Levi H. Dowling

“ And when the chief men of the town poured out the sparkling wine and offered John a cup, he took it, held it high in air, and said,
27. Wine makes glad the carnal heart, and it makes sad the human soul; it plunges deep in bitterness and gall the deathless spirit of the man. ”

“ The anxious people gathered all about the home and would not go; then John came forth and said,
16. Reform, O Israel, reform; prepare to meet your king.
17. The sins of Israel do not all lie at the door of priest and scribe. O think you not that all the sinners of Judea are found among the rulers and the men of wealth.
18. It is no sign that man is good and pure because he lives in want. ”

“ I took the vow of Nazar when a child, and not a drop has ever passed my lips.
29. And if you would make glad the coming king, then shun the cup as you would shun a deadly thing.
30. And then he threw the sparking wine out in the street. ”