TOTAL ABSTINENCE

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2432, 25 October 1866, Page 5

TOTAL ABSTINENCE

(To the Editor of the Wellington Independent.) New Plymouth, 18lh October, 18G6. Sir, — It is true that every year wo live, ami I niuy say, every day, something now or strange turns up, and in many parts of our parent land, discussions are running at a great length on many very important subjects, and arguments are raised on those subjects by men of tho most refined intellect, sound judgment, and educational qualificat ions ; such as can in no way bo produced in Taranaki (or but with few exceptions). In speaking of Taranaki, I would refer to tho matter of "Total Abstinence from Intoxicating Drinks," which if acted upon carefully and seriously, is good and productive of good. But, in this respect, as in many other eases, much harm is done by many of those persons advocating its principles, who are not thoroughly and practically fitted for the work they take upon themselves to do. Great excitement has of late taken place here in the minds of many persons, in consequence of a statement by the Secretary of tho New Plymouth Total Abstinence Society, on the 21st of lost month, at tho Odd Fellows' Hall, at one of their meetings, viz : — " That it was impossible for a man to be Christian, who wa9 not a total abstainer from all alcoholic drinks.". Shameful doctrine. I am, and have been an abstainer for many years, but this is not my belief. God forbid that I should entertain such an idea. I have no authority, nor ha 9 any other man, whatever, to propagate such mischievous sentimonts. That charity which the Scriptures teach and recommend, discountenances any teaching which assumes to such harsh and uncharitable assertions. If it be so, what, may I ask has become of the hundreds of great and good men who lived, wrote, and spoke in past ages, (and of whose labors and writings we are now being considerably advantaged. Shall I believe that because either of them might now and then in their life time perhaps have taken a glass of wine or beer, that they are shut out of Heaven ? Never. •This doctrine proceeds from the father of lies.

I am, &c, T. W. Shute,