The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-03-31
What a Minister Says.
Editor Statesman,

Editor Statesman:
The Galveston Daily Ne,cS, of the
9th, containing Judge TerrelPs
speech ON the proposed amendment
has reached me. Press of ministe-
rial duties prevented my eXamina-
ton of it until,this morning | am not
sufficiently cOnversant with the laws
of government TO say whether or
not the prohibition law should be
passed, and if l felt competent TO
express an opinion, certainly would
not do so, for the minister otG6d is
the servant ofa!l; of his own denomi-
national congregation by special
contract and of the public by virtue
of his divine commission There
fore ! dare not sow dissension in
my church, nor cripple my useful
ness with sinners by becoming a
partisan, especially in a discussion
that ought to be left to politicians.
When | feel called upon to dabble
in politics / shall most certainly quit
the ministry, for God never calls a
man to two important Offices at the
same time, and when he calls me to
politics | will take it as evidence
that my apostolic commission has
expired.
As to Judge Terrelps speech /
must say its perusal was TO me an
agreeable disappointment as found
in it no ground whatever: for the
sever criticisms | had seen passed
upon it. lie is most terribly cor
rect, in his utterance as regards the
duties of the parent, the preacher
and the legislator. Neither of them
dare igpore the responsibility of his
high trust or lay violent hands upon
the work that properly belongs tC
another, for the tendency of sucl
things is the destruction of parental
authority, the aposiacy ofthe church
and following these two calamities
comes the inevitable overthrow o.
| good government. 1t is claimed that
II we had no bar-roo--s we would
have no drunkards. This assertion
is doubted. and | am for ell TO be.
lieve that the doubts suggested by
wisdom. 1t is reasonable to think
that such law would decrease The
number of rum swillers, but i'll tho
Bibles denunciation of drunken
ness, there is no discrimination
madebetweent the poorenebriatewal
low ing in his own vOrmit upon the
floor OF the dOgs, ~, antlthc refii.e Z
lady who draws the costly covering
of her elegant couch over her face tt
screen lfer from imaginary. goblin:
the creatures of amu desturt.
ell BRAIN fired u by amor.
phine and chloral. If, however, W,
reverse the proposition and saw al
there were no drunkards there
would be no bar-rooms,2 we would
then haVe'a statement which NJ
man dare doubt or deDy.1'N No maj
desires more than mvselfto see OIL
people sober, qInet, prosperous anC
happy. APPROXIMATION be the means
fand the only means, by which this
glorious, long-talked of and mucl
prayed-for end can be obtained, il
Gods name, lets have prohibition
but it will be a fearful verdict for
1.-The American people to render
Eagainst themselves 1twill be to say
that Texas husbands habitually VIC
latetheir marriage obligation to love
cherish. comfort 20 and care fol
their families, that the churcl
of the son OF - God ha
lost her vitality and is eithe
asleep or dead, and that instead o
NEE making the American govern
ment, the government must make
the man. 5 Respectfully, nl5.,
| .ef,r.1 -s,,.f4s.slr 80 j. A. Il.