The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-09-12

Editor of The Times
SRA circular was sent me the other
day containing resolutions passed by the
Brewers Congress of 1868. 1877 and 1913:
g. statement made by the Southwest
LIQUOR paper, ridiculng the resolutions
passed by preachers, conferences. synods,
etc. as puncombe resolutions to catch
suckers; quotations from the Methodist
Episcopal Church discipline, form the
Presbyterian General Assembly, from
Bishop Potter. Josiah Strong. John ?. st.
John, Frances e. Willard, ]. c. Hogan
and Others noted as presidents, profess
sors,- preachers and politicians.
But what strikes you as "a. powerful
factor in bringing about a crisis sure to
come is this: WANTED, a man or woman
in every church, in the land with moral
courag &c enough to make this demand OF
his or her church: : demand that the
discipline of this church be SO amended
as to treat saloon creators Qicense
voters and saloon-keepers alike. II the
saloon keeper is kept out Of the church
on account of his business, I demand
that those who vote for men and parties
who legalize his business be treaced in
the same way. Further, I demand that
this church snail cease to fellowship with
churches that make their fold a, city of
refuge or hloody-handed license voters.
This demand to be made In writing and
sent to the proper officials the pastor
and official board, With a request for
immediate action. Remember that over
200 souls perish every twenty-four hours
as the direct result OF the church-licensed
saloon. If the church refuses to take
action, then take another with YOU and
renew the demand, and If the church
still refuses to comply with your de-
mand. withdraw at once, and let it be
to YOU as any other heather institution
Now Mr.. Editor. and all of You
church members, I have only one objec-
ton to this piece of advice. It seems
to me that these members OF the church
who vote for l1Guor-licensing political
parties. and so are responsible for the
existence Of the saloon, ought to get out
of the church and that we who vote as
we pray and in accordance with Gods
Word. ought to stay in It looks that
way to me.
I confess to a most ardent desire to
see a radical reformation of the churches.
Perhaps 1 Should say a restoration of
primitive apostolic Christianity. I wish
to see a church composed of men and
women who are Christians, who have
really renowned the devil and all his
works: the vain pomp and glory of this
world, with all covetous desires of tie
same: who have denied ungodliness and
worldly lusts and are living soberly,
rignteously. and cody; a church COM
posed OF men who do not sell or drink
intoxicating liquors: who do not make.
sell. chew or smoke tobacco: men who
dc not spend the golden hours Of life
in playing chess, backgammon and cards:
men who are sober. thoughtful, indus
tr1ous, honest and prayerful men who
carry their religion into their business
who tell the truth in horse-trading in
selling goods. in giving advice as law
yers, who are relgiously conscientious
roIy Cinia jpcv e;oJ
men whose Christianity shines out in
the wheelwrlghts shop. in the black
smith shops, between the pillow
handles; men whose religion controls
them in politics. who cannot be per-
suaded to use money or whiskey in car
rylng elections; men whose daily lives
illustrate the principles Jesus taught
wish to see a church whose women are
mcoest. humble, and charitable: women
who dress plainly, are not butterflies of
FASHION, seeking the admiration of men
and boys; women whose adjoining con-
slsts not in braided hair and gold and
pearls and costly array, but (Which be-
cometh women protesting godlineSs) in
good works; women who make home at
tractive. whose conversation IS pure and
eievating, not gossipy and wicked: wo-
men who do not engage in dancing and
d-playing and chaperoning germans:
women whose characters are cody and
whose lives illustrate the beauties and
eXcellencles of the religion of Christ.
VIII we ever have such church? Why
not? For my part I am unable to see
why We cannot have such church.
Let the preaching he true and faithful;
let it be proclaimed from the pulpit in
plain terms that the characters de-
scribcd by the Apostle as wicked and
selfish and lovers of pleasure more than
lovers of God, are not desired as church
me,nhrs: that men and women must turn
away from wickedness and Worldliness
if they enter the church: that becoming
a Christian means becoming new
creature: means new mind. new
heart a new character 4 new life.
Let all others set out-or repent
am prepared to take my stand with
those who are truly converted to Christ.