The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-09-11
WHISKY IN THE PULPIT.
BIoHLosIDB OF GOLD ADVOCATED.
A Prominent Minister Has Declared His
Intention OF Following the Example
OF Taimage-Dr. Todd Rsfuted.
(Corresnondence RIchmond Times)

Correspondence Richmond Times)
Newport News, Va, Sept. 10-A minis
ter of more than average ability said TO
the writer a few days since while con-
versing on the subject of the Kelley
treatment for drunkenness at the insti-
tute near this city: Il have not examined
the subject closely, and consequently
know but little about it, but when it
shall have been demonstrated to my sat
isfaction to be an effective agent in the
direction indicated, 1 will preach it from
my pulpit" 1t is needless to add that he
was not only furnished with literature
on the subject, but living examples of the
effectiveness of the treatment were point
ed out, and an invitation extended him
to personally interview those who had
been rescued from the disease, and from
whom the appetite had been wholly ellmi-
mated. Now that his attention has been
directed to the subject by personal APP
peal there can be no question but that
h. will investigate it, and 1t is equally
possible that. ike Dr. Talmage, he will
be heard from in his pulpit III further-
ance of one of the greatest moral agencies
leaving its humanitarian aspect out OF
tho auestion-that has occupied public at
tention for centuries.
This incident illustrates better, perhaps,
than anything could do the conservative
tendency of the average Virginia mind
In accepting new and demonstrabe
truths, whether in medical science or
ethics.
With an army closely approximating
10000 men and women scattered through
out this land who have been redeemed
from the degradation of drunkenness ana
restored TO health and usefulness In lie
through the Kelley treatment, 1T seems
u. - t,,l l. 20. "
tent to attract not only the notice, Dut
the practical assistance of tho Christian,
the moralist and the Humanitarian, to
which its merits so eminently enttle 1t.
And vet. while we can account TO some
extent for the care with which the min
isterial mind especially is wont to ex-
anime into the merits of everything that
claims to exert a high moral influence,
such as DR. Keeley's restoration OF men
from the pit of drunkenness lnvarlaDly
does-albeit but a secondary effect OF ms
treatment-we are sometimes amazed at
the hppancy with which some men DIS
credit their sacredatal robes by inyeigh-
ing against the well-attested theory that
drunkenness, while conceived III sin, does
become a disease that has hitherto bal
fed the skill alike Of doctors of divinity
and medicine.
Perhaps the most marked instance OF
"fools rushing in where angels fear to
tread" exists in that of Rev" DIR. Todd,
of New Haven, who in sermon.-saye
the mark-gave vent TO his dyspepuc
pains after this fashion: Il believe that
u very large part of the effort that is
put forth for the reclamation or drunk
ards is wasted, and would be far better
expended in other directions"
And again: II doubt whether. as class,
if they could be reformed they are worth
the powder" In this Incorporate spirit
be continues: He has a depraved Will:
If we are going TO recognize a depraved
will as a physical disease, we had better
turn our churches into hospitals and our
ministers into physicians, and accept ma
terialsm as our theology These Ut
terances recall the reasoning OF the mar,
asee and disciple in regard 10 the Dllnd
man, and of that not very remote peflOd
when every great calamity, or lnulFluuai
disaster. or unusual sickness was adj
iudged TO be a Judgment of God up0n sin
when insane people were deemed lncura-
bic. and were chained to walls, without a
thought or theory of a treatment OF them
as in any way curative. On the other
hand, they were deemed great sinners
sons and daughters of perdition. just as
| DR.. Todd regards drunkards-" not worth
saving" The growth away from the
most monstrous opinions, especially whel
suffered by such religious teaching, is the
slowest of all things. And yet the ON
nipotent God is steadily pushing US on
leaving always some utterly immoyablt
men and theories stranded by the way
to mark the ever onward movement.
If teachers of the stamp of Key.
Todd would but give the poor inebrlate
the benefit of the doubt as to his status
end admit. even for the sake of humanl
tvs side of the question, that he Is dis
eased person. with burning stomach and
disOrdered organs and functions, 1t mlghl
occur to them that the first thing OF al
TO do is to treat him in Thoroughly
pathological way. His depraved habits
yea. sin. if you will-may have brought
him where he is. Just as RIGHTEOUSNESS
brings men into foul darkness. Both
cases irrespective of ethics or theology.
are to be treated physically by medical
means. The great Physician healed some
lepers who afterwards gave no evidence
of having been transformed by grace
We are not disposed 10 deny the propo
sition Of the New Haven divine that the
drunkard is a sinner, but he may become
cured of the disease of drunkenness, OF
the 'depraved will if you like 1t better
and remain a sinner, still needing the
Christians cure, though fortunately IN a
Regardless of the doubling maunder-
ings Of certain doctors and the omln0uS
head-shakeS of ignorant reIglonists, the
writer, in common with very many OF tne
thousands who have been healed by thls
Kelley treatment. repaired 10 the Zee,
lev Institute, now located at Newport
News. with. as was natural, IN view OIL
such surroundings, but little faith IN II,
and came back, as do nineteen out OF
every twenty. cured Not only so, but
with the belief firmly impressed upon
him that the remedy was the Inspiration
of higher power. of which DR.. heeiey Is
but the instrument. The appetite ue
parts as by magic. leaving not particle
of disease behind it. In view OF TINS eA'
perience. DR.. Todd to the contrary. not
withstanding. is it wonderful that heeley
graduates" realize that it does cure, and
regard the man who disputes It, whether
he be a clergyman, physician, or temper
ance advocate solely by old methods, as
either an ignOramus, fool. or an enemy
10 society? While remembering all the
suffering he has endured for years, the
efforts at reformation, written pledges
signed only TO be broken, personal prom
ises. appeals to the Almighty for assist
ance: with all of these within his memory
he would be more than human did he not
lose patience with the Pharasee VINO
stands off and prates of the sin and crime
of drunkenness. without lending a help
ing hand to the man who first needs pain
illogical treatment. And herein Is con