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A Dealer's Confession

A fragment of a temperance sermon in which a liquor dealer, reviewing his account book, finds that most of his longtime customers have died drunkards or become confirmed alcoholics — a grim ledger used to argue against the trade.

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Burlington Weekly Free Press · February 25, 1876 · Page 1

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[…] He was observed to let fall deep regret and sorrow. A friend one day inquired the cause. "I will tell you," said he. And opening his account book, he said: "Here are forty-four names of men who have been my customers, most of them for years. Thirty-two of these men lie in the drunkard's grave; ten of the remaining twelve are now living confirmed sots." These are the fruits of this dreadful and degrading business.

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