A MODERN SAUL by J. O. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 30, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 50.

A MODERN SAUL

By J. O. C.

A Governor’s Experience and Conversion to the Cause of Temperance

THE recorded New Testament miracles of conversion can no longer be assailed as figments of superheated imagination, since their counterpart are openly enacted in modern times. For example: One of the most vigorous opposers of temperance in the state of Tennessee was Malcolm R. Patterson during his term of office as governor of that commonwealth. But it seems that a radical change of heart has overtaken the ex-governor, so that the thing he so heartily endorsed then, he now opposes with all his might.

It appears that like Saul of old, his present zeal is born of personal contact and most bitter experience. Here are some of the more notable words he embodied in a soul-stirring address delivered by him before the National Anti-Saloon League in session at Columbus, Ohio, a few days ago:

“I have seen the trail of liquor in the criminal courts. I know, and have been a participant in, its paralyzing and corroding influence in the social and public life of our national capital.

“I have seen it drag down many of the associates of my boyhood. I have seen its forked

lightning strike my first-born — the child of my young manhood. At last, I have felt its foul and stealthy blow as it turned on me in its deadly and shaming wrath — on me, who had pleaded before the people for its very existence.”

This is the same old pitiful story of personal invasion by which one has been robbed of his own, and the home life happiness destroyed through accursed drink. The angle from which many view this whole question is well illustrated by the conduct of a certain church deacon when presiding at a Sunday evening prayer-meeting. In the midst of the occasion, some one thrust his head in at the door and screamed, “Fire!” Some of those present gave signs of uneasiness, and attempted to rise from their seats, when the good old leader said, “Remember, brethren, this is holy time, and no excitement should be permitted to distract your thoughts.” Just then the man at the door yelled again, “But, deacon, it is your house that is afire.” Suddenly the deacon’s mind changed, and he cried in apparent anguish, “For heaven’s sake, brethren, run and help save me from this awful ruin.”

Nothing else is so effective to give clear views of existing evil as is personal injury from it. And while one can not really wish that everybody now in favor of the soul-destroying liquor traffic should pass through an experience kindred to that given Mr. Patterson, yet it can be piously desired that enough influence could be arrayed against the execrable traffic to wipe it very early from the face of the earth. J. O. C.