The Newtown bee., 1905-01-06
TOWN TOPICS. PERFORMER" REFORMED.
BY o. 0. W.

Self-respect fOrbidS that should say all that might be said; but it seems to be due to truth and social order that l should notice that historical cOmmuni- cation of "Reformer," in THE BEE of December 30.
 It is a relief to know that the writer of that remarkable article has no de- sire to enter into controversy on the subject in question, because there is no evidence of his ability to discuss the great and burning theme which perpleXeS the wiSeSt and best of men. It is very plain that RefOrmer found it easier to discuss me than to diSprOve any point in the articles of mine to which refereuce is made. l should be glad to have any one expose any error, in fact, 1 have published; but the day has past when emotional, incOherent tirade counts for much. It is at least a half century behind.
 Indeed, I should be glad to have those articles of mine circulated, far and wide, even in the papers referred to, because 1 believe they will do good wherever they may be published; and it pleaSeS me that they took effect, even on Reformer. But let it be understood that do not wish for any "pecunIary benefit" not even if it should come from the last campaign fnpd of the Prohibition party. I am anxious to be polite and not too Se- were; ~5ut when my reputation as aA ministS1u2f the Gospel is assailed, 1 realiA -tSe choice of terms is not altogether easy. The clergy, of right, are sensitive when their faithfulneSS to their VOWS is impeached, in any way; and know of no good reason why the rankest, ranting prohibitionist should not respect the honest convictions and opinions of others.
 scarcely need to say that it is not in good form to "Speak evil of digni- ties;" and in Scriptural examples one who does so will find himself in very us that even St "Michael the arch angel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him 8 railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." 1 trust, however, that Bishop Potter, and myself (thOugh I may be the more infamous of the two), with the help of our few friends who may be willing to bear with us, shall not be utterly thrown down and cast out.
 As matter of fact, venture to say that not one word in my articles can Dc ldlTly CUuSUTucu dS dQVOCaUlQR saloons, or moderate drinking, or any use of intoxicating beverages. But on the contrary the line of argument was strongly framed to show that alcoholic liquors should not be used except as medicines; and to any careful reader trained to think, my opinion is that the articles in question will be much more likely to make for temperance than the confused and violent asser- tions of Reformer.
 ''IS there any where in ChriSt's teaching authority for our moderate use of evil in order that we may show our strength of mind by not abusing it?" Let me answer this question of Reformer, by asking another. Would the Lord Jesus Christ have used His divine, miraculous power to make wine for the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee if wine is evil and nothing but evil? Or was that wine He made un- fermented grape-Juice, or raisin-water? If the wine that Christ made was evil then the Lord does tempt men with evil. If it was good, and I reckon the governor of the feast knew, then I think it is still a question of use and abuse, but not of prohibition.
 Having taken an active interest in the cause of temperance during the last 40 years, with due respect to "Reformer," still claim the right tC speak my mind on the subject.