Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1867-11-15
Christian Temperance.

The distinguishing feature of the
christian religion is self sacrifice for
the good of others. Christ has eau.
toned against embracing his disciple
ship, unless willing to take up the
cross. How then can a christian pro
fessor consistently be addicted to the
use of intoxicating drink ? 1t is at
best self indulgence in needless hab-
it. God has not implanted in our ma
ture any thirst for Intoxicating drink
1t exists only as an artificial and ac-
quired taste. 1t is not a craving or
necessity of our constitution. IF we
abandon or never acquire the habit of
using stimulants, we only 60 without
something of which our nature does
not stand in need. 1t is also an ex-
pensive h a bit of selfindulgence.-
WhaG it costs to crafty it, might be
the means of great good to our fellow
creatures. How then can the profes-
sors of self denial and self sacrifice
for the good of others justify them
selves in the formation and gratifca-
ton of an artificial and costly habit
of self indulgence This is a ques-
ton which no christian can answer to
his conscience now or his Judge here
after. Until all the poor in every
part of the world have been warmed,
fed. instructed and had the gospel
preached to them, it is simply embez-
zling Gods bounty designed through
our benevolence to ensue to them, if
we apply any Of our superfuous
means to self indulgence in intoxica-
ting drink.
But this is not the only breach of
charity committed by the christian
when he uses intoxicating drink. He
not merely takes from others the boun.
ty he owes them, but he gives to them
the bane of bad influence and evil ex
ample. Others drink because be
drinks. Others justify themselves by
his example in a vicious indulgence
and others still from the depraved
taste for drink because of the counte
nance he gives it.
But the wrong does not stop here
The offence is against the first anC
great commandment love to God, as
well the second which is like unto it
love to man. The christian professor
stands forth as the representative of
Christ. He therefore holds forth tt
the world that Christ approves Of hi
self indulgence. In this way he con
lers the sanction of religion upon tht
luxury of intoxicating liquor.
How different is this course from
that Of the christian temperance man
He says | wart every dime and dolla
| can save from my maintenance ant
family provision to cast it into tn
treasury of the christian philanthrop
ic enterprises, which are all about m
appealing for aid. | do not need in
toxicating liquor. 1t is not an i'm
planted appetite nor a want of m,
nature. | cannot therefore indulge il
it, without being untrue to my trus
as Gods steward. Again, he says
will not cause my brother to offend
| will not countenance a bad habi
which may degrade and beggar hin
and his family. | will stand up fo
the right and cast in my lot with thos
who strive for the welfare and progres
of their fellow beings.
Now who can doubt, which of thes
two is right on christian ground
Who would not rather stand befor
the Judge of all the earth with a ten
perance record than as an indulge
more or less of appetite? 1t is Gel
tainly enough for any honest man t
answer this question.