Morning journal and courier., 1882-06-08
COMMUNICATIONS.
Church Temperance Work.

Church Temperance Work.
 To the Editor of the JOURNAL AND COURIER:
 It may be of some avail to the cause of moral reform to remind those of your read CTS who have forgotten or have never been made acquainted with the fact that society known as the Connecticut Temperance Un- ion exists within our borders, and that its distinctive object is to enlist the sympathy and cooperation of the churches in the great work of saving the drunkard and preventing men from falling into the vice of intemper- ance.
 This society was established in 1865 Its first president was Governor Buckingham. Dr. Charles Jewett was one of its founders and most efficient helpers. Its present pres ident is Professor Camp of New Britain, and its secretary is Rev. Alpheus Winter of Hart ford. It has an executive committee of if teen, eleven of whom are ministers repre- senting the Congregational, Methodist and Baptist denominations If the writer did not happen to be a member of that commit tee he would say they were all good men and true.
 Through the labors of Mir. Winter, who spends his Sabbaths among the churches of the State, this society is continually seeking to identify the Christian element of our pop ulation with the temperance work. His ad- dresses are full of forceful argument, elo- quent appeal and timely suggestion. By a careful collection of facts bearing upon the progress of the reform in this common wealth he adds pertinent illustrations to his candid statements All the churches that interested in the temperance work (and what one is not ? should invite Mir Winter to ad- dress them and catch the inspiration of his magnetic enthusiasm.
 The church of Christ all will admit is ideally at least Gods ordained instrumental rf f0rx- aff fNrE Whatever helps to destroy Satan's dominion and build upon it's ruins the kingdom of righteousness and peace is a legitimate part of the church's mission There Is no reason why Christians should go outside of their true sphere to form separate organizations for the accomplishment of this high and holy work This fact is gradually dawning upon the minds of earnest men in various branches of the great household of faith. 1t Is well known that the Episcopal body, both in the mother land and the United States, is facing this great problem and undertaking it's solu ton in a right manly spirit. The Presbyte- rians are addressing themselves also, with practical earnestuess never before equalled, to the task God sets before them. No church can afford to be asleep on this question. Hitherto the rural districts of Connecticut have far exceeded the city churches in the degree of interest exhibited and the amount of service rendered. And yet it goes with out saving that in those centers of popula- ton the rum fiend is doing his most deadly work. We bespeak for our Temperance Un- ion, therefore, the hearty aid of the churches of New Haven, Hartford, New London and all the rest without distinction of denomina- ton. We ask for Brother Winter hearing in every town, city and hamlet of Connect- cut The Union he represents is not an out side institution. It is the child of Christian faith and prayer. It is the exponent of the churches and seeks to be their mouthpiece. Through the appeal of its delegates before the Legislative commission last winter the movement in favor of prohibitory constitn tional amendment was greatly furthered. Our House of Represer tatves having voted by a large majority to bring this issue fore the whole Legislature at its next session, 1t remains for all friends of temperance to join hearts and halds in the common cause till victory shall crown our efforts. Meantime, while we wait the result of this particular movement with calm faith in its righteousness, but no sanguine expectation of it's speedy dy success it must be the endeavor and aim of all true lovers of religion, morality and good order, to aid by tongue, pen, money and influence in the grand enterprise of sav- ing our youth from contracting the appetite for strong drink, always remembering the ounce of prevention which is worth the pound of cure,
 Prohibition is the watchword of the hour In this sign, sooner or later, we shall con- quer. GEO. h. GRIFFIN. Milford. Ct, June 6, 1882