On August 18, 1839, the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church adopted the following explanation of what constitutes drunkenness:

 

“Drunkenness and Intoxication”

"As there are few words in general use so vague and indefinite in their meaning as Intoxication and Drunkenness.  We the undersigned members of Philadelphia church session, beg leave to make public our views and definition of the meaning of these terms. 

1st, We hold that Drunkenness and Intoxication are the opposite of sobriety and temperance. 

2dly, We hold that the person that is not sober we consider drunk and he that is not temperate we consider intemperate or intoxicated. 

3dly, Excess in drinking intoxicating liquor is intemperance or drunkenness as the Apostle says Eph 5:18 'Be not drunk or with wine where in is excess.' 

4ly, We consider that there are different degrees in drunkenness and intoxication. 

5ly, We consider a person intoxicated drunk or intemperate, when he is so under the influence of drink as for it to be noticed in his conversation, looks, or deportment although he may not stagger, nor be incapable of doing common business. 

 

"We would assign three reasons for this definition. 

1st, Any person so under the influence of drink as for it to be apparent must have his feelings unduly excited and thereby is disqualified for the service of God and these acts sinful in not heeding the command to 'be sober be vigilant.' 

2dly, A person under the influence of drink as for it to be noticed on him is at once pronounced by every pious Christian and the world at large to be acting inconsistent as a member of the church and if such conduct is passed over in silence by the session the church will be reproached by men and cursed of God for fellowship with drunkards who have no part in the kingdom of God. 

3rdly, Because a person may as they do, be occasionally or daily under the influence of drink as to be justly considered intemperate and yet never drink so as to be disqualified for common business. 

We therefore feel ourselves called on as office bearers in the heritage of God to define Intoxication and Drunkenness and to censure the same in church members to the end that the church may stand fair in the eyes of a scrutinizing world and that holiness with Grace, mercy and peace may be multiplied unto the members and many added unto her 'of such as shall be saved.'"

 

 

September 28, 1839, Philadelphia Presbyterian Church passed a resolution about selling liquor:

 

“It was also resolved that no person shall be continued in church membership who will sell ardent spirits to those whom they know will abuse themselves therewith according to the book of discipline, that an offence in a church member may consist in tempting others to sin or marring their spiritual edification.”