The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-10-25
MsrMlng Star and Catholic Messenger.

MsrnIHg Star and Catholic Messenger
Address Of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union o
America.
The Convention assembled in Chicag,
on the 10th nit. adopted the following ad
dress
To the Catholics Of America
The delegates here assembled send you
kindly greeting. We have come together
from all parts of this continent for the pur-
pose of consulting as to the best means OF
promoting the noble and Catholic cause OF
total abstinence among our co. religionists
in America. 1t is not necessary for US to
remind YOU of the many evils OF intemper-
ance. You are all aware Of tho fearful re-
suits of this terrible vice. They are visible
in every town or hamlet in the land.
Drunkenness is one of the greatest evils
that aff1icts humanity at the present day,
and, as one of the deadly or capital sins.
is the fruitful source of numberless other
evils. 1t leads to poverty, suffering,
wretchedpess, and crime. The mass of the
inmates of our penal institutions can attr-
butte their degradation to the inordinate
use of Intoxicating drink. 1t affects all
classes, the rich and the poor, the young
and the old. There is scarcely family in
the land that has not felt, directly OF in
directly, it's desolating influence. How
many noble young men of all ranks of
society has it not cut down in the prime of
their usefulness. How many wives and
mothers has it not rendered broken heart
ed. How many helpless children has it
not made orphans and exposed to the fear
full danger of losing their faith. No tongue
can tell the numberless evils it has entailed
{ on the human race.@The= Catholic Church
has always preached the virtue of temper
ance 1t is one Of the cardinal virtues
had hxyf hut oil al,
are not temperate, and hence the necessity
for total abstinence societies. If all men
were teni perate there would be no need of
addressing you upon this subject. Human
nature is weak, and the temptation to drink
Intoxicating liquors is strong, Many find
it difficult, nay almost impossible, to keep
within the bounds of moderation. For
such. total abstinence, with the assistance
of Gods grace, is the only certain remedy. |
As an inducement, then, to such as are
not already members, We here present a
few of the many advantages to be derived
from connection with our grand organiza-
ton.
Our Union is founded upon Catholic
basis, aud has the cordial appreciation of
the hierarchy Of the United States and
Canada. We have a transfer system in
successful operation by which persons
changing their places of residence or ira
yelling on business or pleasure, are frater-
nally received wherever society aggre-
gated to the Union exists. This feature of
our Union we would especially commend
to your earnest consideration. The Catho.
lie Total-Abstinence Union of America is
now spread all over the continent, and |
wherever it's members may travel they will |
meet with friendly greetings. There is,
however, another reason beyond that OF
temporal advantage which should be of
greater weight with Catholics, namely u:
the spiritual advantages to be derived from |
connection with our organization. The
members are required to approach the sac
raments at the stated periods,-an advan-
tage which cannot be too highly priced, |
since we rely for success upon the grace of |
God, communicated to us through the sac |
of the Church. In conclusion, |
fellow Catholics of America, we earnestly |
appeal to you to unite with us in allevia-
ting the vast amount of misery and suffer.
ing inflicted upon our fellow. beings by the |
destructive vice of intemperance.
tSigned) The Rev. ]. v. Cnnlau, Ohio !;
John F. Murtagh, Brooklyn Father Muir.
ply, illinois,; the Rev. s. Doyle, Tonnes |
see w. McMenamin, Wilmington the |
Rev. j. Dunno, Louisville; Thomas Dryer,
New York p. Burns, New Jersey +. j |
Murphy, Indiana; ]. c Donnelly, st. Paul,
Mimi. Joel June, Philadelphia and n o.
Carroll, Tennessee Committee.
Tho Arch bishop of Malines on Religions Musio in |