Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-04-20
For the American.
TEMPERANCE.

Messrs. EDIToRS We notice in last issue of Ga
=ste resolutions passed by certain Lodge or Order
of this place, which for want of charity and simple
truth deserve passing remark 1t is not our wish
to discuss the cause of temperance represented by
that Order nor show their want OF consistency from
the face of those resolutions az published by them
So far from entertaining any il-will against them
after this unfair, unjust and uncalled for at
tack, upon an able and conscientious minister,
wish with him, God speed, to their efforts. But we
cannot help regretng, that the author or authors of
those resolutions did not pay strc,er attention to that
eloquent and unanswerable address of March 3D.
1867. Had they done SO, they might have profed by
its counses instead of permitting their preudices so
far to overrule their discretion, as to display them
in the manner they did and thus expose Themselves
to attack. How any sane mind could represent the
reverend gentleman as in any way advocating the
cause of nemperance is beyond comprehension to
speak in the mildest manner possible. Such an as
sertion the part of this order is as ungenerOus
unfoundcd. What spirit could prompt such gross
misrepresentation ? Do the members of this Order
think no good man dare differ with them Can they
believe that they alone are right! Are their pet
schemes the only means ofredempton! Do they not
assert in these resolutions the very presumption which
the speaker on that occasion deprecated-the plac-
ing Of earthly above such ire Divine. What
else do they mean when they say Of this address
'that it did not reflect principles and faith,
the only safe and remedy for drunkness. After
such a plain positive assertion what inconsistency
to say that you did no. place the cause of temper
ance before Christianity" MY Friends, look be-
fore you leap"
Again, as the Rev Gentleman did not request you
to endorse his views and as they were conscientious
ly expressed in his own church. TO his own members,
TO professors ofrelgion, some of whom are not per-
haps members of your Order but whose habits Of so.
briefly might contrast strangely and vastly for the
better with some Of your own members we must
say this attack Of yours is quite out of taste, and out
ofplace. Then too, when we reflect, that the best
organizations of your character, not many years ago
| struggled to attain the same laudabe object with
yourselves and failed; is it not enough to create
at least some msgvngs as to the feasibility of your
| system The writer of this strict mem
/ Der of the Sons of Temperance. and fondly hoped
j that by its instrumentality drunkenness might be
swept from the land. How terrible the disappoint-
ment. Surely you would not call that error then
| that would prompt us 10 look to a higher power-and
His ordinances to constitute and determine the means
! by which we are to battle this great enemy of man.
kind Isl silful to loose faith in temporal organi
cations! -
But we do not wish to disparage your society. We
hope you may long continue, and accomplish much
good But We do ask you, not To assume the whole
ground for yourselves and persecute those who may
conscientiousy differ from you. Motto be SO illiberal
as to misrepresen those who your superiors both
| in temperance and morals, simply because they may
not be members of your order. Not to excite oppo-
sitiou and enmity where all peace and friendship,
by such uncalled for exhibitions of temper Not to
place yourselves in antagonm to truth, christianity,
and good sense. Such course will only result in
injury TO your order, which the writer would lament
for We wish it TO accomplish all the good II can.
( Remember my friends, If you would be successful,
YOU have more than enough to contend with. Do not
then attack your friends who though they may differ
with you, yet would not hinder you. Let US see You
hereafter pursue the quiet even tenor Of your own
I way, humbly seeking to do good, that your deeds
mag shine in the hearts Of those You have saved,
and not in print for the purpose OF injury to others
In the greatest spirit of kindness we recommend In
the future To your whole order for calm and careful
sraton the second golden rule life as taught
by Lorenzo Dow, mind your own business, and thus
: NJ crit and preserve the esteem OF all
AN AppiroR OF MhRcH Sp, 'o7