The Story of our Health Message

An Appeal for Drastic Laws

Dr. Rush appealed to the government to pass drastic laws to limit the sale of ardent spirits and to bring into disgrace, even by abridging their civil rights, those who were convicted of habitual drunkenness. He appealed to the religious element to arouse. He urged: SHM 38.4

“Ministers of the gospel, of every denomination in the United States, aid me with all the weight you possess in society, from the dignity and usefulness of your sacred office, to save our fellow men from being destroyed by the great destroyer of their lives and souls.”—Ibid., 31. SHM 38.5

This appeal produced no immediate results in organization, but it laid the foundations for what was to come later. This essay fell into the hands of Lyman Beecher, who became an ardent advocate of temperance reform. Some local so-called temperance societies were formed early in the century. In one instance the members, after signing the constitution, repaired to the tavern where they all drank together to set before the world an example of “true moderation.” SHM 39.1