The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-04-02
EVILS OF INTEMpERANCE.
Catholics Urged to Use Every Possible Eff
fort for Their Suppression.

Catholics Urged to Use Every Possible Eff
fort for Their Suppression.
New York Special
Soon after the plenary council Of the Roman
Catholic Church, held in Baltimore some months
ago. a letter was received from the papal see
welfare of the faithful One subject of great
importance covered in that address has never
been made public. On this topic the address says:
There is no doubt but that amongst the evils
we especially deplore in this country the abuse
of intoxicating drinks is to be numbered. For
this excess is the constant source of sin and the
fruitful origin of misery Utter ruin has there
by come upon innumerable individuals and
whole families and il has dragged many souls
headloug to eternal destruction, and since this
vice has spread not a little, even among Cath
olics, scandal is thus given to non Catholics, and
a great obstacle is set up against the spread of
religion. Both love of religion and of country.
therefore, urge all Christians to use every effort
to stamp out this pestiferous evil
Following In the footsteps of the fathers the
other councils OF Baltimore, and supported by
the teaching of the angelic doctor, we approve
and heartily commend the praseworthy custom
of many who. in our day, abstain entirely from
the use of intoxicating LIQUORS, thus to overcome
more certainly the vice OF intemperance. either
by removing from themselves the occasions
thereof or by presenting to others a splendid ex-
ample of the virtue Of temperance whose zeal
we willingly admit is according to knowledge,
and has already brought forth abundant fruit,
and promises still greater in the future.
1--WE recognize the societies named The Cath
Ole Union for Promoting Total Abstinence and
The Sacred Thirst to be worthy of great praise
for they directed by truly Catholic spirit,
and seek the necessary strength, not 80 much in
the frmness of self-will, as in the power of
prayer and of the sacraments. Moreover it is
known that the head of the whole church and
Christ's vicar on earth has more than once en-
riched them with his apostolic benediction and
with the indulgences of the church. Wherefore
we also present to them the signs of our good
WILL and we commend them to the paternal care
of all our priests that they may flourish more
and more; that they may not only add souls to
path in which they should walk.
Lastly, we warn our faithful people who sell
intoxicating liquors to consider seriously how
many and how serious dangers and occasions of
sin their business-although not unlawful in
irself-is surrounded. II they can. let them
choose more honorable way of making living
But il they cannot. let them study by all means
to remove from themselves and others the oc-
casion of sin. Let them not sell drink to the
young; that is, to those who not of age, nor
to those who they foresee will abuse drink. Let
them keep their saloons closed on Sunday, and
at no time let them allow blasphemy, cursing or
obscene language within the walls of their
taverns. If through their culpable neglect or
cooperation religion is brought into contempt
and souls ruined, they must know that in heaven
there is an avenger who will exact the sevsrest
punishment from them