The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-11-08


Synod OF wheeling on Temperance.
The Synod of Wheeling 20. s. Pres
byterian) at its late meeting, adopted
the following report made, by COM
mfttee appointed for the purpose, on
the subject of Temperance, and direct
ed it to be published In the .Presby-
teTIan Ba9lIer as well as read from the
pu1pits of the various churches: -
q The Synod of Wheeling is deeply and
painfully impressed with the convic-
ton that the cause OF Temperance Is in
such state of decline, as to call for the
serious and prayerful attention OF our
ministers and churches. Indulgence in
the nse Of intoxicating drinks is be-
lieyed to have largely increased in the
community In the last few years.
Drinking saloons and other facilities
for such indulgence, have been multi
piled, especially in cities and towns.
Perhaps to some extent a like admis=
sion Is due concerning the use of Rloo-
holic liquors in social entertainments,
not to speak of the still more perni-
cions habit of private drinking. It tsa
sad thought that there is not now the
htgh-toned moral sentiment of former
years, when the traffic in liquors and
their use as a beverage were regarded
with general horror and alarm1 1t Is
sadder still to be convinced thatthere
GSAO G0flHE
who do not by precept and example,
throw their undivided influence
against an error which is corrupting
the morals of society, undermining the
stability of our civil institutions, en-
snarfhg to their ruin, multitudes OF
young men, hinderinG the Gospel, and
destroying souls! 11aa-l
! This state of things may, in part be
traced to the high excitement of the
public mind, growing out of the late
civil war in the land. In part, also, it
may be owing to the discouragement
and relaxation Of effort on the part OF
the friends of Temperance, arising from
the failure of former plans of ac-
fcompltshing the desired result. But it
especially becomes the Church, alike.
II her ministry, her ruling elders, and
her membership, pray yerfully to inquire
how far the present stateof things is to
be accounted for on the ground of u
failure to expound and apply the
teachings of the Word of God on the
subject, in the ministrations of the
sanctuary, and corresponding failure
to exercise the discipline of the house of
God faithfully to the same end, SO as to
throw the undivided moral power of
Christ's protessed followers on the side
of sobrfety and godliness. At least it
cannot be questioned that the time has
come when the most vigorous and uni
ted efforts Of all friends of humanity,
the country, and feIig igion, are demand!
ed to arrest, thea spread of Contemporaries.
Therefore, ,ssi.Y. iliss .
.ResoLVed, That we urge the ministers
and elders and members of the churches
within the bounds of this Synod, not
only to practice total abstinence, but I'M
every other waylto discountenance the
man9facture, sale, and use of intoxica-
ting liquors as n beverage. I.ilia75H
RESOLVED, That the pastors and Sup
plies of the churches be requested to \
preach upon the subject of Temperance
in view of the present aspect of the
cause. at as early a day as may suit
their convenience, presenting and en-
forcing Christian obligation upon this
subject uppp an persons, male and fe-
ReSoLved, That in view or the largely
increasing manufacture and use of do
nestle wine at the present time, we
cannot resist the apprehension that the
ultimate effect may be deleterious to
the cause OF Temperance and to the
welfare of our beloved land.