The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-04-02
Queries for the Crusaders.


Temperance movement? is question
demanding square, straightforward,
honest answer, at the hands of those
who have entered into it with so much
enthusiasm. The theories advanced
are diverse and antagonistic. With
some it is thought to have had its ori-
gin in the late financial panic. With
others it is supposed to be an epidem-
ic. somewhat like the many mental
haIlucinations which in times past
have swept over our easily "hum6Wg-
ed" nation. Others claim it is but an
other phase of WToodsaLEIiSsn, designed
to open the door to womaa's suffrage.
Others say it is the revival system
on large scale, manipulated by those
who favor that system, aud probably
growing ont of the fact that the past
winter has not been fruitful in sue
cessful revivals.
Some say it is a development of
Spiritism agitated by the despairing
adherents OF that theory in order to
regain their rapidly waning influence.
Some medical men call it a nervous
disease. and thus account for so many
entering the movement under an i'm
pulse which leaves no room for care
full examination of its claims to the
favor of reasoning people. A few
devout people, both men and women,
clergymen and laymen, have not hesi-
tated to say it is the work Of Satan.
Among the many persons connected
with this movement it is fair to con-
clude that but very small minority
claim it as the work of God. These
few tell us very confidently fEItfs, and
1t mast be So" These, we suppose
have geod reliable ground for this as
sertion. With these we wish to con-
fer, and so get information. These
must know that four fifths of every
community are not willing to grant
this movement to be the work of God,
until convinced that it is SO. These
want light on this subject, and call
upon the initiated to give as this light.
When convinced that this is the Lords
work, we win stand out no longer,
but will give it, in ali its details,
though distasteful to us.
But how do you know this is the
Lords work?
1t is case which does not admit of
any mere supposition, or about which
there is any room for guessing. Your
bare assertion we cannot accept, for
just as pious reliable people, assert it
is the work of the devil, and how are
we to decide between you?
Do you say 'because it is so general
it must be Gods work.? Would you
say this of all exciting thingsT Is an
exciting Presidential campaign His
work? Is it sebecause of the intense
interest manifested? This is true of
the old crusaders, who sought to re-
gain Jerusalem from the infidel Turks.
This is true of the Puritans, who burn
ed witches and banished whom they
thought unbelievers. This is true of
the people of the South, during the
late rebellion. Now, were these
works of God? Is it because SO many
pious people, so many prominent and
intelligent individuals, have given this
new movement their sympathy and
support? The same is true of spirit
ualism and Free Love. What then
Divine work eIeVabes- and ennebles.-
In this modern crusade against sa-
loon keepers, we see but little attempt
ed in the way of elevating and emo
bling human nature. We are yet to
hear of single instance in which the
prime object was tho spiritual, moral
and intellectual benefit of the indiVid
ual concerned. No special personal
sympathy has yet been manifested
toward those against whom this Cru
sade is directed. Weare yet to
hear of efforts tending to elevate
the wives and children of the
trafickers in beer, Wine, Whisky &c.
Have those who lead this Crusade
shown sisterly concern for these wO-
men and children for whose eleYation
they claim to be engaged? +? When we
hear of them visiting these, that they
may do them good, we will then credit
them for so much true work done.
Until this work is done, or else posi-
tive proof is given to the contrary, we
can not believe the present exciting
movement to be of God. ATHLETE,