Father+Theobald+Matthew+-+SP09


 * Father Theobald Matthew**

//"The man or woman who drinks, drinks the food of the starving!// And is not that man or woman a //monster// who drinks the food of the starving?" -Father Theobald Matthew, 1847
My main purpose is to encourage everyone to pledge to abstain from the use of the vile substance we know as alcohol. After realizing the poisons horrid influence on the populous of Cork, Ireland, I was inspired to commence my mission for total abstinence. Through my initial meetings with townspeople about alcohol (The Cork Total Abstinence Society), I gained over 130,000 members who believed in my cause. I spread my message and pledge throughout the rest of Ireland and later England, and gained 600,000 members. After years of working with charities and local organizations, I went to the U.S. and had over 500,000 citizens join. Due to my good work I have saved over 7,000,000 people from the vice of the treacherous liquid. I hereby request that President Andrew Jackson provide me with funding and government support for my efforts in saving many U.S. citizens. I once said in 1847 that:

“By a calculation recently made, it is clearly proved that if all the grain now converted into poison were devoted to its natural and legitimate use, it would afford a meal to every man, woman and child in the land.”

This is further evidence that my message is not without reason, and has great justification. I will not only assist those who are slaves to alcohol, but their families and friends, and through my group’s good deeds and charities we will help many in America. Furthermore, I believe that the “oldest and most inveterate habit can be overcome by a simple effort of moral courage, by one virtuous resolution. ” Although on the surface my pledge only concerns itself with the use of alcohol, but I also strongly think that if one has enough will to conquer one of their most fatiguing habits, they will not have any trouble dealing with smaller sins. My message is a unifying call to all people to abolish alcohol, but also to live better lives. My means will definitely improve the quality of life in America, as I have already improved such situations in Europe. The usage of alcohol is truly an illness plaguing our country and I ask Andrew Jackson to assist me with its prescription.

Criticisms/Goals -The Knights of Father Mathew was a Catholic temperance society that originated in Ireland and promoted complete abstinence from intoxicating liquors -Father Theobald Matthew was totally against alcohol and thought it plagued his native country of Ireland as well as the U.S. -Have everyone take //The Pledge//, a swear that they would abstain from alcohol for life.

Methods -Father Mathew did not believe in gradual approaches or temporary commitments. He advocated a promise that meant complete commitment. It did not bind like the vows of marriage, but the principle of permanent commitment was the same. Fr. Mathew understood that as long as the act of will continued, it could overcome all difficulties. -He held biweekly meetings for KFM members and counseled many Success -“I thank heaven I have been instrumental in adding to the ranks of temperance over 600,000 in the United States” -Father Mathew spent two and one-half years in the U.S., traveled 37,000 miles, visited 25 states, and administered the temperance pledge in over 300 cities and towns to an estimated more than 500,000 persons.

Practicality The methods that were used primarily revolved around //The Pledge//. The reformers believed in a single solemn commitment and the power of will. This was very inspiring at the time and worked for thousands. Ways to help I believe that the president can supply the total abstinence society with money and government support for the establishment of various locations for member meetings. Also, I believe a limit for the alcohol sales in the U.S. could benefit all that are wishing to free their lives from the grip of the wretched substance.

Works cited: http://www.assumption.edu/ahc/Theresa%27s%20Main%20Folder/Web%20page%20folder/Speeches/Fr%20Mathew%20Speech.html http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10047a.htm http://www.fathermathew.ie/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Father_Matthew http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobald_Mathew_(temperance_reformer)