MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND NOLICENSE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13080, 16 September 1904, Page 3

MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND NOLICENSE.

TO TUE EDITOR. Sir,—Can anything be more humiliating to a democratic community than to behold some of. out denominational clergy stepping tinblushingly from tho altar to participate in the uncharitable wrangles of an already excited public over Iho vexed question of license or no-license? When ar minister of the Gospel quits his sacred associations to enter tJio arena of politics, from that moment he has besmirched his calling, Blind leaders of tie blind! Do they not perceive they arc removing the ancient landmarks which for a thousand years have guarded ;md controlled tho liberties and history of our race, and left us this day tho most powerful and advanced pcoplo tho world lias ever seen? AVhafc would they dfl with ns? Make us a nation of Turks, and c-xchange the prccepts of the Bible, which teach tomporanco, for the law of tho Koran, that enforces abstinence? • Do they remember the blood that has flown?- Do they call to mind tho centurics of determined and unerasing struggle to attain that perfect of individual liberty we at present- enjoy? Mcthinks I hear the shriek of the long list of martyrs who havo perished in its causc.

It has ever been thus. No sooner lias that perfect degree of liberty been attained that ensures every man's .happiness to depend upon his own conduct than fanaticism, led by an arrogant a.nd irresponsible priesthood, socks to destroy it. Is it becauso a few unhappy men sire overcome by strong drink that ministers of the Gospel should take a. prominent part in a crusade against the well-conducted of our community? Rather is it not tho duty of a minister of Christ's Gospel to seek out these afflicted ones, and, with all brotherly love, u?o every exertion to reclaim them. Well paid, well fed, well clothed, they prefer to occupy the high place ; in tie synagogue. ,1 am bold to assert that the efforts of the Salvation Army havo done more to control the abuse-of strong drink and to rescuo the fallen than the united efforts of tho combined alliances and the whole machinery of the law.

What a magnificent sight has hitherto, the world around, been the home of the Briton— the broad streets with its handsome churches on one side, and its well-regulated hote|6 on tho other! There no foreigner:ever asked for his passport,,-yet with ample "means at hand/for theDunisbment of tlie evil-doer. A

roguo cannot enter an hotel ere lie is discovered within a very brief period from his entrance. But that same rogue may attend Church, and remain undiscovered until the fitting opportunity arrives to perfect his villainy. Of thia wo liavo had innumerable instances. Tho attitude of those ministers and prominent men who have taken so decided a stand in the 'liquor controversy has, to say tho least, been marked by "intempersito language" and unsubstantiated assertions. They arc not wise,'and will assuredly regret having seized the opportunity caused by imprudent and negligent legislation to eow broadcast the seeds of strife. Tliey sow tho wind, and will reap tho whirlwind. Men aro fast recognising that the road lo eternal life docs not of necessity lie through tho portals of tho Church, ami a political priest, no matter of what denomination, i 3 wormwood and vinegar 'to tho averago Briton.

I am aware, Sir, I have trespassed too far 011 your patience and space, but I am smarting under tho fact that prohibition has proclaimed to the world that wo are a peoplo so utterly sottish in New Zealand that the most stringent laws have to bo enacted and enforced to keep lienor out of our reach.

I am a much-travelled man, with verging on i*alf a century's closo acquaintance with Now Zealand and its people, and X am frea tc. confess that a more sober, well-conducted people does not exist in any civilised land, and tho unfavourable impressions emanat ing from the multitude, of money-seekin.; lecturers and hangers-on of every description cannot fail to remit in falsifying our social standard, which will more than compare with that of any rountry in the world' —except tho Turk.—l am, etc., SOJIEGXEELSE. Port Chalmers, September 13