Transcribed from the 1843 D. Cussons edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

THE
FIRST REPORT
OF THE
HORNCASTLE
TEETOTAL SOCIETY

ESTABLISHED, 1836.

HORNCASTLE:
Printed by D. Cussons, Market-place.
1843.
ONE PENNY.

p. 2Statement of Accounts from February 1842 to February 1843.

p. 3REPORT.

The Committer of the Horncastle Tee-total Society have great pleasure in bringing before the public their first printed Report, and are grateful to acknowledge the success which has attended their labours, in connexion with other friends of the Temperance cause; and notwithstanding the opposition they have had to contend with, the cause is still progressing in numbers, and exercising a mighty influence on the social and domestic habits of the community at large.

The first public meeting to explain the principles of total abstinence in Horncastle, was held in the British School Room, in November, 1836, on which occasion Mr. Biscombe Agent of the British Association for the suppression of intemperance, delivered a lecture, when fifteen signed the pledge.  On the first of June, John Hocking, the Birmingham Blacksmith, delivered a second lecture in the old Methodist Chapel, which produced a powerful impression on the minds of the hearers, a great number gave in their names, and the society became regularly organized; and thus six yean ago the foundation of this society was laid, and by the laborious exertions, and untiring zeal of a few individuals, who with little influence, and still less money, but with feelings of sympathy for suffering humanity, applied themselves with ardour and perseverance to propagate its principles, to improve and ameliorate the condition of those, who, through the use of strong drink, were sunk into the lowest depths of poverty p. 4and degradation, to which it was possible for human nature to arrive, and also to raise an impassable barrier, to the progress of what undoubtedly is the greatest curse that ever afflicted this or any other country.  And it is owing to the valuable services of those persons, who, in the face of the most determined opposition, and the indifference of others from whom was expected better things, that this society under the approbation of providence now holds its present position and influence in the town and vicinity.

The committee have still cause to regret, that notwithstanding the flood of light, and truth, and knowledge, which has issued from the press and found its way into almost every nook and corner of our land, and the testimonies of living witnesses in every direction, around us, there still exists a great amount of ignorance, prejudice, and secret opposition to the onward progress of this glorious and god-like institution, proving too plainly that man is still a slave to interest and appetite, but being fully persuaded that the principles of the temperance cause are based on truth, which cannot be successfully controverted, and having within its bosom, a great many of the most eminent Ministers both in and out of the establishment, and medical gentlemen of the highest authority; and also having outlived the violence of many a storm and now being firmly established, they look forward to the period when this society will not have to expend its money and its energies in reclaiming the drunkard, but in preserving the rising generation as they attain to years of discretion, from ever becoming such.

p. 5The Horncastle Tee-Total Society numbers at present 530 Members, of which 300 are adults, and 230 juveniles, including a great many reclaimed drunkards who have been raised from destitution and want, to a state of happiness and enjoyment.

In laying before the public the claims of the temperance cause, in order to secure a greater amount of their attention and support, the committee scarcely know what farther motives to urge most likely to exert a practical influence on their minds, which have not already been brought forward both at public meetings, and by the circulation of tracts, sermons, &c. by thousands, (the talent and production of eminent men) called into existence by the temperance cause.  The experience of millions in the United Kingdom prove to a demonstration that the use of alcoholic drinks are unnecessary for the health and comfort of man; there are sixty thousand of our fellow creatures, in this country alone every year falling a prey, to the influence of this spirit upon their system, and be it remembered their numbers are made up from those who boast of their temperance, and would shudder at the thought of ever becoming drunkards; see also the vast amount of poverty, disease, and destitution which the prevalence of this evil entails upon millions of our fellow countrymen which is not confined to the drunkard alone; there are also fifty millions sterling annually spent without a murmur, producing crime beyond calculation, when not the fiftieth part of that sum is raised by all the benevolent and religious institutions together, for the lessening of human woe, the circulation of p. 6the scriptures, and the evangelization of the world: let us reverse the picture, and in this town we see homes transformed from the abodes of wretchedness and misery to scenes of comfort and happiness; we could name fifty who were victims of inebriety in its worst forms, persons in every sphere of life once in the most dreadful state of ignorance and brutality, now become sober, clothed, fed, and in their right minds, attending places of worship instead of the public house or taproom; these are reasons, which ought to weigh powerfully on the minds of those who wish well to their fellow men, in effectually bringing about a mighty co-operation, for the speedy accomplishment of those happy results, which this society has in view.

Here is an object worthy the attention and employment of every one, and in securing which, all distinctions and differences may be set aside, here neither religious nor political sentiments need intervene to prevent that union of effort which is required ere our principles are fully secured, but every one may cast in their portion of assistance and influence until the effort thus made, shall entirely sweep away from our country, the chief, if not the greatest curse, that ever came upon it.

The Society (as will be seen by the cash account) is in arrears with the Treasurer; an appeal will therefore be made to the public to enable the committee to liquidate the same and meet the current expenses of the society, as much greater effort requires to be made to put down drunkenness which still abounds to a great extent.

p. 7Annexed are the Testimonies of a few individuals (in this town, and well known to many) who once classed amongst the most degraded and debased,—they are now trophies of our cause, and are commanding respect and esteem in their respective localities many more might be named if required.

No. 1.  Robert Baildham, Sen., became a drunkard at 18 years of age, owing to the example of an intemperate master, and continued a drunkard for 33 years, so that himself and family were at times reduced to the greatest distress and poverty, wanting the common necessaries of life,—has been a Teetotaller nearly 7 years: he has now food and raiment, a comfortable home, gained credit, and become a respectable member.

No. 2.  John Wright, never tasted ale until 34 years of age, afterwards became a drunkard and continued so 18 years, having expended about £500, depriving himself and family of the common necessaries of life, causing them to suffer many deprivations,—has been a Teetotaller 3 years, and is now possessing every enjoyment a working man can desire.

No. 3.  William Markwell, commenced a seafaring life at the age of 18 years, learnt to drink, and became a drunkard, which course he followed more or less until he was 60 years old, during that long period he set all at defiance, his character is too well known to need further description, suffice it to say he has been a Teetotaller upwards of 6 years, he is content and comfortable in his circumstances, and enjoys better health than he did for 20 years previous.

No. 4.  James Taylor, for a length of time given to drink has been a Teetotaller 4 years, consequently has become a respectable man.

No. 5.  William Jordan, Thomas, Jordan, William Turner, Thomas Heath, James Barker, Christopher Hunter, and John Towell, Brick-makers, in Mr. Harrison’s Yard, were all drunkards, some of them to a great extent, spending their time and money in public houses, to the injury of their families and the annoyance of their employer,—have now been Teetotallers 6 years, and not a gill of ale has been in the yard since.  Themselves and families are comfortable, enjoying good health; and following a most laborious employment.

p. 8SUBSCRIPTIONS.

[Cussons, Printer, Horncastle.