The Test of Total Abstinence
A MODERATE drinker became very angry with a friend who argued that safety was only to be found in total abstinence. "What, sir," said he, "do you think that I have lost control over myself?" "I do not know," was the reply; "but let us put it to the proof. For the next six months do not touch a drop." The proposal was accepted. He kept to his promise, and at the close of a month he said to his friend, with tears in his eyes: "I believe you have saved me from a drunkard's grave. I never knew before that I was in any sense a slave to drink, but during the last month I have fought the fiercest battle of my life. Had the test been tried later on it might have been too late. I mean to keep the pledge for life."—Selected.