The Temperance “Instructor” by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 7, 1910

The Temperance “Instructor”

By M. E. K.

Do you know that saloons were closed in the United States at the rate of forty a day in 1909? Yet the warfare is only begun.

At least two great results will come from an active campaign by our young people with the Temperance Instructor:—

A heavy blow for the cause of temperance.
A mighty spiritual uplift to the young people.

How can any one be indifferent to this deadly enemy of home, happiness, manhood, and virtue,—this enemy that stalks through our land, with “license” to carry forward its nefarious business? We must not sit idly by while the terrible cigarette evil reaps its gruesome harvest of blighted boyhood and ruined manhood, and while the liquor traffic annually sweeps into the cataclysm of ruin a hundred thousand noble boys and sixty thousand precious girls. God has placed in our hands one of the keenest weapons ever produced, and its vigorous use now will accomplish results for time and eternity.

And our young people need something of this kind. They have been instructed, and have good impulses, but they must put these things into practise, that the truths learned may become a part of their lives. “Every true reform has its place in the work of the gospel. . . . Especially does the temperance reform demand the support of Christian workers.” Here is a good place for our young people to begin. The curse of intemperance is something concrete, which the youth can easily see. Enlist them in this warfare, and you have quickened their interest in all gospel work, given them confidence that they can do something tangible for the uplifting of humanity, and cause many to look forward to the Lord’s work as their life-work.

These two results are worthy of the most earnest efforts on the part of every Seventh-day Adventist. Let nothing hinder parents or church leaders from giving their young people every possible encouragement to take part in this temperance campaign. Plan together with them for carrying out the suggested temperance rally in your church. Let many of the older people give them practical encouragement by taking up the work with the Temperance Instructor themselves.

M. E. K.