Untitled article by Wm. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 14, 1868

CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE.

By Wm. Cottrell

I AM a believer in the great truths of the third angel’s message, and I greatly desire to keep in harmony with all the truth, and the body. I have been living out the health reform as I learn in reference to its demands. I regard it as being heavenly in its origin, and consequently in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Bible.

Temperance seems to occupy an important place in the Christian graces, as they are termed. Peter says that we should add temperance. 2 Pet. i, 6. Now it is of importance that we should do this, or the apostle would not have enjoined it. Some advocates of temperance talk as if abstaining from the use of intoxicating drinks, is all that is necessary to temperance. But that is only one thing of many. I would not speak one word in favor of the use of intoxicating drinks, but I do claim that there are other things necessary in order to a temperate life. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.” “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” 1 Cor. ix, 24, 25.

Now, for what purpose does Paul say that those striving for the mastery were temperate in all things? To obtain a corruptible crown. It would seem that it was essential for them to be thus temperate, in order that they might obtain that corruptible crown. “But we an incorruptible,” adds the apostle. Can we obtain that incorruptible crown unless we are temperate in all things? Reader, think of this. Can we be temperate and use intoxicating drinks? Can we be temperate and eat to gluttony? Can we be temperate and use tobacco? Can we be temperate and use tea and coffee? Can we be temperate and use pork? Many other things might be enumerated, but this will do for the present. When we look at the effect of these things on the human system, we are driven to the conclusion, that we ought to abstain from the use of these things, together with many others. Query. If it is intemperate to use these things, can we obtain that incorruptible crown, and continue to be thus intemperate? Judge ye.

Paul says, “Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Again, Can we become perfect in holiness, without we do cleanse ourselves from all this filthiness? I leave the reader to judge.

We know that our enemies will speak evil of us because we don’t run with them to the same excess of riot. But let it be so. The Lord helping, we will try to become perfect, and pray that we may be sanctified through the truth, in order that we may be ready to meet the Lord when he comes. Yours in love, WM. COTTRELL. Bowersville, O.