Smyrna times., 1856-10-15
Tmlpuuante "a Mattns,
Written for the Smyrna Times.
.ss- .-~ No. 9.
Harmony of the Prohibitory and Moral
Law.

Mr.. Editor The use of wine and strong
drink has or has not moral tendency and eff |
feet. Ii it has, il is proper subject of moral
legislation. The character of the legislation
is to be determined by the nature of the effects.
If the tendency and effect be good, we may
reasonably expect moral legislator to approve
OF the practice in unqualified terms-not, it
may be, by any direct allusion to the practice as
an isolated habit; but by the adoption of such
principles as the basis of law as will embrace
the custom and approve of 1t. But if the prac-
tice tend to evil, and evil in its effects, we may
expect to find the principles of moral law op-
posed to it.
1t will not be contended, we presume, that
there is no moral tendency and effect in connec-
tion with the use Of intoxicating drinks. But
here we see the want of unanimity on the part
of those opposed to the temperance cause
Some say, it is moral subject and should be
confined to the pulpit. Others say, it is So
cial subject and should be confined to temper
ance meetings There are still others who
! say, it is evil in it's nature and effects, and,
therefore, it should be left to the civil authori-
ties. The first two parties say, it should not
say it ought not to be introduced into the pull
pit. While the first and last say, it ought never
| to have been made subject of special consid-
Grafton and discussion before the people. Thus
they differ. But the precise point at which il
ceases to be moral subject, and assumes th'
Ioho a oifhor Of tba otharo mill h. difE
:. cult to determine. Or, where the line OF dis
: linction between moral, social and civil sub
= iect, can be found, would be hard to tell. w
trow that the writer in the Gazette would b
!, put to his wits to determine just the point q
= which an action ceases to be moral and become
e 4 civil. Or what action can be said to have n
A connection with morals. Let him take taxt
tion for the support of government; and ther
looks him full in the face the Injunction
= Christ (the great exponent of the moral law
aRender unto Cesar the things that are Ca
sar's" All action has bearing upon NOR
'rs character, and all correct civil law is base
upon the Law of God--not even the Prohibito
an Liquor Law of Delaware. excepted. the conce
sion of "Philanthropos - to the contrary nc
withstanding. siaq T~eA5ia tsss - e
. I do not say thar the Legislature Of Delawa
i'm. bad the moral law in view as model, when
'sie. enacted the present laws but all enlighten
persons are now so much under the influence
re- Bible morality that, in the enactment Of Ia
even our politicians are more or less govern
by it, whether they are aware of its ihiuer
. upon them or not. They cannot, but by
most perfect recklessness, or the most consu
RID. mate wickedness, diyest themselvesof its in
Il be ence. Its power, though silent and unc
g q sciously to men themselves, yet impressivel
~ o. felt everywhere. And doubt not but that
Dow, in framing the original Maine Law,
'ue the law of the Most High as his model.
IS to cannot concede the point as to this law be
! the based upon the moral law; but will cont
iaoie with the writer, whose positions we oppose,
may if it Is contrary to the Law Of God, it depr
wing men of their rights--yet this writer shoulC
III. member that law of the land may not be b
- upon the moral law, yet it may in its main
lures be in perfect harmony with the prime
n Of and spirit Of Gods law. IS ''+ .'." a.a
!, saa an, We have shown. by the law ITSELF that il
'aIailb given to- protect man IN has person, prof.
70 sore and charsctenaby regulating his iinterc'
RT. and transactions with his feIlowmen--b
T---g straining them from the commission of sap
Bon, or the utlerance of any word that would
Es and to injure him in any of these respects; sn'
nent Of oe ...,,,., which NAV laaa. a.
suit in injury to our fellow-man, is strictly
'aha|f nh,| hibited by the moral law. Let us a. p'