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Evils of the Drug and Liquor Traffic
231
Through their contact with peoples who should have given them
a knowledge of God, pagans and idolaters are led into vices that are
proving the destruction of whole tribes and races. And in the dark
places of the earth the representatives of civilized nations are hated
because of this.
The Responsibility of the Church
The liquor interest is a power in the world. It has on its side
the combined strength of money, habit, appetite. Its power is felt
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even in the church. People whose money has been made, directly or
indirectly, in the liquor traffic are members of churches “in good and
regular standing.” Many of them give liberally to popular charities.
Their contributions help to support the enterprises of the church and
to sustain its ministers. They command the consideration shown
to the power of money. Churches that accept such members are
virtually sustaining the liquor traffic. Too often ministers do not
have the courage to stand for the right. They do not declare to their
people what God has said concerning the work of the liquor seller.
To speak plainly would mean offending the congregation, sacrificing
popularity, and losing income.
But above the tribunal of the church is the tribunal of God. He
who declared to the first murderer, “‘The voice of your brother’s
blood cries out to Me from the ground’” (
Genesis 4:10
), will not
accept for His altar the gifts of the liquor dealer. His anger is kin-
dled against those who attempt to cover their guilt with a cloak of
liberality. Their money is stained with blood. A curse is upon it.
“‘To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?’
says the Lord. ...
‘When you come to appear before Me,
Who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?
Bring no more futile sacrifices. ...
When you spread out your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;