The design Of this work is to set forth, with clearness and succinctness, the principal grounds Of the Temperance Reform, with the hope that, by securing the reader's enlightened assent, a stronger public sentiment may be called forth against all the causes — personal, social, and legalized — Of Intemperance. There are many opponents who, if better informed, would be converted into friends. There are many inquirers to whom an Essay like the present will be acceptable, as furnish ing, within a brief compass, answers to ques tions by which they have been perplexed. There are also many personal abstainers, who, having become such from benevolent impulse, will be confirmed in their course by an ac quaintance with the argumentative bases Of the Temperance system. The mission Of this work is in the highest degree practical, since nothing can be more eminently practical than the promotion Of per feet and universal sobriety — ~011e Of the most important Of all conceivable ends in reference to the material and moral interests Of mankind. How this end can be reached most surely and speedily, is a subject Of transcendent and ur gent moment; and the writer makes his confi dent appeal to those who are prepared to con duct this inquiry in a candid spirit, and to carry into effect, faithfully and resolutely, the line Of action best contributive to the highest good Of the individual and Of society at large.