Will You Take the Responsibility?
A YOUNG man in Virginia had been sadly intemperate. He was a man of great capability, fascination, and power, but he had a passion for brandy which nothing could control. Often in his walks a friend remonstrated with him, but in vain; as often in turn would he urge his friend to take the social glass in vain. On one occasion, the latter agreed to yield to him, and as they walked up to the bar together, the bar-keeper said:— “Gentlemen, what will you have?” “Wine, sir,” was the reply. The glasses were filled, and the friends stood ready to pledge each other in renewed and eternal friendship, when he paused and said to his intemperate friend:— “Now, if I drink this glass and become a drunkard, will you take the responsibility?” The drunkard looked at him with severity, and said:— It was set down, and the two walked away without saying a word. Oh! the drunkard knows the awful consequences of the first glass. Even in his own madness for liquor, he is not willing to assume the responsibility of another’s becoming a drunkard. What if the question were put to every liquor dealer, as he asks for his license and pays his money, “Are you willing to assume the responsibility?” How many would say, if the love of money did not rule them, “Take back the license?”— Sel.