The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1895-11-20
DON'T AGREE WITH THE SPIRIT.
Rev. ]. II Jelbart Comments on Smiths
Doctrines.
STANTON. PA, Nov. II. 1895.

comments on the doctrine taught by
the editor of the Punsutawney Spirit
regarding the prohibition of the liquor
traffic. His arguments are based upon
the assumption that Prohibitionists re-
lieve the drinker of all responsibility
for drunkenness: in which he is entirely
in error. The doctrine OF the Prohibit
tionists is For the individual total
abstinence, for the traffic absolute pro-
hibition." We have not at any time
said that 'the drunkard, poor fellow, is
not to blame" that is, for his own
drunkenness or the consequence OF his
own inebriety: but for the existence Of
the legalized liquor traffic, he, with all
others OF pulpit and pew, editors sane
tum, or legislative hall, is responsible
only so far as he uses his influence and
vote to support a license policy. This
false assumption, which is so much en-
phasized, is for the purpose Of drawing
the attention OF the people away from
the real question, viz: The liquor traffic
is in politics, and in politics to control
it. 1t touches our political life at every
point. When it is overthrown it will
be by political action.
We are gravely told that ''you cannot
make men good by law" True, legisla-
tion will not change the depravity of
the human heart, but certainly the ten
dency to evil doing is largely restrained
by law, and society itself is constructed
upon that basis. Should this be denied
we have only to say that this modern
philosopher did not flourish in the be-
ginning OF our national life, that he
might have taught our fathers this doc
trine, and thus saved the millions OF
dollars spent by Legislators while enact
ing laws for the prevention OF evil.
Law is the safeguard of society and for
the protection of society we have laws
against profanity, theft, adultery, per-
jury, assault, murder. When these
laws are violated the common veal de-
mands that the culprit shall be pun
ished and where justice reigns penalty
is inflicted. Thus we see society trying
to make men good by law, this theory
to the contrary Notwithstanding. We
ask that it go farther and legislate out
of existence this traffic which bene-
fits none, and is the prolific mother OF
crime
In his issue OF October 10Th minister
OF Fredonia, N. Y, is quoted and en-
dorsed by him. He says: Temptations
are in the world for wise purpose, and
men develop character and rirte only
by resisting hem.' should like to take
a peep into his bible. very much fear
that it fell into the water and became
blurred, so that it is no longer safe
guide. He had better buy new one.
Let US try this by syllogism using his
theory for our major premise. Temp
tations are in the world for the promo
tion OF character and virtue" It is to
be inferred from the teaching of this
minister that he who has not been sub
ject to the fire of temptation is poor
specimen Of manhood, and II this be true
what a weak invertebrate Adam must
have been when he stepped forth from
the creative hand OF God and was pro-
nounced by his creator "very good"
His ideal man is very inferior being
to that of this minister and the editor
OF the Spirit The Lord, too, must
have been very short sighted when he
taught his disciples to pray "lead us
not into temptation" Upon the theory
that the presence of temptation pro-
notes manhood, we should expect to find
manhood where saloons, brothels, gam
ing dens and all manner Of iniquity pre-
walls; and among that class of men that
are tempted by these things. But the
contrary is true. To thousands of men
the saloon, the brothel, the gaming den
offer no temptation. Among this class
is found the highest virtue, the best
character to be found in the race. The
men whom the world delights to honor
are not those whose lives are spent
fighting the desire for Intoxicating
liquor. but rather those who spend
their lives endeavoring to help others,
to lift the world to a higher moral
plane, to remove temptation from the
way Of his weaker brother.
: In the issue Of Nov. 9th the editor
voices his sentiments in conversation,
real or imaginary, between a Prohibi-
ZIONIST and an anti-Prohibitlonist
Here we find the anti-Prohibitionis
declaring that the principle Of Prohibi-
tion would wipe out the inspiration for
good conduct and the respect Of our
fellow men. There would be no dis
tinction between good and bad men,
because the means to do evil had been
abolished by law" III liquor were
prohibited any sober man might be