Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-07-15

Correspondence Of Til. .StGr.l
EAIIS GHuRcH .Inlu LIE

FALLS CHURCH, July 18th, 1874.
Editor Of The EreRing Star: Agreeably TO
announcement week previous, Bishop South
gate, Of this place, preached on last Sunday a
sermon on temperance. The brick walls of
alls church, now over 100 years old, echoed
op that occasion one of the most remarkable
pulpit utteIsnces probably of its whole exist
ence. You are aware that our locality has been
vigorously exercised of late over the establish
ment OF drinking saloon here by one Amos
FOX This sermon will add greatly to the excite
ment now existing. The Bishop preta ced his
discourse with the remark that the occasion and
IFS subject had no connection with the excite
ment prevailing in the place, and its fruitful
source. The text is found in Tim, Al, and
reads:-"FOr every creature of God is good, and
nothing TO be refused, if it be received with
Thanksgiving" he defined TEN Jerance to be a
proper use OF anything and everything. lie
Propounded the question thus :-'' What
does the Bible teach On the subjec. of
temperance? This is the inquiry to-day."
Hls subject was divided into two parts; and
first, what are the facts? He proceeded TO
notice the references in the Bible to wine. The
inst is found in Genesis, 9:2l 22-''And Noah
began 10 be husbandman, and he planted a
vineyard; and he drank OF the wine and was
druDk," &c. The bishop condemned in s-rong
terms the drunkenness of Noah. He founi NJ
where IN the Old Testament any prohibition OF
the use Of wine nor OF - strong drinks" which
we're equal in alcoholic properties to whisky or
brandy. The lsraelites were permitted ID uso
strong drinks in great feast of theirs. As for
VINE, everywhere in the Old Testament IL was
regarded AS Zone of GODS best gifts to the
wOIld;' it was a blessing. It was referred TO n
:. the W inc that maketh glad the heart OF m an
He declared that "God nowhere bans it nor
prohibits its use to any one, except 70 the priest
In the exercise of his spiritual duties" He next
took the New Testament in review. Wine had
been common beverage to the jew under the
old dispensation. Christ paid a tribute To its
quality by turning water into wine in his first
miracle at the marriage of Cana in Cali
lee. He showed it the same high honor
by employing it at the last supper.
"ADd MelchiZedek," said the B., "King OF
Salem, brought forth bread and wine, the priest
OF the Most High Cod" when he blessed
Abr8m. 1t was used in sacraments and in the
sacrlhcial ordinances, as it was used also in all
the past, "tor refreshment and hospitality"
resting on equal authority for such use with the
nrst. 1t Is not, then, detestable potation,
since it was used in offerings to the Most High.
"The Old Testament is full OF proof that God
approved OF the use OF wine by the people," He
took the ground then that what was not wrong
TO use was not wrong to make and TO SELL He
sustained the selling of wine and 'strong
Drinks" and was opposed to prohibition. .'You
must not attempt to carry your virtue above
God S laws" said the Bishop. Drunkenness as
well as guttony was q crime. By Gods law the
drunkard, the gluttOn, and the murderer were
under the same condemnation. The Bishops
doctrine Is to let these creatures, wine and
strong drink, &C., be sold without let OF him
drance, the seller and the drunkard being I'M
der an individual responsibility for the abuse OF
their privileges. A man was not free agent
unless he was as free to do wrong rs to do good.
lie held with recent announcement of Dio
Lewis that "moral suasion was Gods own
means OF restricting intemperance."
MIR. John ID. Brush, who is supposed to he
partner with Fox in the saloon, was highly
elated with the sermon, whilst the teetOtsllers
are hlghly indignant at this pulpit pronIncia-
nento. Yours, &C., JAMES.