The Temperance “Instructor” and Its Circulation
By D. W. Reavis
Last spring the Temperance Instructor came forth equipped for a strong battle against the most deadly enemy of mankind, and it fought a good fight. Its victories are yet being prized by thousands of the best people in this country, and many in foreign lands. But by the help and through the special inspiration of the Great Reformer, the Lover of Humanity, a veritable “Dreadnought” temperance issue is now ready to launch in the defense of thousands of starving children, heart-broken mothers, and enslaved boys and men. It is by far the strongest, largest, best illustrated, and in every way the most attractive and effective temperance number ever issued. It contains the best matter obtainable on the various phases of the temperance question from the world’s leading temperance writers and speakers. No sane man or woman who reads the present Temperance number of the Instructor can remain indifferent to the evils of tobacco and liquor. Each of its thirty-two pages is filled with convincing facts against the saloon, tobacco, and general intemperance. Having such a weapon against this wrecker of individuals, homes, and nations; and witnessing on every hand the ravages of this deadly canker of health, happiness, and morals, how great an opportunity is afforded us to work for souls! God’s call for volunteers to battle against the demon of drink may now be answered by our young people offering their services in the circulation of the Temperance Instructor. His blessing will accompany their efforts. There is nothing so appropriate, so influential, ennobling, and inspiring as the spectacle of strong, vigorous young people, in the bud and flower of life, giving their energies to remove the causes of human miseries, and in promoting the principles of true health and happiness. And the moral influence of our young people in temperance work will be worth as much to the elevation of humanity as the strong message contained in the printed page they circulate. Thorough Preparation Necessary
No person can approach efficiency in any work without thorough preparation. One must become absorbed in the thing in which he desires to become successful. It must be a thrilling inspiration compelling decided action. It will be necessary, therefore, for our young people in taking up work with the Temperance number of the Instructor, first of all to become thoroughly familiar with the contents of this issue, and to allow the whole matter it contains to become fire in their very beings. If this is done, there will be no question about being successful in whatever they attempt. We recommend that all our young people read this paper through consecutively, uninterrupted — shut themselves up with the Instructor and God, and allow him to teach and to inspire them individually for service in arousing a sleeping world to the evils of intemperance. Many will thus be commissioned and sent forth with an irresistible influence and power. For years the Lord has been preparing the way for the temperance movement to serve as a means for the advancement of the third angel’s message. The best class of people everywhere are interested in promoting temperance. They see the terrible results of the whisky traffic, and many are beginning to see the evils of tobacco. They are ready to join in earnest effort in suppressing these evils. So our young people may be sure of the hearty co-operation of the best element in every locality. They should not, therefore, hesitate in approaching the people and soliciting their help in circulating the present Temperance number of the Instructor. To Whom Shall We Take the Paper?
Present this paper to ministers, Sunday-school superintendents, leaders of Epworth Leaguers and Christian Endeavor societies, and seek their co-operation in bringing it before their people. Many Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. secretaries and public-school teachers will welcome such a magazine as this in their work for the youth. Many mayors of towns and villages will favor such a work, and will give it their support, if it is properly presented to them by Spirit-filled young people. The W. C. T. U. ladies everywhere will join in circulating a strong temperance issue of any good paper. Most of the doctors and business men can be interested in a good work of this kind. But while some should be chosen to present the paper to these good people and secure their co-operation in the circulation of it, none must lose sight of the importance of all our young people’s taking up the work of selling the paper from house to house. Arrangements should be made to have the Temperance Instructor presented and sold to the people who attend the temperance rallies. In many communities the temperance question is an issue in the spring elections. Let our young people take advantage of these opportunities, for the Instructor will do much to influence the voters in behalf of temperance. After becoming thoroughly familiar with the paper, study the prepared instructions on how to present it to the people. Plan together how you can introduce it to the best advantage, and pray that God will give you success and courage to meet opposition. We know from experience that the Temperance Instructor sells readily. Several young persons last year earned scholarships in school in this way. And now let our volunteers step forward and make this the largest young people’s enterprise that has ever been launched. Who will respond?
D. W. REAVIS.