This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 edition. Excerpt: ...very deep regret that any member of the church of Christ should, at 'he present day, and under existing circumstances, feel nmse-it' at liberty to manufacture, vend, or use 'ardent spirits, and thus, as tar as his influence extends, counterart the efibrt now making for the promotion oi temperance." Tire Assembly of 18232 declares it a 'Gll-C$l'Zll)ll: 'll(l fact that the common use of strong drink, however moderate, has been a fatal, soul-destroying barrier against the influence of the Gospel. The Assembly of 1834 resolved that " the traifie in ardent spirits, to be used as a drink, by any people, is, in our judgment, wrong, and ought to be viewed as such by the churches of Jesus Christ universally. It is earnestly hoped," they say, "that the time is not far distant when the light shall shine with such distinctness on this subject that no Christian will bcahle, in good conscience, to make, vend, or use ardent spirits as a drink, and when no person will apply tor admission to the communion of the church who has not himsclt' become an example of the total abstinence which we urge and commend." The Assembly of 1835, after aflirming that public senti'nent seems to be settling down into one almost unanimous position, nameliy, that " the use of ardent spirits as a communion drink, an the trafiic in it, are iinmoralities not to be eountenanced by the church of Christ," says: " IIere let us take our stand, and, by divine assistance, endeavor, as speedily as possible, to purge the church from this deadly infection." In 1837, 1840, 1843, and 1S&8, the Assemblv reafiirmcd the deliverances of former Assemblies on this subject; and, in 1S5-L, the Assembly commended this...