This Week in Texas Methodist History October 11
Preachers Object to Advocate’s Strong Stand on Prohibition, October 16, 1885
When G. W. Briggs took over the editorship of the Texas Christian Advocate, he unabashedly
proclaimed that he intended to use the denominational organ in the political
battle over the prohibition of alcoholic beverages. Texas
dries felt encouraged by the added weight of the Advocate stance as they pushed
for a statewide referendum to be put before the voters. Such a referendum was held in 1888, but
failed to secure a majority with the all-male electorate in that year.
There were a few Methodist preachers bold enough
to voice their opposition to the new editorial emphasis. Their opposition was not in favor of
alcoholic beverages, but their belief that the church should stay out of
secular politics.
Briggs sent an appeal to Texas preachers, asking them to submit
letters to the Advocate on the
subject of prohibition. Rev. Scott of
Willis composed a letter criticizing the involvement of the Advocate in politics. Briggs did not print the letter. He would have been better off just printing
the letter. His refusal to print letters
disagreeing with his position just created more problems. Rev. John C. S. Baird of Coleman City
heard of the refusal to print the Scott letter.
When Baird’s letter to the Advocate was also denied publication, he sent his protest to the Galveston Daily News which was all too
happy to report on the minor Methodist journalistic spat.
Baird’s letter ended this way
Southern
Methodist preachers are entitled to all the rights and privileges of American
citizenship, but their citizen rights should be exercised as citizens, not as
pastors of Southern Methodist churches nor as editors or paid correspondents of
Southern Methodist newspapers. As citizens claiming to be quiet and peaceable
subjects, we are entitled to such laws as will protect life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness. As members and
ministers of the church of the Son of God, we are to remember that “ the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty through God (not the
legislature), to the pulling down of strongholds, and the bringing into
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
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