Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 May 1888 — METHODISTS ON PROHIBITION. [ARTICLE]

METHODISTS ON PROHIBITION.

In the sl. E. General Conference at; ■New York the inevitable wrangle was precipitated by the question of placing the church on record as opposed to laws licensing the liquor traffic and in favor of complete legal prohibition. The discussion was finally completed by the passage of the following resolution, which was ordered placed in the Discipline of 1888: We are Unalterably opposed to the enactment of laws that propose, by license, taxing or otherwise, to regu'ate the drink traffic, because they provide for its continuance, and afford no protection against its ravages. We hold that the proper attitude of Christians toward this traffic is one of uncompromising opposition; and, while we do not presume to dictate to our people as to their political affiliations, we do exptess the opinion that they should not permit themselves to be controlled by party organizations that are managed in tha interests of the liquor traffic. We advise-the members of our church to aid in the enforcement of such laws ss do not legalize or indorse the manufacture and sale of intoxicants to be used as beverages', and to this end we favor the organization of law and order leagues wherever practicable- We proclaim as our motto voluntary total abstinence from all intoxicants as tiie truc ground of personal temperance, and complete legal prohibition of the traffic ln intoxicating drinks as the duty olcitiL -government. —t—r Thqrgarooalytwo kinds of men who can afford to wear shabby clothes, the rich man and the genius.