Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1907-05-15
Vote Out the Saloons.

To the citizens OF Berryville and the
readers of The CLARKE COURIER;
will commence this letter by asking your
dispassionate pcrussl Of my epistle, and
en,reating you not to let any prejudice
unworthy of your wisdom and liberality
lead you TO reject without examination
belief of the events which from the sub
ject Of my letter, and not TO close your
minds to the convictions which they may
give rise TO.
Please, my honored and beloved peo-
pie, please consider impartially the
things of which I write say to one and
all of my readers, who have their names
upon the Church books, unite and ban
ish the saloons from your town, which
are bringing so much crime, disgrace
and bankruptcy to so many Of your
homes, and sin apd sorrow 10 the doors
of your county.
This awful demon is polluting our
land. Ifit could be blotted out from the
whole Union. what a glorious country
ours would be- The people of God are
directed to the Scriptures as the safe
guard agains; ;hc influence of strong
drink.
Our lana is in jeopardy. The time is
drawing near when its legislators will so
ALLURE the principles of Professionalism
as to give countenance 20 Romish apos-
tacy. The people for whom God has so
marvelously wrought, enabling them TO
throw of the CALLING yoke of poperty,
with rapid steps are already approach
ing this period. Satan employs every
possible device TO prevent men from
obtaining a knowledge of the Bible,
for its plain utterances reveal his decep
lions. At every revival of Gods work
the prince of evil is aroused 10 more in
tence activity; he is now putting forth
his utmost efforts for a final desperate
struggle against Christ and his followers.
The last great delusion is soon TO open
before US. Ii is the first and highest
duty of every rational being 10 learn
from the Scriptures what is truth, and
then 10 walk in the light and encourage
others 10 follow his example. Ignorance
OF Gods word is sin, since every provi-
sion has been made that we may become
wise. We should day by day study the
Bible diligently, weighing every thought
andcomparing Scriptures with Scripture.
With divine help we are able to form our
opinions for ourselves, as we are 20 an
swer for ourselves before God. So let us
try to protect the youth Of our land by
blotting the saloons from our midst, and
put the Bible in their hands instead of a
whiskey flask. No error accepted by the
Christian world strikes more boldly against
the authority of Heaven, nor is more
directly opposed 10 the dictates of rea-
son, nor more pernicious in its results,
than the modern doctrine-so rapidly
gaining ground-that Gods law is no
longer obligatory upon men. Every
nation has its laws, which command
respect and obedience, and has the Gre
ator of the Heavens and the earth no
law to govern the beings he has made?
1t is graver offense to disregard tie
laws of states and nations than to tram
pie upon those divine precepts which
are the foundation of all government
When the standard of righteousness is
set aside the way is open for the prince
of evil 10 establish his rule in the earth
Those who refuse to submit to the gov.
eminent of God are not fit 10 govern
themselves. AS God forbids dishonest
practices ii will be declared that our
nation is offending God by pernicious
habits. The line of distinction between
protesting Christians and the ungodly is
now hardly distinguishable. Church
members love what the world loves and
are ready to join with them in every for
hidden pleasure. And the terrible in
cease of intemperance and iniquity OF
every order and degree should arouse all
who fear God to inquire what can be
done TO stay the tide of evil Thus saith
the Lord, Hearken unto me, We that
know righteousness, the people in whose
heart is my law, fear not the reproach
OF men. neithor be We afraid of their re-
vikings. God will honor those only who
honor Him. The noble Washington,
who was the father of our country, did
nothing without consulting with the
source of wisdom. So let us try TO
follow in the footsteps of this good and
noble life who endured so many hardships
for the defense of his country. Those
who disregard the commandments of
Gods law SOW disobedience to reap
disobedience. The marriage VOW is
no longer standing as sacred bull
wark 10 protect the family. In fam
lilies Satan is at work His banner
waves, even, in professedly Christian
households. There is envy, evil sur
roundings, hypocrisy, arrangements,
betrayal of sacred trusts, indulgence of
lust. The whole system of religious
principles aud doctrines, which should
form the foundation and framework of
social life, seems TO be a tottering mass,
ready to fall 10 ruin. The yilest of
criminals, when thrown into prison
for their crimes, are often made
the recipients of gifts, and hugs and
kisses and attentions, as IL they had
attained an enyiable distinction
The greatest publicity IS given TO their
characters and crimes. The press pub
fishes the revolving details of vice, thus