I found he was fond of his cup, though I did not understand
that he was an immoderate drinker. I discoursed to him somewhat lengthily
about the evil effects of drink, and showed him that unless he was willing
to give up all intoxicating liquor, his rheumatism would never give him up.
He listened attentively, pondered for a few minutes, and then gave
this characteristic answer: "I admit the soundness of your argument
but I enjoy my glass exceedingly; if I were to follow your advice
I should be deprived of a lot of pleasure. Indeed, I would rather have
the rheumatic pains, which disappear after two or three days,
and continue to enjoy my alcoholic drinks, than endure the misery
of doing without them." I warned him that in course of time
his rheumatism would be longer in duration and attack him more frequently,
if he continued to ignore its warnings and to play with what, for him,
was certainly poison. When anyone has a habit, be it injurious or otherwise,
it is not easy to persuade him to abandon it.
"The Aristocracy of Health" written by the talented Mrs. Henderson
is an admirable work. I owe much to it. The facts and arguments
adduced against tobacco smoking, strong drink and poisonous foods,
are set forth in such a clear and convincing manner,
that soon after reading it I became a teetotaler and "sanitarian"*
and began at once to reap the benefits. I felt that I ought not to keep
such a good thing to myself, but that I should preach the doctrine
far and wide.
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