They, who have been much in company, must have had repeated
opportunities of witnessing, that this idea of the Quakers is founded in
truth, men are undoubtedly stimulated to drink more than they like, and
to become intoxicated in consequence of the use of toasts. If a man has
no objection to drink toasts at all, he must drink that which the master
of the house proposes, and it is usual in this case to fill a bumper.
Respect to his host is considered as demanding this. Thus one full glass
is secured to him at the outset. He must also drink a bumper to the
king, another to church and state, and another to the army and navy. He
would, in many companies, be thought hostile to government, if, in the
habit of drinking toasts, he were to refuse to drink these, or to honour
these in the same manner. Thus three additional glasses are entailed
upon him. He must also drink a bumper to his own toast. He would be
thought to dishonour the person, whose health he had given, if he were
to fail in this. Thus a fifth glass is added to his share. He must fill
a little besides to every other toast, or he is considered as deficient
in respect to the person, who has proposed it. Thus many additional
glasses are forced upon him. By this time the wine begins to act, when
new toasts, of a new nature assail his ear, and he is stimulated to new
potions.
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