Baptist Courier

[For The Baptist Courier.
CHURCH MEMBERS SELLING WHISKEY.

It seems to me that brethren are taking very erratic views, or ideas, of true reform when they claim that selling liquor, under the dispensary law, is in the interest of reform. What is the difference between selling it under the present law, and the old regime of State license? I refer to the language of a county dispenser, who is a member of a Baptist church, as reported in the county paper. He says if the church people do not decide with him that he is engaged in a work of moral reform, then they will have to discipline him as they see fit. He will not give up the dispensary for that.

Another dispenser, when remonstrated with by his pastor, claimed that his work as dispenser was that of a true reformer. And the State dispenser, it is said, claims that it is a work of reform in which he is engaged.

Now, what would these good reformers think of a church member who should, under the old license system, engage in the business of selling alcoholic liquors? I admit that to my mind it seems to be an improvement on the license system: but it is selling liquor, and they can make nothing else of it. Because it has become a State business it does not change the nature of the business. It is neither more nor less than a satanic illusion. The Devil has taken advantage of the enthusiasm and excitement incident to a great legislative and political change to drag the church into the vortex. And should he, could he, succeed in this he will have gained a victory of no small importance.

It behooves us, brethren, to guard against this subtile attack of the enemy. It has been deemed contrary to the interests of religion for church members to engage in the liquor business heretofore, and churches generally have expressed their disapprobation by withdrawing their fellowship from such. If it was ever wrong it is wrong to-day.

M.
Barnwell, S. C.