New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-25
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
CHURCHES AND LIQUOR.
Why They Favor Anti-Saloon League in Its
Work
40 tho Editor Of The Trlhuns.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: Friends of tho of temperance hail
with delight the encouraging fact that Christian
ministers and churches are being drawn together
in their opposition the drink traffic never be-
FORE and some are asking WHY this waking up and
this united movement for freedom from that which
has so long and sadly hindered and marred the
work of the church. 1t is not vanity, but the re-
suits that lead TO the claim that the Ant-S aloon
League is the instrument God is using TO bring
TO pass this awakening and union of forces that
make for righteousness. The explanation Of this
may be found in the following facts:
Frst-Because the methods of the league are
such commend it to thinking men as being
sane and reasonable movement. There is nothing
here that can cause discord strife between mem
bers OF the same other churches. between
father and son, neighbor and neghbor, whatever
their religious political faith The righteousness
of the league apparent. In that while il is the
warpath against a common enemy it is carrying
message of peace and good will to all men, no
matter what their relation to the drink traffic.
Second-Three ends aimed at and touch three
classes First-Saving the saloonkeeper from the
woe God has declared against him in His Word
Second-Saving those who slaves to the drink
habit and are kept in bondage by the influence OF
the open saloon Notwithstanding at once the at
traction of the seductive saloon from the public
street for the saving of those who have not yet
fallen under its enticing influence.
1t is seeking to save men. women and children
from the lot Of shame and ruin that has befallen
so great multitude OF humanity through the
legazed traffic in strong drink
1t is not only the work OF the Church to seek and
save men. but also to strive to safeguard the hu-
from that which hurts and destroys.
There is finer Illustration OF the parable of
the Good Samaritan than is seen in the Church at
work caring for robbed. wounded and bruised
humanity. hurt by the drink traffic but the league
is appealing to the Church to go out and break up
the places of robbery and hurt and shame. and
thus men and women and families from the
bitter experiences that come through the doors of
the localized saloon; and the Church is Wele9mipg
way OF the LORD may be prepared and His paths
made straight for the saving of the many weary
wounded and discouraged souls. Because there is
so strong resemblance between the purpose of
the league and that OF the Son OF COD the Cnureh
is beginning to recognize it as part OF herself
destroy the works of the devil" and this was the
great thought Of Dr. Howard Russell when ne was
destroying this wicked device
The league stands on the faith that the legalized
liquor traffic will never be abolished until the
Church arises in her might and attacks It in the
is her work to destroy that which has been de-
sToylng men soII ana 3Ouy: anu @ 5be aeco me
plshment Of this, she is consentng to its methods
It has been, proved, that a united church is
stronger than the united liquor forces and so far as
human experience goes this is the only institution
that presents plan Of operations on which men r Of
tTaffic True, there are some Individual churches
and ministers that have not Endorsed the league;
the Christian Church that has not in some way
consented to its methods and many or them are
saying: 1T is much our duty to support the
Anti-Saloon League as any movement Of the
church. for 1t is church movement None of our
church benevolences should be permitted to take
precedence over this. 1t is the work of the church
It is our work and we ought TO rejoice in the OPP
portunity TO help it I'm every way.
These two facts stand out unquesttoned: The
saloon would destroy the church If 1t could: the
church could destroy the saloon If it would Then
let not fear. but with faith in God. join all
forces make for righteousness in the assurance
that right shall triumph and this enemy OF the
home the church and the state shall be destroyed.
and that it IS our work hasten its overthrow
NJ II. FISHBURN.
Richmond Hill n Y Dec d 1909