The 'Squire, laughing most heartily, informed him that he was too late,--that Mr.Steward had the start of him, having just entered a complaint against himself, by which he saves one half of the fine.

The man walked out, looking rather "cheap," nor did he or others annoy me afterwards by making complaints of that kind.
But now I saw, as never before, the sin of selling that which would make beasts of men, and only stopped to inquire what was duty in the matter.
All the arguments in favor of its sale were more forcible then than now.
All classes of persons used and drank the article; and it required more moral courage, to relinquish the business than it does now.

Nevertheless, it appeared plain to my mind, that duty to God and my fellow-men required it, and I cheerfully gave it up forever.
I could not conscientiously, nor do I see how any man can, continue to traffic in this most fruitful source of pauperism and crime.

No benefit whatever arises from its use as a beverage or from its sale.

It is a curse to the drinker, to the seller, and to the community.