The Temperance Association and Missionary Work.
By Stephen N. Haskell
The readers of the Review have doubtless read in the Supplement issued a few weeks ago an account of the organization of a National Temperance Society. The question will be asked by many: “Why is this? Are we not a temperance people, and does not our church covenant require all that is in the pledge?” Yes; but yet it is in some cases true that our people are not so far advanced in the health and temperance reform as they should be, and if they were, certainly none could object to signing Pledge No. 3 for this reason. The object in view is not simply to benefit our people, but others also. Not unfrequently we appear in an unfavorable light when the temperance movements are made in the community where we live. Many of our brethren do not feel at liberty to unite in them, as it links them with society that indulges in things contrary to sound doctrine. The impression is thus made upon those whose whole soul is in this reform that we are not in sympathy with the temperance movement. They do not appreciate our reasons for not uniting with them, and conclude that we are bigoted, narrow, and exclusive, and thus a barrier is raised between them and us, and we cannot benefit them as we otherwise might. Could we show them that we already belong to a temperance society, and have signed a pledge stronger than theirs, and invite them to go with us, it would show them that we are a temperance people, and that our sympathies are with every such reform movement. It is true that the attention of the world is to be called to the solemn truths applicable to this time, and it is our duty to take advantage of every lawful means to assist in promulgating these truths. The temperance movement is a channel through which we can reach thousands that otherwise would see no attractions in this work. One class of minds will be attracted to the truth by one means, while another class will be affected differently. If we can in this manner turn the attention of one soul toward the truth, it is our duty to do so; but if we can present an organized front ten thousand strong, working in every city, town, and neighborhood in our country, entering ten thousand homes, and helping to stay the tide of drunkenness by inducing men and women to sign the pledge, we thus open avenues whereby our publications on various points of truth, can find their way to many appreciative hearts, and the attention of thousands will thus be called to our publishing houses. We therefore believe it to be our duty to make use of this means to reach that portion of the human family that will not at first listen for a moment to the doctrinal points of our faith. We do not urge this work to have it take the place of our special work of presenting the truth, but as a means to reach beyond the simple theory of the truth. It will meet many in the work in which they are interested. Some will say, “Why sign any pledge? Do we not sign a pledge when we sign a church covenant? Do we not take upon ourselves the most solemn vows man has ever taken, or can take, when we renounce the world for Christ? And does not this most solemn of all pledges exceed signing the temperance pledge?” Why, then, object to saying to the world, in the form they consider important, that we are a temperance people, and that we wholly discard alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and the like? Our hearts should be so large that we can be made all things to all men, that we may by this means save some. Although we may be free from all men, yet by becoming servants of all we can gain the more. We should conform to anything where principle is not sacrificed, to meet fallen humanity in its degradation. Did not our Saviour do this? Did he not attend a marriage in Cana, eat with publicans and sinners, and do many things contrary to the customs of the Jews? and is it inconsistent for us to conform to the customs of society where no principle is involved, to sign a pledge, and present the same to the fallen to rescue them? May God help us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Our agents should ask all to sign the pledge in their neighborhoods. Interest them in the principles of reform, and thus lead them step by step to embrace the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.