The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1886-09-08
TEMPERANCE RESOLUTIONS

Adopted by the M. E. Conference.
The following report was unani-
mously adopted by the Knoxville
District Conference, M. E. Church,
held at Shady Grove, Jefferson
County, Tenn, August 26, 1886:
Intemperance is the giant evil of the age, and
all law which protects the traffic IN intoxi-
eating liquors, whether by State or Nation. is
out Of harmony with Gods eternal law given for
the government and happiness of the race, and
u.s. therefore, morally wrong; and the proper at
titude of the Church and the Christian citizen is
one of uncompromising opposition to all poll
cies looking to the enactment and sustenance OF
such law. We hold to the maxim, THAT which
is morally wrong cannot be politically right"
And we as Conference do with emphasis, ex-
press our endorsement Of the position of our
Church touching this evil as expressed in our
Discipline. (Par. 554.) We are unalterably OPP
posed to the enactment Of laws that propose by
license taxing or otherwise to regulate the drink
traffic, because they provide for its continuance
and afford no protection against it's ravages.
We hold that the attitude of Christians toward
this traffic is one of uncOmprOmising opposition,
and while we do not presume to dictate to our
people as to their political affiliations, we do
express the opinion that they should not permit
themselves to be controlled by party organize
tions that are managed in the interest of the
liquor traffic. We advise the members of our
Church to aid in the enforcement Of such laws
as do not legalize Or endorse the manufacture
and sale Of intoxicants, to be used as beverage;
and to this end we favor the organisation Of
Law and Order Leagues wherever practicable
(b) We thankfully recognize and approve the
great work carried on in all parts of the coun.
try by the National Temperance and the Wo
mems Christian Temperance Union. We recon-
mend their publications. commend them to tht
pecuniary aid of our people, and earnestly ex
hort our members to actively cooperate with
these organizations. (c) Finally, we proclaim
as our motto, Voluntary, total abstinence from
all intOxicants as the true ground Of persona
temperance and complete legal prohibition o
the traffic in Intoxicating drinks, as the dut
of civil government. Believing a. We do, tina
the license and tax systems, BY State and Nation
renders such State and Nation particeps Grim
inis in the sins and untold evils which logical
and inevitably follow as fruits of legalized rum
and that total prohibition is the true position
dictated alike by patriotism and Christianity
we solemnly promise to work in all legitimst
ways to promote this glorious result.
RESOLVED, That we hail with unmingled 10
the growing temperance sentiment in the land
and that we unqualifedly endorse the action o
the General Assembly of Tennessee in favorin
an amendment to the constitution Of the Stat
forever prohibiting the manufacture and sale o
Intoxicating liquors except for medicinal an
scientific purposes within the State, and that v
do memorabilia the next General Assembly o
the State, praying them to submit said amend
ment to a vote Of the people, to be voted upo
at a special election ordered by the Governor 70
this purpose exclusively.
| RESOLVED, End, That we are profoundly i'm
pressed with the supreme importance Of hsvin
all Offices Of trust in every department Of gov
eminent filled with men of temperate habits, an
that NO vote and use our influence to secure thi
result.