Intemperance | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 2, 1872

Intemperance.

The following is that part of the united pastoral letter of the Bishops read at the close of the recent General Episcopal Convention, which refers to the question of intemperance. It deserves to be heeded:

“The great and destructive sin of intemperance claims our anxious notice. That sin, as all must see and lament, is growing in our land. It can be met only by such distinct pastoral warnings and examples, and by such lessons and habits of self-denial in the home, as will train and keep the people of Christ, young and old, faithful to the vows of their high vocation. Wherefore, Christian fathers and Christian mothers, ask yourselves, earnestly and honestly, how far the nurture and admonition which your children are receiving at your hands, in this worldly age, “are the nurture and admonition of the Lord;” how far the pleasures and associations encouraged and allowed are compatible with the life of God in the soul of man; how far the books permitted to be read, and the ideas cherished in the minds of children, are leading them to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness;” and, therefore, how far you are discharging, toward those whom God has given you, that household priesthood which exalts your position as parents, and commensurately increases your responsibility. If you are faithful to this solemn trust, then all the holier interests of society are sure to feel the benefits of your fidelity. But if you are unfaithful, not only will your sin be visited on those who are dearest to you, but worldliness, like a flood, will sweep away all that God has made our most precious heritage in his Holy Church. Of the effect of this on our country it is not necessary that we should speak. Fearful indications of coming judgments are already before us. The history of empires during the past year is a warning which need not be expounded that swift destruction which nations, as well as individuals, may bring upon their own heads from a patient but just Creator.”