TEMPERANCE by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 18, 1880

TEMPERANCE.

By S. N. Haskell

“God's people are the light of the world.” It is by their good works that others are to see reflected in them the character of Christ. His character should ever be exemplified in their lives that the world through them may learn of him.

Every true reform should receive the support of all Christians. The standard should be raised high, and their lives bear testimony to a more exalted platform than that raised by those not professing His name. When the Christian fails in this respect, he lowers the standard of piety and holiness, and the cause of Christ is reproached.

The platform presented by the American Health and Temperance Association recognizes three pledges, viz., the Anti-Whisky Pledge, the Anti-Rum and Tobacco Pledge, and the Teetotal Pledge, which excludes in addition to the others, the use of tea, coffee, and opium. This is the pledge which all church members are expected to sign. True temperance, taken from a Bible standpoint, prohibits the use of improper and stimulating food as well as intoxicating drinks. Our Saviour's caution is, “and take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank.”

It is a universally acknowledged fact that tobacco and opium not only enslave the appetite but create a thirst for intoxicants. The Christian, therefore, should renounce every connecting link that serves to enslave him in the bondage of intemperance, whether it be food or drink.

Tea and coffee contain a certain amount of that which is absolutely poisonous. In fact, the so-called virtue of these beverages is due to the narcotic poison which they contain. A writer in the Atlantic Monthly remarks: “Next to tobacco and alcohol, tea and coffee have supplied more of the needed (?) excitement of mankind than any other stimulants. Many sober minds make tea the vis a tergo [propelling force from behind] of their daily intellectual labor. Just as a few, of greater imagination or genius, seek in opium the spur of their ephemeral efforts.”

Is it too much for the professed children of God to take their stand against these injurious stimulants? Should we not consider the moral bearing of this question? May God bless the army of Christian men and women who will not in their practice countenance any habit that will enslave the appetite or compromise the sternest integrity.

S. N. HASKELL.