and undermine the human intellect, might safely be inferred, even had we no facts in the case. But we are not left to the uncertainties of speculation in this matter. The biography of drunkards has settled the question. These are the men—if you will permit me to borrow an allusion from Nature’s poet—these are the men who ‘ put an enemy in their mouths, to steal away their brains ’ Look at the living drunkard, and yon will find him only the remnant of his former self. His immortal mind is not less blighted by this withering curse than his dying body. His memory, once retentive and ready, has lost its wonted elasticity and power. His understanding, which could once grasp and wield, and elucidate almost any subject, becomes debilitated and childish. In his cups, the drunkard is generally a temporary fool or madman. His very horse exhibits the external symbols of mortification for the load he carries, and his dog is ashamed to keep his master company. But idiotism and insanity are not always temporary in the case of the drunkard. Both of these effects often become permanent in the future man. Idiots may he found almost every where, who have brought this calamity upon themselves by the immoderate use of ardent spirits. From men of intellect, and men of business, and perhaps men of pre-eminent attainments, they have debased themselves to a common level with the swine.