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 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.MHH 190.8

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 kindled against those who attempt to cover their guilt with a cloak of liberality. Their money is stained with blood. A curse is upon it.MHH 191.1

“‘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;
Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.’”
Isaiah 1:11-15.MHH 191.2

Drunkards are capable of better things. They have been entrusted with talents with which to honor God and bless the world, but fellow humans have laid a snare for their souls. They have built themselves up by degrading others, living in luxury while the poor victims whom they have robbed live in poverty and wretchedness. But God will call to account those who helped speed drunkards to ruin. He who rules in the heavens has not lost sight of the first cause or the last effect of drunkenness. He who cares for the sparrow and clothes the grass of the field will not pass by those who have been formed in His own image, purchased with His own blood. He will heed their cries. God marks all this wickedness that perpetuates crime and misery.MHH 191.3

The world and the church may have approval for the person who has gained wealth by degrading the human soul. They may smile upon the one by whom men and women are led down step by step in the path of shame and degradation. But God notes it all and renders a just judgment. The liquor seller may be termed by the world a good businessman, but the Lord says, “Woe unto him.” He will be charged with the hopelessness, the misery, the suffering, brought into the world by the liquor traffic. He will have to answer for the want and woe of the mothers and children who have suffered for lack of food and clothing and shelter and who have buried all hope and joy. He will have to answer for the souls he has sent unprepared into eternity. And those who sustain the liquor seller in his work are sharers in his guilt. To them God says, “Your hands are full of blood.”MHH 191.4