A Costly Drink

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 2, 1907

EVIDENCE was presented recently, in the probate court of Des Moines, Iowa, of an act which changes the ownership of an estate. A wealthy citizen of Des Moines made a will bequeathing one of his farms, said to be worth about four thousand dollars, and a legacy of twelve thousand dollars in cash, to a citizen of Bethlehem, N. Y., who married a relative of the testator. The one condition attached to the bequest was that the beneficiary should become a sober man, and should continue sober for a specified time. The time was approaching for a settlement of the estate, and the executors were preparing to install the legatee and pay over the legacy, when news reached them that he had indulged in a protracted drunk. An investigation was made, and the news was confirmed. They accordingly laid before the surrogate the evidence of forfeiture, and the bequest was declared canceled. How the man must reproach himself for the weakness and evil propensity which have entailed upon him so heavy a loss in money and property. It ought to prove a lesson to him, and lead him to reform. Lest a still more serious calamity befall him, as the apostle warns: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither . . . thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards . . . shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Cor. 6: 9, 10.

— The Christian Herald.