The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1881-03-23
DRUNKENNESS AS A SIN.
Its Evil Effects Upon the Public Vel.
fare-It Should be Opposed by Chris
tianity, not FanaticiSnl.

The Rev. W.. II. Campbell, rector Of st.
Paul's Church, Radclitfeboro, preached an ex-
cellcnt discourse recently, Of which the fol-
lowing J. O brief synopsis:
Proverbs, xiv; 81: Righteousness eHalteth
n nation. but sin Is a reproach to any people.
The destruction and disappearance Of the
man and Greeks although there seems chaos
attendant upon their downfall, yet there Is a
vein Of order that runs through their histo-
ries-the hand OF God raised In retributive
Justice for great national sins. The vice Of in
temperance Is now a great national sin In
America. subvertingla law and destroying count
less lives and wrecking the happiness OF many
homes. 1t IL q sin against Goo and the soul.
Whilst communities are guarded by enact.
ments to protect thom from murder, theft, yet
drunkenness IL not considered as Il crime. The
crime. yet " wholesome checks have been placed
by them upon criminals who are punished or
imprisoned for violation OF law.
The duty OF the State Is TO protect tho happi-
prlsoned: civil rules should be rigidly cnforc-
ed as to the regulation OF the saloons, restrict
Ing the manufacture OF spirits, rs the facilities
OF obtaining drink arc a great temptation.
Legislation should be enforced and the bar
! keeper and liquor dealer should not be allow
ed TO nave things their own way, and the NOR
al industrious citizen should not be taxed TO
muiniain police regulations against criminals
from drink. There are two views of drunken
ncSS-one regarding 1t as o disease, the other
as O sin. The treatment under the frst view
Is to turn the drunkard over 10 the DOCTOR.
But the correct view IN to regard 1t as O sin 1t
Is so regarded by Gods word, where 1t is reck-
oned with the most atrocious crimes. AS sin
IL must be met by moral agencies and civil
law. Seventy millions arc annually derived
by the United States revenue tax on liquors.
Seven hundred million dollars are engaged In
Its manufacture, yet only ~ per cent OF this
Is paid TO the operatives. go,
In North Carolina last year eight millions
OF dollars was spent in the manufacture and
sale OF liquors, one million WAS spent In the
cause OF religion. Nostatlstics OF South Caro-.
lima could be obtained, but the showing would
not be much better, II any. than that OF the
Old North State.
No Mnaticism should be attendant upon the
zeal In checking intemperance. The use OF
wine, beer and ale should be encouraged: The
Christian can indulge In moderation In the use
Of these. st. Paul cornmends the use OF win
to Timothy, and wine is not accursed as 1t Is
used in the most sacred offices OF the Church,
and with the approval OF our saviour If we
pity the %drunkard, lot US soo:he his sorrows
and show him q better way. The influence oil
women, the total abstinence pledge. the Inc
brute asylum have all fui..d. The Church "a
the only ~reformatory OF any avail, and thls IL
of Divine appointment. II O man cannot In
dulge or IL not able to resist temptation, tnen
total abstinence Is his duty. The grace OF COG
will give him strength to resist. BE not MI.
ed with new wine, but with the Holy Spirit
these will never seek the bowl.