ARE PROHIBITIONISTS CHRISTIANS

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9020, 5 February 1895, Page 6

ARE PROHIBITIONISTS CHRISTIANS

TO THE EDITOa OF THE PKES3. Sir,—-If one were to define correctly the leading terms in the controversy on the above eubject, there would be a probability of the issue being better comprehended by your readers. " Prohibitionist" is one who would prohibit the manufacture or use of strong drink. "Christian" is one who believes that his future salvation depends upon following the teachings' and precepts of Christ. Christ stated he came not to destroy but to fulfil the Word and the the prophets, therefore his teachings and commands embrace those of the Bible, both the Old and New Testament. What do these say with regard, to the matter? •'Thou shalt bestow ' that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after ;■■ for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine or for strong drink." — {Deuteronomy xv.* 26.) " Give strong drink unto him that is ready to ■ perish, and, wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink and forget' his poverty, and remember bis misery no more. , ' (Prov. xxxiiL, 6*7). "Drink no longer water, but mc a little wine for thy stomach's sake" (1 Tim. v., 23). "Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works" (Eccles. ix., 7). "They shall plant vineyards and drink the wine thereof" (Amos ix., 14). " Wine that maketh glad the heart of man" (Pβ. 104, 15). •'Wine that oheereth God and man " (Jud. ix., 13). I "In the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LorS for a drink offering " (Num. xxviiL, 7). Christ himself spoke the following words of censured—" John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine. .... The Son of Man is come eating and drinking, and ye say,. Behold a gluttonous, man and a winebibbcr ,, (Luke vii., 55-34). In the face of this,' cai» a prohibitionist chum to be a Christian? Even though prohibition were a virtue, a Christian cauonly champion it by practising two vices, viz., hypocrisy and intolerance.—Yours, &&, J.A.T. ,