A Christian Liquor Saloon
By Editor
The April Number of the "Cosmopolitan" has several articles of timely interest, among which are: "If Europe Should Go to War," by John Brisben Walker; "At the Court of a Twentieth-century Mikado," by Edwin Wildman; "Russian Army Types," and others. All these are illustrated. The editor discusses the "Postal Parcels Delivery" question, and shows that one cent a pound is a profitable rate for the United States Government, as shown by the fact that the express companies carry much cheaper at a profit. The article is conclusive that there ought to be great reforms in our postal laws and regulations. A "Christian" Saloon! What Next? — The Literary Digest, of April 2, tells us that "a 'Christian liquor saloon' has been established in Raleigh, N. C., and is being run by church-members with good results. The prime workers in this enterprise are members of the Tabernacle Baptist Church and of the Raleigh Anti-Saloon League." We do not know what language to use to characterize such action as this. It is true that many of the saloons are in existence by the action or sufferance or indifference of "Christian" citizens or voters, and this Baptist Church may count the step which they have taken logical. But in the political prohibition contests there are nearly always other things involved in voting for prohibition which are questionable, and, right or wrong, the church population, with some show of reason, has some excuse, and the world votes the saloon in existence; and the saloon itself is often conducted by some "Christian" Roman Catholic. All this has gone on for years; but the Protestant churches as churches have almost invariably set themselves against the liquor traffic. But this action in Raleigh, N. C., is horrible. To think of a professed church of Jesus Christ, which ought to be dispensing to the poor thirsty, dying souls the refreshing, cool snow waters of Lebanon, the waters of life in Christ Jesus, pouring out the poisoned potions which damn soul and body, herself a minister of sorrow and woe and misery and death. Did this church ever read, "Wo unto him that giveth his neighbor drink"? or has the greed of gold blinded the mind and hardened the heart? That church by its action justifies saloon-keeping in the minds of all who follow her. She will reap the "results" by and by, and as is the seed so will be the crop. Gal. 6:7.