Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-03-01
THE WORK or rEmrrnAN;nr.
How 1t is Promoted By Catholic organ.
tiOns

Editor Morning NeacS not that
inyidious distinction may be drawn he
tween citizens presumably seeking the
same results for society a Isrge that the
term Catholic is here mode prominent
with the mission of temper aac, le.aues,
but it is to give the distinct lgc5 o1
these societies in order t. stimulate a
more generous emulation among others
that all elements and classes may the
sooner array themselves against the vice
of intemperance. All, indeed, seek the
same general benefits, though differing
widely, in many instances, in the means
used to bring them about. There are also
very many who imagine that such soci-
cites, whether Catholic or nOn-Catholic,
are organized only to reform drunkards.' -
and, in consequence, are composed mainly
Of those who have been addicted to drink
AS applied to Catholic societies especi-
ally is this impression prevalent, yet this
is q grave error, and one which every
good Catholic, at least, should desire to cor
rect. Catholic temperance societies are
sschurch societies being formed and sus-
tanned by church rules and regulations,
and the Catholic Church fosters and en-
courages them for two-iOld purpose, viz ::
to reform Inebriates that the individual
may be saved, and to protest against
vice that the church may prosper and ad-
vance. While the salvation of even one
soul in danger of being lost through
drink is a grand work. worthy of the
best efforts of the best members, still
this is not the only reason for sustaining
these societies. Catholics are taught to
avoid giving scandal, and to so live that
the church will best show forth her high
and holy mission to the world in the
lives of those who profess her faith and
teachings. Intemperance is the recOg-
niZed toe to religion, and wherever pre-
Vaient is a destructive and dangerous
enemy to Christian progress. The
Catholic Church, therefore, approves and
encourages total abstinence societies
among her followers, as a living and
ever patent protest against this foe and
enemy to her mission. That such a pro-
test may be efficient, the work Of these
societies is not left to drinking men or
reformed inebriates, as the following
from the pastoral letter Of the Council
of Baltimore will testify:
Then there are associations for the checking
OF immortality, prominent among which are
our Catholic temperance societies. These
should be ENCOURAGED and aided by all who
deplOre the scandal given and the spiritual
ruin wrought by inttmperance. 1t IS q mis-
take to imagine that such societies are made
up Of the reformed victims OF iHtemperance.
They should be, and we trust that they every
where are, largely composed OF Jealous CathO-
lies who were never TAINTED by that wee, cut
who mourn over the great evil and are eneF-
getically endeavOring to correct it.
Thus it will be seen that the Catholic
Church values these societies as her arms
or branches, relying upon them to aid in
the grand work of human eYaugeliZatiOn
and advancement. So long as they prove
80 Ill (.
have the choicest blessings which the
church can bestOw, with no relaxation of
her watchful care and sOlicitude for their
vitality and usefulness. CATHOLIC.